So, many commentators here were impressed with the President's inaugural address when he acknowledged that not all of the U.S. population consider themselves as religious.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers.
My immediate reaction was also positive, but just moments after the speech I was scratching my head...
Really Mr. President, would it have been so hard to be substantially more inclusive in your choice of words?
I mean, what's with the connotation "NON-believer" -- as if atheists don't have beliefs? Even if you choose to view this statement within the context of "religious" belief, how are agnostics supposed to hear this being neither religious believers nor disbelievers per se'. And pagans, Buddhists, Sikhs and others need not apply apparently...
Think it's a bit over-sensitive to perceive "NON-believer" as sub-ideal? Do you think context is everything? Further on down the speech:
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall.....
These strong references to "God" and "faith" clearly put those citizens who are "faithless" in an inferior position in society.
Do I believe that it was President Obama's intention to poke his finger in the eye of those of us with various spiritual viewpoints? No, but one can't help but wonder if the words are an unconscious form of bias, peeking from behind his better self:
We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
Indeed.
So help me god.