The Passion of George the Third: Conclusion

Before you dismiss the mythological and religious implications of the actions of George W. Bush as mere poppycock, please be aware there are other signs of the Eleusinian Mysteries in the American civil religion. Two of the best-known are the following:

(1) Nathan Hale's spy mission to New York, which ended in his death by hanging on September 22, 1776, occurred during the period when the mysteries are celebrated. His famous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country", is both a patriotic statement and a wistful appeal for immortality reminiscent of the mysteries. He is commemorated by a statue at CIA Headquarters.

(2) Our national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key following the bombardment of Fort McHenry on the night of September 13-14, 1814. When our flag was still standing on the morning of September 14, Key was inspired to write the words which were first published on September 20. He is commemorated on the grounds of the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine by a statue in the form of the poet/musician Orpheus. Orpheus was chosen because it is said that his music could charm all living things and even deflect arrows (despite heavy bombardment by the British, Fort McHenry suffered little damage and minimal casualties). Interestingly, Orpheus also is said to have descended in the underworld to plead for the return of his dead wife Eurydice. He was allowed to return to the realm of the living, but because of his lack of trust (like Lot's wife, he looked back) Eurydice was not.

While some of these events may indeed have been coincidences, I suggest that the ones we choose to remember and even venerate are those that embody our core values. Among these are events suggestive of the Great Eleusinian Mysteries.

Some things in our civil religion, however, are so striking that I am compelled to believe that they must be the fulfillment of prophecy. Among these is the Mother of Harlots, the subject of my next post.