One of the issues that was hotly discussed in the media last week was the actions of some university students in Melbourne, who burned the Australian and American flags in an act of protest. Apparently, some university staff who took part in the demonstration were disciplined by the university authorities.

People who rang in to talk-back radio about this showed very strong emotions about the whole incident. Some, mainly younger people, felt that the action was justified because of the seriousness of the problem overseas. The majority, who seemed to be older, were incensed at what they saw as disrespect and dishonour for the flag under which so many Australians had fought and died.

Surprisingly for many, it is not an offence under our present law to burn a flag, but the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that such a law is being considered. The issue over the flag is not about the fate of a piece of cloth. It is all about what that piece of cloth represents. That, of course, is why the students wanted to burn it, and that is why so many were upset by its burning. A flag is a symbol of identity, and becomes an icon of history. The flag of our nation has much greater symbolism for those who have fought under it than for a new generation who have not known such struggles. One of the very emotional moments of last year's New York tragedy was the raising of the American flag amidst the rubble of devastation.

It is because of this symbolism that there is a very strict military protocol for the way a flag is handled. A flag must never be unfurled and raised according to a strict procedure. And it must never be allowed to touch the ground!

The real issue with the flag, however, is the lack of respect for what the flag represents. This is a much more serious issue that has been simmering beneath the surface of our society for nearly half a century, but is becoming a serious problem amongst the younger generation today. It could well lead to serious problems in the not-too-distant future.

To some extent, the question of respect is a generational issue. Those of my generation were raised in a framework of respect for the institutions of society. Every morning at school we would recite: "I honour my God, I serve my king (queen), I salute the flag." Every time we went to the movies we stood for the National Anthem. Schoolteachers were treated with awe and respect, and one would never dare to answer back to a policeman!

This sense of respect flowed into other areas of the community as well, especially with respect to women and the elderly. A man would always raise his hat to a lady, and give up his seat on the bus or train. Children would never stay seated when an older person was standing!

Of course, such a way of life had its problems, and there were teachers and policemen and others who were not worthy of respect. But there was a stability in society that seems to be lacking today. One radio commentator, in referring to the overall situation today, referred to a recent court case where a magistrate excused a teenager for telling a policemen to "f... off" because, in the magistrate's view, such language was so common today that it was no longer offensive. The greatest problem, however, was not the language, but the attitude of disrespect to this representative of the lawful authority of our land.

The Bible teaches the importance of showing respect and honour where it is due. Romans 13:7 says: "Give everyone what you owe him ... if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour." 1 Peter 2:17 says: "Show proper respect to everyone." In particular, wives are to respect their husbands (Eph. 5:33), servants are to respect their masters (1 Pet. 2:18) and husbands are to treat their wives with respect (1 Pet 3:7).

However, the most important area of honour and respect is found in the fifth of the ten commandments: "Honour your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land". This is one of the foundational building blocks of life, for the family unit is central unit of society. A failure to show proper honour and respect at this point will make it difficult to show respect elsewhere. That is why in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 we have the very severe injunction that a stubborn and rebellious son is to be stoned to death, for "You must purge the evil from among you". Disobedience to parents is like a cancer that requires radical surgery lest it destroy the whole body.

It is this fifth commandment that Paul draws upon in Ephesians 6:1-3 in his instructions to Christian children. Obedience to parents in the Lord is "right", and earns the promise "That it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Honour, respect, obedience seem to be sadly lacking in our society today. No wonder it is not going well with us.

John Davies

10 November 2002