American Theocracy?

What is a theocracy? According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, it is “government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided; a state governed by a theocracy.”

Are there current examples of theocracies in the world? Yes; Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, most of the Middle East. Much of the Indonesian/Malayan region. And tribal customs embedded in many African nations probably fall close to theocratic principles.

Are there examples of nations which purport not to be theocracies but tend toward them? Again, the answer is yes, not as an official stance you understand, but not all such societies are honest with themselves on such matters.

Take the United States of America. Our pledge of allegiance is ‘under God,’ we swear oaths of truth and honesty on the Bible and, again, “under God.” If you polled the public you undoubtedly would find a large majority supporting the view that America is a Christian nation. Increasingly, state legislatures and Congress present the merits of theology as political tenets. Indeed, many of those elected officials ran a public campaign advertising their faith publically. A litmus test of how they are like us. A scrim curtain veiling their deeper beliefs, but a public face to calm the electorate.

I’ve made the argument more than a few times in the blog that ours is not a Christian nation by design or intent. If it were our society would be much more loving, accepting and welcoming. Instead we get a lot of rhetoric blaming others and invoking the wrath of a vengeful God. Go to Hell! succinctly sums up our national religion!

Well, I think we are better than that. Our nation is a polyglot of religions, nationalities, belief systems and cultures. We represent every spot on the globe. We have blended enormous diversity to arrive at today’s special gourmet blend! Yet we have hold outs; people who refuse to rub shoulders with those they disagree with. Tea Party followers are an example. White Supremacists are as well. Neo conservatives also fall into this category.

Why we struggle to find points of divergence among us and tease those facets to anger I find difficult to understand. I think it is too simple to just say it is caused by ego weakness, people who have to feel better about themselves by feeling superior to others. Oh, that’s got to be part of it. But I think the root lies much deeper in the national soul and psyche.

My life experience so far has taught me that theology is a very personal matter and one that grows slowly throughout one’s life. It provides me with meaningful yardsticks, times to assess meaning of key happenings; family births, deaths, marriages, divorces, graduations, new jobs, etc. Challenge met or failed is another moment for pause. Self worth, meaning of life, struggling to rise from the pit, self motivation, self image, humility…yes, those other occasions to ponder the universe and my tiny role in it.

Theology is not just about God or spiritual matters; it is about self in relation to those things, those concepts.  And it is best done alone. It requires thinking and self exploration. It usually involves seeking external help, reading, advice. A visit to a trusted pastor or priest helps. Talking it through with a counselor or faith group are helpful paths to pursue.  

Theology as creative life art? Maybe. Theology as self assessment? Yep. Theology as part of the march of maturity?  I think so! Theology as group effort? Nope.

I struggle with this issue frequently.  What do I believe and why does it matter? How do I use these tenets to strengthen or guide my life and behavior? And does all this personal business and thinking have anything to do with my country?

In America freedom of religion means I can think on these matters all I want. I can make my own conclusions on religious matters. I can even speak and write about them. But I do not require my nation to follow my dictates or beliefs. Freedom of religion means I’m free from your religion and you from mine. You don’t have to enforce your beliefs on me; neither should I enforce my beliefs on you.

And so it should be in our legislative and constitutional institutions. Religion is the business of churches and others; not of government. Government’s role is to ensure that people are free to pursue their own precepts of religious belief, not adopt it for others.

Yet one wouldn’t think any of the above is true in the America of 2012. We are expected to embed heterosexual standards in schools, boy and girl scouts and art events. We are required to follow somebody’s catechism on abortion, marriage, sex and/or pregnancy out of wedlock. In short we have adopted religion as a dictator of morality without assigning under whose authority such strictures are defined!

Do we follow rabbinic laws and teachings? From Israel or where else? Do we follow Roman Catholic doctrine from Rome? Or Capetown? Do we seek leadership from various protestant seminaries or church synods? Or will it be the teachings of Confucious, Buddha or …..?

Your morality and mine may be in agreement; or not. Who is to say which position is better or more correct? Why are we even involved with this discussion?  

Because too many have made it a part of our Congressional scene. And it ought not to. And the vast majority of Americans know this and agree with it.

Religion is private stuff. So is theology. To keep it that way, keep it out of government!

April 30, 2012