Sunday, July 8, 2012

What's the problem with "One Nation Under God"?

It's difficult for some people to understand the distrust of saying "One Nation Under God".  I believe in God.  My definition of God and interpretation of the "will of God" doesn't need a flag.
The problem with "One Nation Under God" is which interpretation of God we are under?  Of course, if it's mine, I'm fine with that.  If it's yours, you are fine with that.
But what if it's the interpretation of God that is prompting followers to protest the deaths of fallen US Soldiers?
Or if it's the interpretation of the Pastor who believes God wants all lesbian and gay people rounded up and put in concentration camps to die?
What if it's the interpretation of God held by those who preach hatred for Muslims - and Jews - and different races?
What if it's the interpretation of God that's now driving legislators to strip away women's rights to choose what happens to their own bodies?
There is no single, universally accepted, interpretation of God.
When we hold a position on an issue and base our position on the Authority of GOD - there will be no middle ground.  There will be no attempt to see a different perspective.  On "God's Authority" it's all right to loose compassion and hurt anyone who won't fall in line.  All long range and intellectual discussion goes out the window.
I would love to believe that we could have a country driven by one universal truth - a unified belief in a greater power - and that belief would drive us to make sound decisions for our people and the world around us.
Unfortunately, we are probably further away from that possibility now than the forefathers were when they founded this nation.  And there were deep divides then.  I recently wrote about an article I read about the drafting of the US Constitution.  One of the debated issues was how to count slaves.  SLAVES.  Abhorrent thought to me.  In those days, many slave owners found ways to justify their positions using the Bible.
So, if you get upset with the backlash about "One Nation Under God", please take a deep breath and consider why.  Many people see danger in those words.  The danger is that there will be no room for their personal belief system and their personal freedoms.  If the backlash upsets you, that is understandable too.  You fear your patriotism, belief system, and personal freedoms are under attack.  That is their fear as well.  Have compassion.  Seek understanding.  Seek balance.

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