"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