Repentance on Wall Street?
Is there something about civil religion in the US that gives those responsible a pass?
Does Rep. Wilson’s outburst before the president signal something deeper about the state of our national rituals?
Like Lincoln, Obama has the ability to bring those of different creeds together under the American flag. But let's hope obama doesn't forget that genuine disagreements exist and that sometimes sides must be taken.
Super Bowl Sunday, American Holy Day
Indignant responses to the Janet Jackson nipple slip and the somber post-9/11 halftime show reveal glimpses of the sanctity of this yearly ritual, but it’s also in the creation of icons, the reinforcement of rules, and Americans telling themselves stories about themselves.
Obama’s civil religion, like JFK’s and Bush’s before him, emphasizes the connection between God and American ideals. But Obama spoke not of “endowed rights” but of “God-given promise.” Rights are inherent in the creature while promises are to be fulfilled.
Secular holidays, actually constituting a quasi-sacred calendar, span the entire year: From New Year’s Day, the King Holiday, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, and now, at long last, Thanksgiving Day.