We had an interesting discussion in small groups today at church. Someone remarked how they thought it odd or uncomfortable that people would stand up (unprovoked) during a patriotic song but might not do the same during a song that spoke about our heavenly citizenship. Where or how do we separate patriotism from being "of the world"? Someone even mentioned that they believed the country was indeed NOT founded on biblical principles. Which sparked a debate. Not to mention one man's feeling awkward at saying the pledge of allegiance in church. I thought about this to myself (although the history teacher in me was SCREAMING to be heard!!). I thought of the very fact of our debating over such things about our country INSIDE of a church...the irony was too much. You have to take all this in from a historical perspective. We get hot under the collar and yell at each other over religion and patriotism because we are spoiled. Very few places in the world will allow such outspokenness...often speaking out will land you in jail or worse. Opinions are not as tolerated as they are on our soil. Two hundred and thirty five years ago our country was born. It was not a joyous occasion for all. We didn't get swaddled and kissed by "mommy". We were born out of rebellion...we could be considered a "bastard child" if you will. Meeting in Independence Hall (as it is now known) was treason...not to mention drafting and then SIGNING the Declaration of Independence! Imagine if your own child wrote you a letter basically saying they were moving out and emancipating themselves because they didn't like the way you and dad spent the income! Yes, the colonies were the epitome of the unruly child. But there is a beauty in that. I myself am the mother of a strong willed child. It is a rough place to be but I can see past the tantrums and high pitched screams...her spirit. As a child, Madeline cannot control her desire for what she wants...she has no boundaries or self control. She doesn't give up easily...hence the 7 minute screaming fits!! What passion that will turn into!! How safe those whom she will love will be in her arms. She will fight for what she knows is right...stubbornness isn't always bad. My girl is just like me! The colonists had their reasons for their "rebellious streak". The men who signed the declaration faced torture and death if they had lost the war. They had passion and they were stubborn! What if they had not been this way? We'd be sitting in a Catholic Church guarding what we said against the Queen! This was one tantrum I am thankful for. Is not the woman (or man) who seeks healing from his past not in rebellion too? She dares to question the "way it has always been". She dares face pain and past in the face...not always winning the battle but winning the war. Is she not brave and courageous?? Does she not face a giant demanding it release her?
I had to laugh when the comment was made that our country was not founded on biblical principles. Not all the framers of the constitution were considered (or considered themselves) Christians. A large majority of they didn't live the lives of what we would consider "Christian". George Washington himself had slaves and even "bought" (sure he did) these slaves teeth to create on of his infamous dentures. He did not value all life as equal. He did believe that God had saved him from death many times throughout his lifetime so that he could lead this newly formed nation. Otherwise, he would have turned down the Presidency. Bottom line, our founding fathers were just as flawed as we are today. Society was more accepting of the bible and the state (government) being intermingled or unseperated from religion. It was all that any man had known. To question that...well, there wasn't much of a question. Besides, even the non-christian could see the value in "biblical" principles. Do not steal, do not murder, etc. We also have to remember the "attitude" on slavery. White men believed that God had nothing against slavery. Although, the doubt was already present with some. White men simply believed the African was below him. He had been taught this by his father and he would teach this to his son. Women were also inferior because that is just the way it was. We know that this is NOT the way God felt. We KNOW God created us all and we are all equal in his sight. We also know the horrendous events that transpired because of this "belief" among early Americans. I don't excuse slavery. To lord over another human being is evil. But to say that our country was not founded on Biblical principles is not true. We cannot blame John Adams for abortion laws of today. Get real people! There wouldn't be so many amendments to the constitution if the men who wrote it were without sin or sinful attitudes. Our country grows and it changes. The Constitution is a foundation. I admire the rebellious people who stood up to King George! These men were not perfect. Some made HUGE mistakes. But why would I expect them to be perfect. Only Jesus was without sin. Jesus is set apart. I am an American. I am proud to live here and (most of the time) there is no where else I would rather be. I will not be here forever. Someday I will die and go to my real home. I do not worship or have a worship attitude when I sing "America the Beautiful". I know that the pledge of allegiance was originally propaganda meant to drill "allegiance" into the children of a new nation. If I keep an attitude of Heaven as my HOME this does not bother me. There is history all around me. To forget the past condemns us to repeat it's mistakes. We ALL know that all too well. I remember the times my mother beat me, spat on me, or said she hated me...I remember them clear as day. Do they spark me into hate, sometimes. Do they make me mad, sometimes. Do they keep me in sadness, NO! I see how far I have come. I see the future when I watch my daughter walk down the isle knowing I did the very best I could and she is a whole woman! I get courage from the past. I face my daily healing and my future with bravery. I fail. I fail BIG TIME! But the war will be won. Every battle gives me strength and wisdom for the next. I am in rebellion too. I rebel against the cycle of abuse for generations past. I rebel against beating and hating my own children as I was taught to do. I rebel against my mother and have lost because of it. Rebellion is not beautiful...often painful and bloody but I will not give up. Founding fathers, however flawed, had a GREAT idea! Happy 4th of July everyone. See you around our this land till we all go HOME!!!
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