Idolatry and the Pledge of Allegiance

Against immoderate attachments.

Today (June 22) is the anniversary of Congress’s adoption of the Pledge of Allegiance in 1942.

Although I was born in the United States and have lived here all my adult life, I grew up in Canada and didn’t have to say the Pledge daily. I don’t know if I escaped a form of brainwashing, but as a younger adult I concluded that the Pledge is idolatry.

According to Merriam-Webster, idolatry is:

1. the worship of a physical object as a god
2. immoderate attachment or devotion to something

I’m not sure if anyone really believes the U.S. flag has god-like physical power, but the rituals surrounding it (including the Pledge) and strict rules for its display and maintenance, suggest that it’s magically imbued it with god-like spiritual power, as if anyone who “disrespects” it has offended the dead and is a terrible person.

“But wait,” you might protest, “It’s not the actual flag we care so much about; we’re not superstitious. It Is ‘the Republic for which it stands: one nation, with liberty and justice for all.’ We honor the flag as a symbol, and recite the Pledge as a way to honor our country.”

In my view, however, that’s still idolatry. Pledging allegiance to “the republic,” creates an “immoderate attachment” to the country’s government that sacrifices one’s own conscience. We end up supporting, even cheering, activities that would…