Can I light a candle patriotically?
Categories: Bible Questions and AnswersAfter September 11th, many of us felt the need to show our patriotism. There was recently a rally held at the courthouse in which people from all over the community came to show support for our country and to remember those who had died. At this rally people from all religions were present. We lit candles to show our support for the victims and to show our unity as a country. After I got home, I started to wonder: Was it right for me to light and hold a candle at this rally?
Is it wrong to light a candle? No. Is it wrong to light a candle with a group of people? No.
Is it wrong to light a candle to show nationalism and patriotism? No. (Romans 13:7 – provided there is nothing within the nationalism and patriotism that conflicts with Acts 5:29 and that the person holding the candle is not in conflict with Romans 14).
Is it wrong to light a candle with a group of people to show religious unity? Yes. There is only one standard for unity authorized by God. That standard is the Bible. There were to be no divisions even of mind among the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:10ff). Jesus prayed that his followers be one as He and the Father were one (John 17:21). The early church showed unity by continuing in the apostles doctrine, breaking bread and helping one another with daily needs–not by lighting a candle (Acts 2:42-47).
Is it wrong to light a candle within a group of Christians? No, provided it is used merely for the purpose of providing light. (Acts 20:8)
The bottom line is that we are not authorized in the New Testament to light candles for any religious practices including, but not limited to, the use of candles as a practice of worship and the use of candles for the show of religious unity (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11).