Calvary Episcopal Church
Memphis, Tennessee
THE CHRONICLE
The 4th Sunday after Pentecost
July 1, 2001
Volume 46, No.24

One Nation...Under God
I remember when it was standing orders in grade school to recite, in unison, the Pledge of Allegiance. Like a well-oiled machine, students would meticulously rise, place their right hands over their hearts, while reciting the Pledge. At that time of course, one wondered why such a requirement was made on those who barely understood the nature of politics, history and government. Some of the words in the Pledge we found foreign-words like "indivisible," "liberty," and "justice." We knew of the words, but as youngsters in grade school were clueless as to their application and meaning to our lives. How could anyone make a "pledge of allegiance" to something that was perceived, at best, cloudy and ambiguous?

Many Christians find themselves facing a similar predicament. How could one pledge allegiance to God, without first understanding the language and culture of Scripture while gaining possession of the necessary tools in which to effectively apply such knowledge? Furthermore, how does one faithfully fulfill Christian duty and commitment to God and Country? Clearly, the founding mothers and fathers of America expected there to be an unbreakable, unshakable, and unmistakable bond between God and Country.

One may recall that passage in the Gospels in which some members of the Pharisees and the Herodians approach Jesus, to ask him if it is lawful and dutiful to pay taxes. Jesus, wise to their entrapment, asks to be shown a coin. He poses the question, "Whose image is engraved on the coin?" The people respond, "Caesar." To which, Jesus says, "Then, render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's."

This encounter between Jesus, the Pharisees and Herodians is no different than you and I standing in a classroom, uttering words that appear foreign in context. Jesus responds by saying that even those things that are ascribed to Caesar, are always first ascribed to God. Putting it in this context allowed the Pharisees and Herodians to make a connection between duty to State and allegiance to God.

If we give thanks to God for all that God has done for America, then we are better able to understand terms like "indivisible," "liberty," and "justice," because we come to embrace these terms as an embodiment of God's wishes for the life of every single human being. The 4th of July is more than a celebration about the founding of a great Nation, it is about the recognition of a Great and Wonderful Creator.

Peace,
~ Allen F. Robinson