Christian Flag: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Its History

Birthed in 1897 and designed in 1907, the Christian flag represents Christianity and the reign of Jesus.

In contrast to the flags of the Eastern Orthodox, Baptist, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other Christian denominations, the Christian flag purposefully is not tied to any specific Christian tradition.

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Here is a look at some facts about the short yet illustrious history of the Christian flag:

1. The Idea of a Christian Flag Came From an Impromptu Speech

When the speaker scheduled to kick off the Sunday school year in 1897 did not show, superintendent Charles Overton gave an impromptu speech instead. According to Christianity Today, after seeing an American flag by the podium, Overton spoke about flags and their significance and symbolism. He then proposed a flag that would stand for Christianity.

2. The Colors of the Christian Flag Each Represent a Key Tenet of Christianity

White stands for purity and peace; blue represents truth, fidelity, and baptism; and red symbolizes the blood shed by Christ on the cross. Some of the controversy surrounding the Christian flag stems from its resemblance of the American flag.

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3. It is the Only Free Flag in the World

The Christian flag is not tied to any nation or denomination; however, non-Protestant branches of Christianity do not often fly it. According to the Prayer Foundation, the Christian flag is uncontrolled, independent, and universal. Its universality and free nature is meant to symbolize the nature of Christianity.

4. Fanny Crosby Wrote a Hymn in Honor of the Christian Flag

Fanny Crosby was a popular Christian hymn writer, writing more than 8,000 hymns and songs during the course of her life despite being blind. The hymn extols the Christian flag as a bearer of a message of good will and peace, and a harmonizer of Christians around the world.

5. There was and is Controversy Surrounding the Pledge to the Christian Flag

The pledge to the Christian flag closely resembles the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Some people view the Christian flag and its pledge as too closely connecting faith and patriotism. Both the American flag and the Christian flag are, after all, red, white, and blue.

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