And precisely because I deeply honor my country and its flag, I do not believe that it belongs in worship. Deb Conklin Should the American flag fly in worship space? http://spokanefavs.com/politics/government-and-politics/should-the-american-flag-fly-in-worship-space Tracy SimmonsTracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting and digital entrepreneurship. In her approximate 20 years …

Both my parents are of Protestant tradition but two different denominations, a Methodist and a Baptist.

This week I’ve been in Canada and experienced their celebration of Canada Day. And as our own Independence Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on nationalism as well as the balance between a deep love of one’s country, and a rabid nationalism that confuses love of country with a religion that demonizes ‘the other.’

High school kids can join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Jewish Student Union, the Muslim Students Association and, in some schools, a Hindu or a Buddhist club.
Now they can join the young atheists club, too.

Will it be by fire? Asteroid impact? Nuclear holocaust? Global warming? Alien invasion?

Totem Pole at River Front Park Tracy SimmonsTracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting and digital entrepreneurship. In her approximate 20 years on the religion beat, Simmons has tucked a notepad in her pocket and found some of her favorite stories aboard cargo ships in New Jersey, …