Making It In America

I remember singing ‘God bless America’ when I was a child.  No one complained.  No one was offended.  No one sued.  I learned to sing it at Arlington, a public school.  My money says ‘In God We Trust’ on it, yet no one seems to have any trouble spending it.  What is the problem with God in America?

I ask this question because of all the hoopla being made about President-elect Obama’s upcoming inauguration.  The big question for the event is, will Pastor Rick Warren, an evangelical pastor include the words “In Jesus’ Name” at the end of his prayer.   Strange question to wonder about an evangelical pastor!  I do have a question of those who are concerned.  What is your greatest fear?  If you believe in another god, do you fear that, upon hearing the name of Jesus, your god will attack America?  Will your ears fall off?  I know that is a ridiculous question, but it is a ridiculous situation.

Prayer was included in the inauguration because America has been always considered a country blessed by God.  It was started on that principle.  It has been there for years.  Why is it such a difficult element now?  As a Christian, I am glad God will be asked to protect my country.  If I am wrong about God, no harm will be done.  Like Rabbi Burt Visotzky, a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, if I were to hear the name of another god, it would not be the worst thing to happen in my life.

It seems odd to me that Obama, who claims Christianity as his religion, should have to be concerned about the prayer at his inauguration.   He should not have to apologize to gays or assure them of his support.  He should be allowed some freedoms as a citizen of this country, the same as those who deny God have strove to protect.

As we look forward to the presidential inaugeration, let us not focus on this one, small element.  If you need to, plug your ears and keep your ‘lawyer money’ in your pocket.  Let us, instead, strive together to deal with some of the larger issues facing our country.  A country dealing with financial failure should surely have an issue that will strike you as more important than your hatred of a God whose very existence you deny.  Just plug your ears and you won’t hear “In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”