One Nation Indivisible

This is the "Pledge of Allegiance"
I learned in elementary school.



In 1954, when the Knights of Columbus convinced Congress to add "Under God," to "One Nation", our national "Oath of Loyalty" to the United States and it's symbol, the American Flag, became a national prayer to the Judeo-Christian god. No longer were we "One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all". We became divided by religious belief, the state accepted Christian and Judaic religions versus those of us who believed in other deities and philosophies of life.

If our Founding Fathers had created a Christian or Judeo-Christian Theocracy, this change to the "Pledge" would have been valid. But, they created a Constitution and "Bill of Rights" that did Not indorse Christianity as the state religion, but, guaranteed religious freedom and freedom from religious tyranny for All citizens.

The "Religious Right" proclaim that Secular Liberals wish to persecute Christians by removing the symbols and words of Christianity from public buildings, venues and documents. Tisn't True!!! Millions of us desiring these changes are very spiritual and religious folk who seek religious equality and the elimination of Christian dominance in government and public properties and activities.

All we want and need is:

"One Nation Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for ALL!"

Mind Forest Movie

"Filmed" in Summer '02. I was the character "Malcolm Wallace", the Wicca technical advisor, creator of the ritual scenes, wrote the chant/song "We Call To Thee", and sang with Hidden Grove Coven and friends on the soundtrack.

Religion in the Courtroom

There has been recent controversy over the removal from courthouses of plaques and monuments displaying the "Ten Commandments". The reason being given is the "Separation of Church and State" doctrine, derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution

We've heard the shouting and protestation from the "Religious Right", radio talk show hosts, Christian organizations and groups, and televangelists of Christian bashing and persecution. They believe that their religious rights and freedoms are under attack by the evil forces of Liberal athiests and heathen Pagans.

What these Christians don't understand or wish to acknowledge is the real reason for the removal of these religious displays.

I ask You to walk over to the local courthouse with me and observe the court from my Wiccan perspective. Yes, I'm not a Christian, Jewish or Moslem. I follow a modern Pagan belief system called "Wicca". My understanding of deity and human interaction with deity is quite different from Christianity. And here is where the difficulty and in-equality is found.

Look above the entrance of the courthouse at the plaque which says, "In God We Trust" Whose god does that refer to? Why, the god of the Holy Bible, Torah, and Koran, of course. But, that god isn't my deity.
Will I find any mention of my deity, "Spirit", the one Universal Deity and Life Force of this Living Universe? I don't think so!

After we pass through the metal detectors, we enter the main lobby of the courthouse. From here we can see a large bronze plaque on one wall. Let's go look at it. Ah yes, it's the "Pledge of Allegiance". I know what this says. "I pledge allegiance to the flag ..... one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."
Whose god? Not mine.

Now we enter a courtroom where a trial is in progress. Everyone has just returned from a recess and we are waiting for the defense attorney to call his next witness. While we wait, we can take a look at the courtroom. Flanking the Judge's chair are two flags, an American flag and a California state flag. On the wall, between the flags, we can see what looks like two stone tablets with round tops. Oh my, it's the "Ten Commandments". The first commandment reads, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Once, again, this is the Judeo-Christian God and not the deity that I acknowledge and honor.
Could I ever be treated fairly in this place, if my religious belief was known?

Shhhhh! The defense attorney is calling the Defendant to the stand.
The Bailiff addresses the Defendant in a loud resonant voice, "Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me God!" Turning to the Judge, the Defendant pleads, "Your Honor", I can Not repeat this oath." Incredulously the Judge asks, "Why not young lady?" "Your Honor", I am Pagan and can not swear an oath to the Judeo-Christian God." Looking to the Jury, we can see the emotions of outrage and anger pass over the faces of many of the Jury members. Can this defendant receive a fair trial before this jury in this courthouse? No, of course not.

But, this is an American court, in an American courthouse, in a country where all are treated equally before the Law. Or, are We? Methinks not!
Not while the "Religious Right" and most Christians believe that the Founding Fathers of our country intended for this country to be a Christian country based on Christian morals and principles. Not while courts, schools, city halls, county and state contain displays promoting Christian beliefs and values. And not while the "Pledge of Allegiance" and Oaths of Truth, Oaths of Office and Oaths of Service are sworn to the Judeo-Christian god.

Freedom of Religion means All Religions.
One Nation, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All!

Arawyn Walays, Wiccan Priest and Elder of the Hidden Grove

BTW: Have I said that I'm a Fiscal Conservative who voted for President Bush?
Aren't very many of us, due to the actions of the "Religious Right".