(Guest opinion) Ralph Josephsohn: Pledges and platitudes

(Guest opinion) Ralph Josephsohn: Pledges and platitudes

There are invocations reflecting the essential theological gist of a religion. In Christendom it is the Lord’s Prayer, in Judaism the Amidah, in Islam the Shahada. A prayer at the dinner table expressing gratitude for the food is a prelude to many a meal. Social and fraternal organizations articulate foundational goals of their doctrines and objectives. In the United States, the Pledge of Allegiance succinctly captures the heart and spirit of de…