Solomon and the Pledge of Allegiance

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.

---------------------

Solomon sat on the court when the "Pledge of Allegiance" case was heard. And it was argued left and right, back and forth. Did the phrase "one nation under God" violate the rights of atheists?

Of course some argued that it violated the separation of church and state. Solomon could see that.

But Solomon considered that as a nation, we have never really defined God. So when a Jewish, or Islamic or Christian says the pledge, they might have slightly different opinions on God. Those folks' opinions of God are informed by the Torah, or the Quran, or the Bible. But the nation as a whole is guided by God, because the people feel guided by God.

So Solomon felt that if you are an Atheist, you believe that God was created by man. And if that is true, the image and message of God can be twisted and manipulated. And Solomon was certain the message of God has been perverted at times. Solomon knew that people have been encouraged to kill and maim and wage war in God's name.

Solomon looked at the Atheist father who wanted to protect his child. And Solomon said to the Atheist father, here is what I suggest you tell your child.

Well sweety, most people believe in God. They believe that God loves us and wants the best for us. They believe that when we sin, we cause pain and suffering. So God has rules he wants us to live by to avoid problems caused by sinning. Their beliefs are frequently comforting to them. Their beliefs are empowering, because they have faith. They believe God helps them to be a better person.

You will hear atheists talk about God, but atheists believe God is the creation of man, as opposed to man being a creation of God. But as practical atheists, we realize that God, even if a creation of man, God is a force in our nation.

So when the Jews and Gentiles say the pledge, we let them define God however they see fit. And as atheists, when we say God in the pledge, we get to define God as we see fit. So hear is the new atheist version of the pledge of allegiance:

I pledge allegiance
to the flag
of the United States of America.
And to the republic for which it stands
one nation
under God
(whom we deem to be created by man but it would
benefit us all if we define God to be a loving, peaceful,
tolerant God that wants us to embrace freedom)
indivisible
with liberty and justice for all.

The truth of the matter is that everyone is free to define God as they see fit. You get to believe what you want to believe. And that is the truth, we are a nation under God, whether real or imagined. The impact of the belief is the same.

We need to embrace God as a shared set of values that has the potential to be used for good instead of evil. We need to embrace God to help us find peace and understanding. We need to embrace common shared values that will get us to live and let live.

God in His Grace, gives us the right to believe as we wish. When we extend that grace to others, we reduce conflict.

Let us find peace with God. And as usual, you get to define the meaning of the term. But still, let us find peace with God. And then let us find peace with each other.