The true power of a blessing
by Orris G. Walker, Jr.

When the Founding Fathers promulgated the Declaration of Independence, affirming that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights," they were not referring to the entire population of the land. Only privileged white male landowners were considered within the expression "all men." Fortunately, today we hold a more expansive view.

Our present state of affairs was brought about by a continuous struggle to expand the circle of inclusion. Excluded groups, such as women, Native Americans, African slaves, as well as gay and lesbian persons, have had to struggle for their place within the American Dream. Our history has been marked by significant struggles for inclusion, from the various Indian Wars, to the Civil War, the Suffragette Movement, the Labor Movement, and the Civil and Gay Rights conflicts.

Nevertheless, there remained forces that wished to maintain the status quo. However, they were challenged and conquered. Unfortunately, however, the oppressive sentiments of racism, classism and sexism of some in power still remain just under the surface of our social order.

In the past, when our country was attacked or threatened, our leaders called for a fervent patriotic response. Soon a procession of catchy slogans and patriotic symbols would appear to galvanize the response of the citizenry.

What does patriotism mean to a member of one of the aforementioned groups whose struggles continue? The American political experience has been described as an experiment in democracy. As such there are rights and protections given each citizen under the law: freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and assembly. These are some of the cherished liberties we own. These, along with other precepts of justice and fair play developed along the way, fire my patriotism.

However, I am concerned about what might be described as "shallow patriotism," the enthusiasm of the moment, the willingness to ignore human rights, the demonization of the enemy and the proposition, "my country, right or wrong." It was once said that, "In defense of democracy extremism is no vice." This mind-set deeply troubles me. If patriotism is a fervent love of and devotion to one’s country, then it requires every citizen to do his or her duty. There is a responsibility to defend and develop the nation. There is also a responsibility to make sure that we do not abandon the principles of this noble experiment in democracy for some short-term security.

I believe we have been blessed; but too often we have taken this blessing for granted. The true power of a blessing, it seems to me, is its ability to transform. While our founding fathers may have had a narrow view of the concept "all men are created equal," we now affirm all human beings are created equal. This is the result of our culture’s transformation of its view of human beings.

As Episcopalians our baptismal covenant challenges us to see and serve Christ in others. Involvement in one’s community is surely one way to address this expectation of the baptismal covenant. I can be a patriotic Christian because our tradition through St. Paul teaches us to support civil authority. I believe patriotism requires one’s full participation in the political process. The civil authority is not above constructive criticism. Our participation is done by expressing our opinions, by voting regularly, by paying our taxes, by participation in civic meetings, by serving as community volunteers and by working for the inclusion and well-being of all inhabitants of this land. These activities, I believe, will ensure a healthy and genuine patriotism.

The concept of an ever-widening circle of inclusion from a political point of view is a challenging one. To some it might bear a striking resemblance to the Kingdom of God in that all sorts and conditions of people are included. But we must be mindful that we are dealing with a human institution, and it would be unwise to equate the American democratic experience with the Reign of God.

As Christians, it is necessary to maintain a healthy perspective about life. Here we have no abiding city, no permanent house, as the writer of Hebrews put it. Along with others, I journey seeking that city whose builder and maker is God. The Christian enterprise, in which we are all involved, is greater than any political structure or system that might emerge on this planet.

Orris G. Walker is the Episcopal Bishop of Long Island, N.Y.