July 4th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SUZANNE BROWNLOW
JULY 3, 2007 COM. DIR. (503) 310-4577

Believers Against The War

“This Year, Celebrate July 4th Differently”

Clackamas, OR – As our nation prepares to celebrate another July 4th Independence Day, BELIEVERS AGAINST THE WAR would like to encourage God’s people: instead of glorifying warfare, spend the day reflecting on what is good, not violent about America. We also admonish fellow believers to steer clear of flag and nation worship.

Many churches, particularly the evangelical churches, host July 4th “freedom celebrations” that exalt our military might with video presentations of tanks and weapons. BELIEVERS AGAINST THE WAR believes that these nation-worshipping presentations do not belong in the house of God. Jesus was a man of peace. He called us to spread His message of salvation, not the spreading of war. Those who follow Christ should be peacemakers, not war makers - looking for resolution, rather than revenge; defense, rather than provocation.

David Brownlow, Executive Director, said, “Church idolization of our military has its roots in the erroneous and dangerous teachings being put forth by many church leaders which promotes a form of hyper nationalism. This has led to the rash of flag worship that is running rampant throughout His church. When did Jesus ever tell His people to pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth, or ‘to the republic for which it stands?’"

Brownlow continued, “As long as God's people are willing to swear allegiance to earthly kingdoms, we can be confident that the violence directed toward anyone who dares to resist the latest governmental whim – whether they live here, or whether they live 8,000 miles away - will only get worse.”

“There is more to America than its military might. It is a grand country brought forth for the specific purpose of providing a haven that protects our inalienable rights to freely express our religion, to freely express ourselves in speech and the press, to freely assemble, and to petition our government for the redress of grievances.” said Communications Director Suzanne Brownlow. “Let us show our children that the ability to blow up countries is not the sole definition of being an American.”

Tim Titrud, Field Director, said, "I hear non-Christians all the time asking the question: 'Where is the church? Why aren't they speaking up for peace? Why aren't they questioning the lies about the 9/11 tragedy?' And, I don't have the answers. I'm ashamed."

“Why are evangelicals so blindly following the beat of war drums?” Mary Starrett, Field Director, asks. “This is not a just war.”

BELIEVERS AGAINST THE WAR encourages God’s people to spend this July 4th differently. Instead of glorifying our military might, seek ways that our nation can bring peace, goodness and salvation to the world.

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Believers Against The War

P.O. Box 2965
Clackamas, OR 97015
(503) 307-3851
www.BelieversAgainstTheWar.org
dave@believersagainstthewar.org

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