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| The "Good News" (Gospel) > Sporadic Log > "Voting" |
"Voting"August 11, 2007
(Posted at HisCalledOutAssembly)
Further reflecting and inquiry regarding "voting" reminds me that
"vote" comes from the Latin votum which means vow, and can
mean a prayer, ardent wish or desire. It denoted especially the vows
made on the third of January by the chief magistrates for the good
health of the Roman emperor.
I grew up in a semi-liturgical denomination where the standard liturgy
always included, near the beginning of each "service", the votum, which
always consisted of the leader saying, "Our help is in the name of the
LORD, who made the heavens and the earth." It was a confirming
declaration to indicate under whose authority, in whose name, in the
promotion of whose kingdom and glory the gathering was held, and to
whom they looked for help. It was the "vote" of the assembly to
declare their allegiance.
It is common in many public gatherings to have a declaration or pledge
of allegiance near the beginning of activities. In this votum or
"vote", those participating commit themselves to the authority
recognized and prayed to for help.
It has been a long time since I remember hearing the traditional votum.
It may be that those gathering have committed themselves to many
other authorities. Most "Christian" groups seem to take pride in doing
whatever "the government" asks, and even suggests, that they do. And
there will be few in any such group who have not received "help" of one
kind or another from that same "government".
John
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