Resources What Do You Think? June 2004

What Do You Think?

June 2004

"God Bless America!"

Over the past three years, how many times have you heard the phrase "God bless America?" How many times have you heard the song of the same name? It seems you can't read the newspaper, watch a news program on TV, listen to the radio, or even attend a sporting event without hearing one or the other. In an election year, with ongoing international conflict, many politicians have taken the opportunity to work the sentiment into their campaign rhetoric. I'm afraid this phrase is repeated so frequently that for most people it has lost any real meaning. I'm also struck by the notion that it is pulled out more often as a patriotic "battle cry" than anything resembling a prayer petition.

Please don't misunderstand my comments. I have a strong sense of patriotism. I feel very blessed to live in the United States, where I am free to express my opinion, where each reader of this column is free to express his or her opinion, and we are free to agree or agree to disagree. I'm just not sure that this phrase should be used as a patriotic slogan. I have concerns about what people might mean when they recite the phrase "God bless America". As a Christian, I recognize my freedoms as gifts from God. I also pray that God will continue to bless me, my church, my family and friends, as well as this great nation. But I hope I do this by recognizing God first, then America.

I also know that there are other folks out there who have similar, if not identical, concerns. A few weeks ago, I was following a detour along the back roads of Linn County. While driving, I met a pickup with a hand-printed sign in the front window. "America Bless God," it read. This new phrase captured my imagination for the rest of the trip and, in many ways, succinctly summed up my feelings on the topic.

At first I was quick to quibble with the use of the word "bless". Worship, praise, or thank seemed like better choices. After all, what could we do to "bless" God? Later I realized that what captured my attention was the simple reversal of roles in the all-too-common phrase. That power to capture my imagination would very likely have been lost with a different word choice. So, I moved on to considering its message.

I don't claim to know exactly what the sign's maker intended. But I very much liked the change of phrase. In the original, we ask – even demand – much of God. "Bless us." Hasn't He already blessed us? And what do we do to deserve these blessings? Nothing! It is through God's grace that we receive them. And for that we should praise and thank Him. America, Bless God!

There is nothing wrong with asking for God's blessing. However, the implication in the original phrase all too often seems to be "bless us more than everyone else." Perhaps we should more often ask "What can we do for those less fortunate than ourselves?" America, Share God's Blessing!

But perhaps what bothers me most about the overuse of the original phrase is that far too many who recite it have no personal relationship with God (some may not even believe in God). Many have no specific blessings in mind and have not acknowledged how richly they are already blessed. As Christians, are we not compelled to point out such discrepancies, not in judgment, but to help others know God? America, Teach God's Blessing!

I hope this Independence Day (when you are certain to hear this phrase again) you will join me in reflecting on the many blessings we have already received. Then consider from where those blessings come. And finally, may America Bless God and give God reason to bless America.

What do you think?
Jeff Hand (jhand@isualum.com)

Author's note: I've strayed a bit from my usual "asking" and leaned more toward telling you what I think. But my purpose remains the same – to encourage others to pause, even if only for a minute, and think. What does it all mean to you? I'm happy to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree.