n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 3
he and Washington came to a doorway. It was Washington who stepped aside,
bowed gracefully, and said, “After you, Mr. President.”
This small gesture of a gentleman set a standard for the orderly transfer of
power throughout much of the world. It also assured a legacy of freedom – and
the freedom of religion that underlies true freedom.
(BMH)
DEPENDENCE DAY
It should always be remembered, on the Fourth of July and every day, that the
Americans’ claim of independence from England in 1776 was supported by
their declaration of dependence on God.
Their claim was not just that all men are equal, but that all men are created
equal by God. And how are we all equal? It is in our relation to God, because
He is infinite and we are all finite. People differ greatly in their abilities and
circu mstances, but are equal in that they all are equally loved by God.
The rights claimed in the Declaration of Independence are ones with which
men are “endowed by their Creator,” which is why they are “inalienable,” that
is, inherent in human nature itself, by virtue of it having been derived from
the Divine.
The nation’s acknowledgement of its dependence upon God is what gave
it the clarity of purpose, unity and strength that made its independence as a
nation possible. That acknowledgment is still the key to preserving its freedom
from domination by oppressors from abroad or within.
(WEO)
WHERE’S THE VIP GATE?
One of the teachings of the Writings that appeals to visitors to any of our New
Church services is the story of the 12 gates to the Holy City in Revelation. The
meaning is that there are many different ways to get into heaven, and you don’t
have to belong to any one church, or subscribe to one set of beliefs, to gain
entrance.
It’s also clear – and comforting – that there is no VIP gate for the elite and
famous who live by a different standard on this earth. Life after death is the
great equalizer. Those who have been both haunted by fame and basked in its
adulation in this world may be surprised when they get to the spiritual world
to find that they have no special recognition, privilege or free passes. Their
lives, too, come down to what they love – not their titles, or wealth, or their
fame as rock stars, professional athletes or heads of state. Some may miss the
VIP treatment and feel injustice. No doubt many are relieved to be free of the
burden of fame.
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