THOUGHTFULLY DRIVING THE PORCELAIN BUS

A Column by John S Schroeder

July 6, 2003

I find the relationship between religion and patriotism fascinating and frightening. Historically, and currently the two have been deeply intertwined. Historically, Caesar was God, as were the Pharaohs and the Chinese Emperors. In the Christian era, Kings have variably been the Head of the Church, the chosen of God, and a variety of other titles that imply they have a special relationship with the Almighty.

The U.S. has a very different approach. As a nation, we feel "chosen." Certainly not in the sense that the Jews were chosen, but we seem to have enjoyed God’s blessing in our abundance, and in bringing abundance to others – at least when they want it.

In modern culture, patriotism and Christianity remain entwined. Typically, the most religious are the most patriotic. You see this in some of conservative talk radio, you see it in televised church, and you see it in a lot of ways – they seem to be a package deal. "Obey God and obey your country."

It is obvious from the historical examples that nations and leaders used religion to solidify power and to coerce cooperation. Cynics might further argue that modern conservative leaders are trying the same thing. While I am proudly conservative, I think there are some elements that are trying that, and there are some people that do not make sufficient distinctions in their lives.

There is nothing wrong with being strongly religious and supporting your country, nothing at all. It is; however, terribly important to know the difference between the two. God deserves my unyielding devotion. My country may stray from the fold on occasion.

This leads to me theory of pendulums. I think public opinion swings on a pendulum, and spends almost no time resting in the happy middle. The 1950’s were a time of contentment with country and with God. There was some confusion between the two. Then came the sixties, and things just got weird. As people rejected the culture of the 50’s they did not take the time to sort the good from the bad; they just through it all out, patriotism, religion, everything. I think we may be headed back into a period kind of like the 50’s.

I wish we could learn to live in the middle somewhere. It seems to me the best approach would be take the good, and there was good in both eras, and throw out the bad, which both also had in abundance. But then that would require more thought than most people seem to be willing to put into things these days.

I do not have a big point to make here. I am just reflecting on these things because of the weekend it is. I love God, and mostly I love my country. I sometimes struggle keeping the priorities straight – we all do at times. I am just trying to set out those priorities.

 With Love,