Citizenship

 

In the last week I have been to two citizenship ceremonies- --one for an Iraq friend, and in Brisbane for Iranian family. Both were a delight to attend.

 Things I notice – almost all the migrants choose to speak the pledge aloud which includes “under God”. Many don’t quite understand the meaning, but it is good most recognise God.

    “under God”  is not the imposing of religion or church. Rather it is the acknowledging of God as the greatest authority.  At every ceremony is a photograph of the King along with the Australian flag  and the Australian coat of arms. Then at the end we all stood to sing the Australian anthem.

    But above all these symbols of authority, “under God” means that we are all responsible to the higher authority of God.  In the Christian context that also implies the authority of His word – the Bible. Much of this was evident at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11  and King Charles 111 , viewable on youtube.

    This principle intrudes into democracy (the will of the people),  so that God is the final judge and His word the moral law. Democracy has at times tried to push God away, but His Word remains to activate the consciences of all people. (Romans 2  ‘their own consciences either accuse them, or tell them they are doing right’).

There was one statement made by the government representative I disagreed with- “we welcome you all with all you have to bring”. As I have discovered some of the sad , sinister details of migrant backgrounds, this statement needs to be qualified  by “under God”. We don’t need people to bring caste systems, multiple wives, atheism, violent attitudes, racism  etc

     It is the conquering of these  cultural/religious distortions that has made Australia the land of great opportunity .  Culture /religion is not as innocent as many politicians make out.

 

It has been a great privilege and learning cuvre for my wife and I to interact closely with many migrants over the last seven years. Best of all when people turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

 

Praise be to the LORD.

johnmckee@internode.on.net