From: Terry M. Gray (grayt@lamar.colostate.edu)
Date: Tue May 27 2003 - 10:31:53 EDT
Joel,
Isn't "God Bless America" a prayer in keeping with Romans 13:1ff and
1 Timothy 2:1-2? You seem to suggest that what is meant by that is
"God is blessing America" ("America is God's country.") No doubt,
that sentiment exists, but I'd suggest that my reading is more in
keeping with Jay's and most people's intent.
Isn't it legitimate for Christian citizens of each nation to utter
such a prayer for their nation and their leaders? Of course, a
Christian's primary allegiance is to the Kingdom of God.
TG
>I am curious what non-U.S. citizens think of statements like this,
>which implicitly tie the gospel to "God Bless America."
>
>I find it to be a surprisingly clear manifestation of the national
>idolatry that characterizes too much of American (U.S.)
>Christianity. Why not just say "God is on our side" or "America is
>God's country" and be done with it?
>
> There are many things for an American citizen to be thankful for
>(much of which can be traced, ironically, to the Enlightenment). My
>post is not anti-American. However, the line between the good and the
>bad (or the Godly and the un-Godly) cuts right down the middle. Being
>Christian should encompass among other things telling the truth about
>the principalities and powers of this age; we are citizens of a
>different kingdom. Our belief that "Jesus is Lord" should mean that we
>do not worship America, the American ideal, or other things "of this
>world."
>
>
>Forwarded message:
>> From asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu Mon May 26 13:56:26 2003
>> Message-ID: <000701c323ac$a40f0260$6401a8c0@cfl.rr.com>
>> From: "Jay Willingham" <jaywillingham@cfl.rr.com>
>>
>> Save this one and most important thing,
>>
>> God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that those who
>> believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
>>
>> Remember those who have laid down their life for our freedom.
>>
>> God bless America.
>>
>> Jay Willingham, Esquire
>>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Joel W. Cannon | (724)223-6146
>Physics Department | jcannon@washjeff.edu
>Washington and Jefferson College |
>Washington, PA 15301 |
>
>
-- _________________ Terry M. Gray, Ph.D., Computer Support Scientist Chemistry Department, Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 grayt@lamar.colostate.edu http://www.chm.colostate.edu/~grayt/ phone: 970-491-7003 fax: 970-491-1801
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