Speaking truth to power

 Can a religious leader play a constructive role when politicians can't get the job done?

I have to admit that I was skeptical about how useful or even proper it is for elected leaders to have a chaplain.

 I've never been a fan of civil religion.  In fact, from my perspective, the way God gets dragged into our disputes can do more harm than good.

But I'm rethinking that.  Not just because it seems as though Admiral and Reverend Barry Black speaks for we the people with a clear and convincing voice in the Senate chamber.

History itself leaves a more equivocal witness (would Lincoln's words at Gettysburg have as much power without his divine invocation (that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom ) )?

An atheist would undoubtedly answer differently. But in times when the very nature of democracy itself seems under assault, I find it not only inspiring but also appropriate to hear the voice of divine presence and tradition echo through the halls of a once-revered institution.

Thank you, Chaplain Black.  When our leaders have failed us, you are not only God's representative, but ours.


http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/905094_Column--Ministering-to-our-split-leadership.html