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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Pledge of Allegiance and Me

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Last year I decided something that may not be a huge deal to some, but people do ask me about it from time to time. That decision is as follows: I no longer say the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, I have not converted to being a Jehovah's Witness, who are not allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but I do have my reasons.

My first reason is this: Everything that the flag stands for (which is good and right and just) is also found in Scripture, the living word of God. I adhere to those things, not because I am an American, but because the Lord Jesus Christ is the Sovereign Ruler over my life.

My second reason is this: Everything that the flag stand for (which is not good and unrighteous and unjust) I would not pledge my allegiance to anyway, as it goes against the sovereign rule of the Lord Jesus Christ over my life.

Now, before people begin commenting I would like to point out one thing: I realize that, to some extent, we were founded upon Judeo/Christian beliefs. I would argue, as a side note, that some of that was simply pragmatic, not because the men were zealous and ardent believers in Christ Jesus. I have heard that John Adams was becoming a Unitarian (whether this is true or not, I do not know). Connected to this is another side note: Even if we were founded by an Apostle, we are not now a Christian nation.

Before the question arises of do I believe it wrong for others to say the Pledge, the answer is "no". Do as conscience--informed by Scripture-- dictates, nothing more and nothing less. As one last thing, I would add that any comments about me not being "patriotic" or "hating America" will be deleted, unless they can be intellectually backed up with some sense.

Thank you.

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