Feeling Wierd During the Oath of Allegiance
17th October 2005
At a business luncheon gathering this afternoon, I had a strange experience. One of the emcees very emotionally asked the guests all to stand prior to the reciting the oath of allegiance together. He got very emotional, and had choked back his tears as he expressed anger at those who were trying to take the phrase “under God” from the oath and so, according to him, undermine the religious foundations of this nation. He went on to encourage all those present to “fight” for their rights to keep the phrase in the pledge.
That sounded rather odd to me. I know this is something about which many have very strong views. Since I am not an American, I know some people might think I have no business wading into this controversy. But then, I live in this country, and I share the same faith, so I can’t help but wonder out loud (or out write, if you like) if Christians who think that this is a worthy of a “fight” are really expending their energy at the wrong “target”. Maybe our spiritual battle is really about something else.
Another speaker at the function also exorted Christians to fight to retain the posting of the ten commandments in public places. I wonder why they get so emotional about this. I don’t think it matters whether or not the ten commandments are posted, in public buildings or elsewhere. For what good is it to post it in all of the public buildings if the Spirit from Whom the commandments came isn’t posted in the hearts of the people who occupy these buildings? Perhaps more effort ought to be exerted to figure out how to post the Spirit in more hearts, starting with those within our own communities, churches and families.
Anyway, coming back to this afternoon’s experience at the oath of allegiance, and my feeling wierd. Everyone stood tall, and held their right hand to their hearts and recited the pledge solemnly. I stood there respectfully with my hands by my side and did not recite anything. But I was feeling watched. Social anxiety and group pressure and all that. All the time I was telling myself, “But I am not an American, it is okay to just stand at attention.” I don’t know what the people behind me and around me were thinking, and I was feeling like they might get annoyed at me, or judge me, or worse. So how do you feel when you see someone standing there not reciting the pledge and not assuming the pose? Do you think it is rude?
October 18th, 2005 at 3:37 am
I was raised not reciting the pledge for religous reasons, and I know the feeling that you experienced. It is much worse when your are an elementary school kid, and kids kick you and stuff. As people grow up, they behave in a more civilized fashion, but their hearts are likely just as corrupt.
Even though I no longer subscribe to the religion that caused me to abstain from the pledge, I am still fairly unsettled about the whole thing.
My allegiance is to the Lord. I submit to the authorities out of obedience to him. (Romans 13:1-7) Reciting an oath every day is too much like prayer to an idol for me to feel comfortable. Especially if you leave out the “Under God” part.
If my Government begins to rebel against God, I submit, but I don’t honor them for their rebellion. Is submition the same thing as allegiance? I don’t think so.
I do think that Christians spend a lot of effort trying to preserve the symbolism, while ignoring the substance. By the time the symbol is about to fall, it is highly likely that the culture has already been corrupted to the point that the symbol is meaningless anyway. Having the 10 commandments on the wall doesn’t do anything if the judges that walk those halls don’t believe in their value. Having schoolkids say “under God” when they don’t know God trivializes the meaning of those words.
October 18th, 2005 at 6:33 am
Inaugural Open Trackback Buffet
Don’t fall asleep at work. Sample these energizing blogs (including Don Surber, TMH’s Bacon Bits, Ultimate Writer, the Bloke, and Poca Dot) to stave off slumber. Have an hors d’oeuvre to share? Trackback w/ http://haloscan.com/tb/lyngperry/TBB0001
October 18th, 2005 at 9:36 am
I see it all as wasted energy- ‘idols’ taking away where our true direction should be on listening to God and showing love, mercy and grace to ALL people around us… very sad
btw- you have spam above, you filter must not be working
October 18th, 2005 at 12:20 pm
Hey Dawn,
You’re right, I think it is wasted energy too. And, the comment above you actually isn’t spam. It’s from Lyn Perry who has started a new “blog highlights” type post on her blog. But it did look suspiciously like spam. I was going to cut it up and serve it as some kind of Hawaiian Sushi appetizer when I say Lyn’s name and remembered that she was going to invite me to her Tuesday “Trackback Buffet.” Guess it wasn’t a byos (”s” as in you-know-what).
Cheers,
TheBloke
October 18th, 2005 at 1:09 pm
Thanks for not deleting me!
But you’re right, I have to have a more personal touch when tracking back to thoughtful blogs – I’ve started a “buffet” of different posts every day, so am experimenting. Thanks for being part of the trial, and I hope it sends traffic your way as you always have words worth considering.
As for the pledge – I know it may be a hang up for some, but I actually recite or sing when I feel like it. Now that’s not a very spiritual measure, but I stand politely during those times when I simple don’t feel like participating. Same goes with church singing. There’s not law that says I have to sing along to every song, sometimes I just want to listen and contemplate. Well, that’s my perspective at any rate. Thanks for the discussion. Lyn at Bloggin’ Outloud http://blogginoutloud.blogspot.com