An Easter Sunday story in the Washington Post about graduates from Christian schools working in the Bush Administration (150 alone from Pat Robertson's 29-year-old Regent University) relates how then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, a devout Pentecostal, banished the word "pride" from all documents bearing his signature.
Granted, he's weird. But for once I can honestly say I appreciate his perspective. In addition to being one of the original Seven Deadly Sins (with which all mortals have an acquaintance), the Bible teaches that "Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall," meaning that those who are overconfident or too arrogant are more likely to fail. Hmmm...
When the Iraq War began, car stickers appeared around the country featuring the American flag with the words "The Power of Pride" attached. We've all seen them, and I think their underlying message is wrong.
Certainly a pat on the back doesn't hurt after a personal or professional achievement, the success of a loved one, etc. Or more broadly, the self-empowerment expressed when releasing shackles long imposed by society in movements like Black Pride or Gay Pride.
School pride. Home town pride. That's all fine and understood.
A mature, powerful nation, however, should be free of swagger in how it sees itself and deals with others globally.
This is why being "quietly self-confident" is considered a compliment.
Yet we've gone backwards. The Republican Teddy Roosevelt once said of his approach to foreign policy, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far," while George W. Bush openly challenges those tempted to attack us with "Bring 'em on." No wonder war supporters slap this message on their cars.
It seems off-putting and historically inaccurate to promote the notion that America's "power" somehow emanates from "pride" rather than from her freedoms, her democracy, her better angels. That's the true power we've got, not boastful pride, at least on a good day.
I'm no theologian, but since Christians engaged yesterday in the annual Easter celebration -- the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the humbleness for which he stands -- it strikes me as the perfect time for adherents, and others as well, to scrape that sticker off their back windshields.
I think it's what Jesus would do, if he drove, of course.
Can I get an Amen?