Thus, for instance, although every other nation worshipped their ruler and allowed images of their ruler or gods in their holy places, the Jews would have none of it–but instead offered sacrifices and prayers daily before YHWH on behalf of those in power over them. We see this clearly in Josephus.

In the Elphantine papyri, when the Jews in Egypt were turned away by Jerusalem, they appealed to Pagan authorities to restablish their Temple to YHWH in Egypt, promising to offer sacrifice and prayers for them so that YHWH would certainly bless them.

I suggest that in Christianity, there are also many ways to both respect powers and authorities without allowing them to usurp the place held by YHWH.

I did say the pledge as a child. I didn’t know any better. It didn’t mean much to me at the time, but I look back and see myself getting indoctrinated in patriotism. One can see how our whole nation has been indoctrinated, since it is the cardinal sin to be called “unpatriotic.” True, as Jefferson says, “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” But still, we shouldn’t be forced to be “patriots,” however you define it.

I want to agree that this is a great post. I refused to say the pledge as a child and I have fought to prevent schools from forcing my children to say the pledge.

I’ve also never thought about the idea that God is an afterthought, and a bad one at that.