What do you think when you hear or see signs that say "GOD BLESS AMERICA"?
I know some theists and atheists alike who dislike it strongly.
Personally I just find it tacky (but then living in Canada I'm not exposed to it as much).
The atheists object because God has nothing to do with America, or shouldn't, separation of church and state and all that jazz. The theists object to the idea of God actually picking a favourite group (their nation) and opposing another. But then isn't that the very thing that God does in the bible? Picking the Israelites and bringing them to destroy neighbouring tribes? So they confuse me.
Do you find it offensive when people say "God Bless America"?
It strikes me as overly nationalistic and divisive and not very "good". If people were truly good, I'd figure they should be saying "God Bless us, every one". Do people really think that God (whichever they believe in) cares to push their country over others? Its like those silly people who thank god for winning a baseball game, etc.
I don't find any country that asks for God's blessing to be offensive. By asking for a blessing, that doesn't mean whoever is doing the asking is at the same time asking God to not bless anyone else. I seriously doubt God has a limited number of blessings available, or takes one away from somewhere to give it someplace else.
Do you find it offensive when people say "God Bless America"?
It strikes me as overly nationalistic and divisive and not very "good". If people were truly good, I'd figure they should be saying "God Bless us, every one". Do people really think that God (whichever they believe in) cares to push their country over others? Its like those silly people who thank god for winning a baseball game, etc.
theoretically no, BUT
it has come to be a support-our-president-and-our-hideous-foreign-policy-and-support-our-troops (which for some reason never means bringing them home)- jingle. so yes, it does offend me. there is something about hyper-patriotism that is just plain scary.
each man thinks of his own fleas as gazelles
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