The Southern Baptist Convention has accepted a lie, pushed by our culture and society, that the Confederate battle flag is nothing but a racist symbol.

While that flag has been used by racists, it is in fact a flag that symbolizes patriotism, courage, freedom and liberty, and love of country. I understand that different people with different experiences view it in different ways, but for the convention to choose one side and deny the other is to embrace a half-truth, and thus, a lie — something the church should never do.

Shane Anderson
Simpsonville