A Different Drummer

Growing up in the world's least religious country, in one its most solidly atheist families, is probably not the best way to develop a mind open to the beauty and power of religion. Following that up by spending a few years in the most religious place on Earth, surrounded by God's people, opened me up a little, at least to the intense emotional lure of speaking to your God.

Speeches like this, the highlight by far of Obama's inauguration yesterday, are as close as religion gets to touching my heart.

"As we leave this mountaintop help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our temples and our mosques, wherever we seek your will.

Bless president Barack, first lady Michelle, look over little angelic Sasha and Malia. We go down and walk together as children, praying that we wont get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone with your hands of power and your heart of love.

Help us then now Lord to work for that day when nation will not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman will sit under his and her own vine and fig tree and none shall be affraid. When justice will roll down like water and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Lord in the memory of all the saints who from their labours rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us to pray for the day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right. Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen."

Amen.