US Celebrates High Holy Day

Religious July 2nd, 2008

“The” day is just about upon us. “What day?” you ask… The highest holy day of civil religion in the United States. In just two days we will celebrate “Independence Day”… “the Fourth of July.” It is, I believe, one of my least favorite days of the calendar year. Not because I dislike the United States… not because I devalue the freedoms we have (at least some of us)… and certainly not because I am somehow ignorant of the sacrifices many (even many of my own relatives) have made for “my” safety….

No….

I dislike this highest holy day of the US civil religion because it reveals the reality that, in the US, patriotism is both 1) considered by many the most important “virtue,” and 2) overly conflated with true religion.

Both bother me deeply.

If you think I’m blowing this a little out of proportion consider the following:

  • When the first few notes of the national anthem begin playing, people often stand up, teary-eyed, reverently place their hands on their hearts and solemnly whisper the words (or fervently sing them at the top of their lungs). When confessing the creed, the same people grab the seat in front of them, pull themselves up with a grumble, and mumble the tenants of our eternal comfort.
  • When someone “disrespects” the US flag, people riot. When the Bible is disrespected there is no similar outcry. (Indeed, I have the sneaky suspicion that when Muslims decry the disrespect of the Koran, most Americans think they’re being unreasonable.)
  • When celebrating the fourth of July, those who have family and friends nearby gather - often dressed in the “red-white-and-blues” - for feasting, drinking and fireworks. When celebrating communion, we cut up tiny pieces of low-quality bread and drink a few drops of grape juice (or even, sometimes, grape “drink”)

I could continue, but it’s not necessary; the point is obvious.

Hear me well, this isn’t really a rant against patriotism, per se. It’s a problem with the undeniable fact that many people in many churches (my own included) care more about whether Barack Obama wears a lapel-pin-flag than whether the Christian Faith is reflected in their own lives.

It’s disturbing.

And what’s most disturbing is that this civil “worship” is at least as honored within the church as it is outside of it (maybe even more so!) Ignore Advent… Epiphany… Lent… Ascension day… Pentecost… any of them (or all of them as many congregations do), and few people will say anything. But ignore Independence Day and you will be accused of disrespect, dishonor, unpatriotism and behavior “unbefitting for an American.” How do I know? Because I’ve heard those kinds of rumblings in the congregation I serve. The assumption, I suppose, is that I do not “truly” understand the sacrifices made for “me.” My response? Not true. Quite the contrary; I do understand the sacrifices made for me - sacrifices that go back much farther than the inception of the United States. Sacrifices that extend well beyond those made by the military of our young country.

So, in just a few days many will gather with friends and family… feasting… drinking… celebrating. And me? For me it will be another normal day. Firstly, because we have few friends or family nearby… Secondly, because my particular profession doesn’t “stop” for civil holidays - or even religious ones, for that matter. (I must get the same amount of work done whether or not those around me take a break - Sunday comes every seventh day whether I “break” or not.) But even more importantly than either one those, because even though I enjoy fireworks as much as (or perhaps even more than!) the next guy (and my even go watch some), I cannot engage a celebration that “trumps” the worship of God; nor do I want my daughter growing up with such unbalanced priorities.

Does that make me unpatriotic? Some would say so. I disagree. I’d argue that’s the wrong question. The better question is: Which deserves more honor: Country or God? (And, while the question should be an easy one to answer, what does our behavior suggest about what we truly believe?!)

Grace and Peace,

`tim

2 Responses to “US Celebrates High Holy Day”

  1. kldavelaar Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 am

    Thank you , thank you Tim — for such a good essay/blog.

    I’m going to copy and put it in my blog — WITH YOU named as the writer. I would just put in a link, but some people who read my post won’t link — and I think that you piece is SOOOO good. Thanks my friend. KLD

  2. teejtc Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 am

    Thanks! Copy away… :-)

    Grace and peace,
    `tim

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