Quote:
Originally posted by valkyrie
But isn't mentioning "God" at all in the pledge imposing *A* God on people?
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No, not necessarily. Again, if you look at the intentions behind *why* and *when* "under god" (to continue this example) were added, there is no imposition at all: it's a matter of American pride that people CAN choose whether to worship or not. People in the Soviet Union didn't have that option unless they wanted to disappear in the middle of the night. Same is true in some Middle Eastern countries today.
In order for the pledge to impose "a god" it would (1) have to name him/her/it with a specific name or (2) have to be interpreted very literally, without the historical context.
Note: the above is MHO only and made with the greatest respect and friendship for my GC buddies.
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)