Fourth of July brings moment of reflection on freedom, religion
Every year for as long as I can remember, as the 4th of July, Independence Day gets close, I have a practice of reading the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution (including the Amendments) and the words engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty. It strikes me as my civic and moral duty, like voting. The words are eloquent, revolutionary and critical to our understanding of the principles on which this nation was founded. Freedom from the tyranny of the King of England was paramount. Freedom of religion is at the heart of the of why this Nation was founded, it is part of our Nation’s mission and intent.
This year, more than ever before, the tenor of the language truly moves me.
Amendment I.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Reflecting on all of this, it is clear that the Constitution supports and insists upon the freedom of all citizens to practice whatever religion or spiritual path they may choose. Conversely, citizens have the freedom not to practice any religion at all. Thanks to the wisdom and prayerful tendencies of the Founders, separation of church and state remain a central principle. The Declaration of Independence is notable throughout for its’ emphasis on decency, equality and insistence on being “a free people.”
“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 ….”
My other reading as we approach the 4th of July, is engraved on a brass plate at the base of the Statue of Liberty:
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightening, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teaming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
(Emma Lazarus, November 2, 1883)
Does any of this ring true for you?
Freedom is woven throughout Scripture as something essential to attain. The Bible is chock full of stories of exile, freedom, redemption, justice and love.
Love that requires grit and courage, love that is not fluffy or sentimental; humble, bold love that does not waiver.
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Such longing for freedom has been true since the beginning of time; not only in the wilderness of ancient times, but throughout history and certainly in the world in which we live.
“When we feel we are “in the thick of it, when we don’t know where we are or where we are going or what we are supposed to do. We have too much to carry, too much to grieve; somedays nothing makes sense. We are in the wilderness. We can stay there as long as we choose, or through the grace of God, we can rise up and seek out even the smallest beam of light to follow; we can rise up and sing our hearts out for the glory of God. It doesn’t matter if you can carry a tune. Sing! Sing spirituals, or sing high & low sacred hymns, sing the gospel and hang on to hope. We are in the wilderness and we are not alone, we are free.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)
Take heart.
The Reverend Julia Dunbar is the priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Oxford. Formerly she served as the priest for St. Thomas Episcopal Church Auburn and Grace Episcopal Church Oxford.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep the Faith: Constitution, Declaration, and other must-reads
