Posted on 05/26/2006 9:19:59 AM PDT by doug from upland
Patriotism, faith eagerly combined ---- Kelly Rush, Staff Writer
Few would doubt the patriotism of a man driving a red, white and blue Mercury Cougar across the country on a mission to promote reforms he says are necessary to the security of America. San Bernardino resident Lyman Stucky of the civilian border-watch group the Minuteman Project drove his pace car from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., demanding that American borders be secured and immigration laws enforced.
Stucky promoted the ride through his Web site, www.spiritofallegiance.com, and the Christian Newswire, a publicity service for conservative Christian news.
The site is peppered with references to God, prayer and Scripture because, Stucky says, faith and patriotism are linked.
"The Pledge of Allegiance and the situation on our Republic's borders are very much connected. Spiritually. And patriotically," Stucky writes on his site.
Stucky said the issue of illegal immigration cannot be separated from God because God is the author of law, and the United States was founded on Christian principles.
"America was founded on the premise of the creator," he said. "One can be patriotic (and be atheist), but it may not be patriotic toward what is truly our American heritage."
Many have sought to associate conservative Christian values with patriotism. President Bush, in appealing to the American public for support of the renewal of the Patriot Act, said he believed "freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world."
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft in 2005 gave a speech to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, on "True Faith and Allegiance." Heritage fellow Edwin Meese, in introducing Ashcroft, said the attorney general had "left a distinguished record of accomplishment reflecting a life of patriotism, honor and faith in God."
Ashcroft quoted Scripture in the speech, ending his talk with a note on faith.
"As I take my leave of this privileged post, I know that our efforts have not been in vain. The builder of our city and the author of our freedom has stood beside us. He stands beside us still," Ashcroft said.
Michael Marcavage, director of Repent America, one of the organizations listed on Stucky's site as a "partner in patriotism," said love of country and faith are intertwined because God is the author of government.
"Scripture teaches `Blessed is the nation whose god is the Lord,' " Marcavage said. "It is without question America is a blessed nation. Our allegiance must be to the Lord, and by this, our loyalty is expressed for our country."
Mark Carr, a Seventh-day Adventist and a Loma Linda University professor and ethicist, said his denomination draws clear lines between church and state.
"We may have similar faith convictions as evangelicals, but we're very anxious and hesitant when that turns into political-party affiliations, pride and patriotism," he said. "I don't want to discourage Christians from being involved (in politics), but I would certainly hope for a more neutral approach."
Shakeel Syed, executive director of the Anaheim-based Islamic Shura Council, said the idea some have perpetuated that anyone who isn't a true Christian isn't really a patriot is of concern.
"How come we're pushing this line of religion on people? I have friends from varied faith groups and some who do not believe in any organized religion and also some who do not believe in the very idea of God," he said. "I think they're very unhappy with this discourse."
Syed, who received his citizenship after immigrating to the United States, said his Islamic faith does not preclude him from loving the country in which he resides.
"I am indeed a patriot. I am a patriot to this country and all issues that relate to justice. The America I love is of Martin Luther King. But the America that belongs to Joseph McCarthy, I don't."
Ping. Good going. I hope a few more people have contributed to the gas fund. I know it cost you a fortune.
Ping
Faith and Freedom Ping. Please take a stand, where you are, however you can, today!
Lyman
not bad
This is the one I bought off Abner
Amen to your car and especially your TAGLINE!
Lyman
Abner's idea, I am just a purchaser!
Yes
I will be taking my stand as I do every Friday night along with several other actions this week-end. Keep up the good work.
BTTT
Ditto!!
Thanks for all you're doing.
Happy Memorial Day.
Rob
Thanks for the ping, and thanks for making the trip and for helping the Minutemen! :o)
Good for you, and I agree. The very foundation of our republic is rooted in Christian principles. IMO, not only are they linked, they are inseparable ideals. trussell, have your prayer warriors been alerted to the efforts of Lyman Stucky/The Sprit Of Allegiance, a man of some faith?
FGS
Very kewl!
Americans should never forget what standard separates this nation from all others, RIGHTS endowed by the Creator no man/government can take or give. There does seem to be a whole lot of unauthorized taking and giving these days.
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