One nation under God

IN THE LIFE of America, few speeches are more seminal than a president's inaugural address. They define our times, lay out the visions of our leaders, and try to unify the country after the partisan divides of national elections.

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In a rather profound way, presidents make their mark during these historic moments. George Washington set a critical tone in forging the new republic; Abraham Lincoln openly pondered the state of the nation torn apart by slavery and war; and John Kennedy lifted the sights of his countrymen by exhorting them to take greater responsibility both personally and collectively.

On Thursday after taking the oath of office, President Bush will briefly lay out the daunting challenges of a country at war, the need to tackle a series of major domestic reforms, and the moral charge facing the United States to help ease the overwhelming plight of untold victims half a world away. As he shapes and solidifies his legacy at the outset of a second term, pundits will dissect his every word while future historians will point to the address as a critical juncture in assessing both the man and the president.

Like every one of his predecessors, Bush undoubtedly will invoke the name of God, the "Giver of Good" as Theodore Roosevelt called the Almighty, and more than likely will ask for Divine Providence. While it may be irresistible to assume that any mention of God reflects the heightened sense of morals and values so prevalent during the campaign or mirrors the president's own religious faith, it will be far more than that. In emphasizing the notion of "one nation under God," he will be reinforcing a civic tenet that has been embedded in the country's persona since the beginning of the republic itself.

Like most presidents since Washington, Bush will attend a prayer service with his family, friends, and members of his Cabinet and will invite prominent clergy to participate in the day's official ceremonies. In calling upon God during his inaugural address, Bush will be following more than simple convention. He will be reflecting the nation's spiritual inheritance, not to mention the realities of assuming the ominous responsibilities conferred on any newly elected or reelected president. Not to be overlooked, he also will be reinforcing to the American people that their commander in chief holds himself accountable not only to them but to a higher power as well.

In the last half century, when the United States has taken on a far more complicated and daunting role at home and abroad, there has been a growing crescendo in inaugural addresses to ask God "to strengthen our hands for the good work ahead," as President Bill Clinton put it. Presidents and their speechwriters have continued to wrestle with how best to convey the message.   Continued...