The Three gods of America

On all our currency there are those four reverential words, "In God We Trust." However, it would be more appropriate if it read, "In gods We Trust." America is a nation that was built on Judeo-Christian Values. The first settlers, The Pilgrims and later the Puritans had a ferverant faith in Jesus Christ. Today, Americas serve many gods. On Sunday they seek Jehovah, but during the rest of the week they bow before Mammon, Minerva, and Aphrodite. Lets examine the first god, Mammon. Mammon was the god of metal, in particular the metal used to make money. When you talk to contemporary Americans and ask what's important to them, they often mention their job, their family, and their possessions. They slip God in there too, but when you examine the time they allot for each pie, their job and finances gets a big chunk. Americans are accustom to a decadent lifestyle. We like are mochas, air conditioning, and iPhones. Our material possessions are a symbol of status, even our clothes declare what class we belong to. While in themselves, these things are not vile, they can quickly become instruments to worship Mammon. The priests of Mammon live on Wall Street, they ware Armani suites and their whole lives revolve around the market. We average citizens are not innocent either. We are consumers and we keep that market alive. The system of Mammon thrives on our need to saturate our lives with more toys and pleasures.

Whenever I am with love ones and strangers alike, one of the first questions I'm asked is if I have a job or what my career plan is. It's as if my entire value is pinned to wither I am receiving revenue via paychecks or if I'm slaving to save money away. I frankly become irritated that I am measured by if I fit the "mold", by if I'm following the "American Dream." In my opinion the so called American Dream is another convention of Mammon and I want nothing to do with it! I want to serve Jesus with all my heart and soul, not a system of stone! Jesus himself said that we "can serve only one of two masters, you will love one and hate the other. You can only serve God or Mammon. (Matthew 6:24)." Interesting that Christ doesn't name Satan, instead it's Mammon.

Second in command over America is the Princess Minerva. Minerva is the goddess in Greek Mythology of knowledge and intellect. She is the one who bequeaths insight and wisdom to those in her temples. The modern day temples are the universities and colleges. If you are not questioned about your career, you are interrogated about your education. People pride themselves in which school they attended. They feel a sense of greatness if they are "Ivy League" or if they graduated Sumo con laude . I'm not against Higher Education, I myself am going to college. However, there is a difference from wanting to learn and wanting to earn prestige for what university you went to. Education use to be about broadening your horizons, about delving deep into the arts, sciences, and arithmetic to discover more about yourself and the world around you. Now it is merely a means to help you get that all important career. It's interesting we are told to seek wisdom at these temples of Minerva, when in Bible it says, "Fear (reverence) of God is the beginning of all wisdom and God is the one who bestows insight and understanding. (Proverbs.)

Last but not least is Aphrodite. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, pleasure, and procreation. If we are not measured by our career and education we are measured by are relationship status. This falls into two categories: the larger which is plutonic friendship and the lesser (but stressed as most important) which is romantic. People are driven to make friends on facebook, to prove they are socially adept and that they are likable. This then bleeds into the fairytale that we are fed everyday by Hollywood, "if we just find the One, that elusive lover, we will be complete." This is the delusion being sold to us along with that your career will make you happy. We are judged and criticized according to are relational status. Are you married yet? Have you been dating lately? If you just find that guy or girl you can really be happy. I'm not against romance, I happen to believe in true love, but when you substitute it for a relationship with God, there is bound to be fallout. There are entire websites, shows, and apps dedicated to helping you find that "special someone." They promise that when you do connect with your soul mate, the stars will align and you will feel a deep sense of purpose.

This is curious because divorces, separations, and break ups are on the rise. It says in the Bible, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. (Mark 12:30)" It also says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all (everything you desire that is good including a family and career) will be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)" Our culture urges you to reverse this verse and seek a lover, a career, and education first and then make room on Sundays for God.

These three gods: Mammon, Minerva, and Aphrodite are ruling American lives. They are who most of us are spending time worshipping and serving even if we are completely unaware of it. Another who presides above these three, is Jezebel. Jezebel controls people's lives with fear and threatening behavior. She endeavors to keep you focused on these three gods, and she urges you to become her apprentice. Jezebel wants you to connive and to use powers of manipulation and chaos to get what you most desire. Rather than seek first Almighty God, you end up abusing and harming other people to get that degree, that career, and that lover.

Again let me stress that wanting a great education, a good career and spouse isn't a bad thing. They only become toxic when you place these above your relationship with God. So, next time you feel compelled to ask someone about their career, education, and romantic status, think about if there is more to them. Perhaps trying talking about something a little closer to the person's soul; an interest or passion that God has placed on their heart. Maybe we can try to look past pretensions and seek to know our fellow man beyond the surface level. What if we as Thoreau said, "see a Man on a farm, instead of a farmer." What if we remove the masks of success and show what really dwells within us. Then we just might free ourselves from the gripe of these fallen princes and "learn to love again." (Broken, Scott Stapp).