Inauguration and Patriotism

I'm sitting here, watching the inauguration pre-party with mixed feelings. Actually, I'm not sure I have mixed feelings, as none of the feelings I am having are positive. I'm saddened that Obama will be sworn in today. I'm saddened by the hero-worship that so many people are caught up in. Its disgusting how giddy the news anchors are. Whatever happened to unbiased journalism? I'm also concerned for the future of this country, and how that will effect my family. 

As a Christian, my loyalty belongs to God, not to a nation. But as a citizen of this country, I will always care about the happenings therein. Most of us have been raised with such loyalistic, patriotic views of our country, that its hard to separate what are responses should be, as Christians'. I mean, we pledge our allegiance to a flag and the country it stands for. I'm not so sure I can do that any longer. Of course, I've been wondering about the prudence of pledging allegiance to anything other than God for a few years now, so that has nothing to do with Obama or any other man. In fact, the last time I was in a situation with a corporate recital of the pledge of allegiance, I abstained.

I mean, how is pledging allegiance to a flag any different than bowing down before a statue?

I'm also having a hard time with the notion of respect for the office of president. Obviously, I will submit to the laws of the country and to the authority of the country, as long as what they are requiring don't go against the Bible, but submission does not equal respect.

10:06 AM - Jan. 20, 2009 - post comment

Giddiness

I watched his speech. I thought it was pretty mild and straight forward about the state of the nation. I don't think that Obama is a "fix-all" - as no man is. Unfortunately, I do agree that many see him as such - or as a symbol of this.

I have to confess that I was moved by the inauguration, but only because it's the first black president and that is something to be celebrated - taking into account our country's tainted past. I don't think Obama will be any different than any other president - what his term will accomplish, will be decided by the other branches of governent - which is why we have them.

Our government is not the church and we can't look to it for answers. Neither our government, nor our nation are anything to put faith or hope in. I often abstain from the pledge for the same reasons that you discussed - I am not faithful to a country; I am a citizen of a country. I am faithful to my Jesus; I am a slave to him.

Annoying Newlywed - 1:15 PM - Jan. 20, 2009

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I agree....

I so agree with you , Beth. Ultimately our citizenship is in Heaven and we need to keep our hope in the One who has the power to bring about true change....change that is eternal. He is sovereign and we do not need to fear our future....remember, "He that has been born of God overcometh the world. 1 John 5:4"
Love,
Heather
p.s. did your book get back to you? =) thanks for letting me borrow it.....I'd love to do another book swap if you'd be willing.

Anonymous - 4:18 PM - Jan. 20, 2009

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You're doing better than me - I can't even really watch it. I tried, but....why? Like you said, I would have to force myself to listen to the giddiness of the anchors, the weird Hollywood obsession, ad nauseum.... (sp?)

I'm trying really hard not to be all depressed about it, whenever I think about it, but the fact is - I'm not happy. I am not excited about the next four years - in all honesty, it's a bit scary if I really start thinking about it.

I just pray this next four years will be a wake-up call to American Christians. We definitely need it!

~Lori
www.michiganmomma.blogspot.com

p.s. I haven't really thought about the pledge - I'm gonna talk to my dh about that tonight...thanks for bringing it up.

Anonymous - 6:05 PM - Jan. 20, 2009

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I'm with ya' sister!

Nurs4jc - 10:11 AM - Jan. 21, 2009

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