Tomorrow is the 4th of July. I am a very patriotic American, and this week's blog post is dedicated to the three documents that together define the true spirit of America: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
I was fortunate enough to actually see these documents last year at The National Archives in Washington, DC. All those who value freedom should make the Mecca to the Archives at least once in their lives. It is nothing short of a religious experience. Seeing the documents up close was overwhelmingly emotional for me. Here lie the writings of some of the greatest giants ever to walk the Earth, whose ideas truly changed the world. When stepping into the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, where the documents are displayed, one is compelled to stand a little straighter, hold his head a little higher, and walk with confidence and grace. When I left the dimly lit room, I sat down on one of the chairs immediately outside to reflect on what I had seen and to sign the guest book. "This is one of the most powerful experiences I've ever had," I wrote. "One feels he must be worthy even to share the same room with these documents."
If you have never read America's holiest scriptures, there is no better time to do so than on the 4th of July. The Founding Fathers were not only great intellectuals, they were men of action. On July 4th, 1776, they performed one of the most profound acts of bravery the world has ever seen. They declared war on the greatest military power of their time in the name of life, liberty, property, and the sanctity of the individual. Take the time to read them tomorrow (particularly the Declaration of Independence) and honor the principles they represent. And if you're going to be doing the same things as me, have fun at the beach!
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
--Dan Edge
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
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3 comments:
AMEN. Seriously.
As an atheist, it is sometimes frustrating to realize that some people think of you as simply "anti-religion," when in fact many atheists realize that we are not simply "without religion."
My possible solution: I have begun to use the phrase "America is my religion," and like you, begun to refer to these as Holy Texts. Continuing the analogy, I sometimes think of the Supreme Court (even when they are wrong!) as something akin to a priesthood - or perhaps the Vatican? - and the President as something like a Pope.
The analogy doesn't always work, but I think you understand.
America is my religion!
I know what you mean about standing up a bit straighter in the presence of those great documents. The last time I saw the documents--about 10 years ago--I felt like I had had the breath knocked out of me. I had the same feeling standing at the foot of George Washington's marble sarcophagus at Mount Vernon.
It's worshipful awe, the feeling of standing so close to something or someone that changed the world and affects my life in such a profound way. And then when I leave the sacred spot, I want to run like a fool down the street, shouting and laughing. But I (usually) don't do that--mostly just big smiles.
Enjoyed your post!
Isn't the Articles of Confederation there, too?
It's got to be 15 years since I've seen those documents, but I'll never forget it.
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