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.
To be honest I can not think of any Nation more in need of God's(swt) blessings than the USA. I feel that we have lost our path and strayed so far from God(swt) that it is going to take God's(swt) blessings and mercy to restore us. I see it as a public plea of asking God(swt) for help. we are a lost nation and hopefully with Allah's(swt) blessing we will return to worshiping him.
It's Ironic that the US was built on seculism and has grown to become almost religously over bearing, but a deception is hidden here. Additionally, England (United Kindom) was built on religous bloodbaths and has become quite religously unmotivated.
I think the reason behind this apparent paradox is the best question.
The thing is saying "God Bless America" especially for a muslim is not appropriate.
Do you mean God Bless America for their spreading of mischief and evil around the world?
God Bless America for killing muslim and uprooting Islamic State(Shariah) and supporting and implementing Tryrant and Munafiq?
This is a serious thing muslims has to think about.
Rather say "May God spoil America's evil plotting and guide them to the straight path"
Last edited by Skillganon; 01-21-2007 at 04:47 PM.
Do you mean God Bless America for their spreading of mischief and evil around the world?
can we get one thing right, its not america that is spreading mischief, it is the government. since when did we see a country with legs and arms trying to conquer the world ...it is very disturbing.
I think of "God Bless America" as a request, not a statement of fact. When I hear the song or see the phrase, it is more like asking God to bless my country, not telling people God does bless my country.
"Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is."
can we get one thing right, its not america that is spreading mischief, it is the government. since when did we see a country with legs and arms trying to conquer the world ...it is very disturbing.
Asslamu alaikum sis.
The president, the people in goverment e.t.c
I never said anything about the innocent bystanders or the people who got duped.
When I talk about america don't think I am talking about everyone or a piece of land.
Obviousely I did not mention other culprits because it was not the topic.
Last edited by Skillganon; 01-21-2007 at 07:23 PM.
Those are the words I see "God Bless America" as meaning. I do not see them as words of asking for a gift based on good deeds I see them as a plea to be guided to the right path.
The president, the people in goverment e.t.c
I never said anything about the innocent bystanders or the people who got duped.
When I talk about america don't think I am talking about everyone or a piece of land.
Obviousely I did not mention other culprits because it was not the topic.
nope...neither was i...America is a piece of land...the government is the government which, at the moment, is run by bush.
format_quote Originally Posted by skilly
May God spoil America's evil plotting and guide them to the straight path
can we not rephrase that to 'May God spoil America's evil plotting government...'?
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.
I have been curious for a long time as to why athiests object so strongly to the word "God". I mean, if you don't believe in something that someone else does, why not just dismiss their words as foolishness? Why waste the energy on rooting out the word? Why not just ignore it? It does not actually harm anything to let people say this. Just respond with, "OK, whatever." Or ignore them altogether.
I just don't understand the amount of energy that goes into something that doesn't matter. Some athiests oppose it almost as strongly as a religious zealot.
If you don't believe in God, then it is not as if you are being offended based on your religion. No disrespect intended to athiests. It just is hard to understand.
can we not rephrase that to 'May God spoil America's evil plotting government...'?
Their is no need for rephrasing we all know what we mean by that, and because it is evil plotting that needs to be spoiled no matter who in america it comes from.
p.s. I do find it slightly annoying when people automatically think I am talking about everyone and everything in america, when I mention america in this age of the world I mean the goverment and those who support them. This will not change even if this current goverment is ousted and replaced by another like it.
Last edited by Skillganon; 01-21-2007 at 08:24 PM.
I have been curious for a long time as to why athiests object so strongly to the word "God". I mean, if you don't believe in something that someone else does, why not just dismiss their words as foolishness? Why waste the energy on rooting out the word? Why not just ignore it? It does not actually harm anything to let people say this. Just respond with, "OK, whatever." Or ignore them altogether.
I just don't understand the amount of energy that goes into something that doesn't matter. Some athiests oppose it almost as strongly as a religious zealot.
If you don't believe in God, then it is not as if you are being offended based on your religion. No disrespect intended to athiests. It just is hard to understand.
There are some militant atheists out there, this is true. Mostly they get this way when raised by fundamentalist parents and later leave the faith, and are quite bitter for having been put through the experience (fearing hell, being ostracized for losing faith, etc). This isn't typical of most atheists though, just the loud vocal ones. Most of us DO just kind of roll our eyes when we see or hear people going "God Bless Whatever".
Now, when the Government puts it on the money* and judges want ten commandments in the courtroom, it becomes a bigger issue and I get much more interested.
* - by the way, isn't putting God on money blasphemy in some way? Could have sworn I read something about it in the bible.
The thing is saying "God Bless America" especially for a muslim is not appropriate.
Do you mean God Bless America for their spreading of mischief and evil around the world?
God Bless America for killing muslim and uprooting Islamic State(Shariah) and supporting and implementing Tryrant and Munafiq?
This is a serious thing muslims has to think about.
Rather say "May God spoil America's evil plotting and guide them to the straight path"
America hasn't killed muslims. America has done nothing wrong. Your problem lies with the government. I think America is in the same situation as Britain. The majority of people in both countries are totally against the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am one of them but at the same time the majority of us support our troops and wish them all the best. We don't support the war, the governments do.
Church and State seperation has been a key issue in American life since its establishment. It wanted independence from the British (Church of England), Thomas Jefferson wanted the US to become secular one day, but religion (Christianity) has been prominent throughout. But today we see American politicians use the word "God" quite frequently. Many politicians don't use the word not even Blair. So when Americans hear their elected officials use religion you can understand why they may be offended.
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...it is very disturbing.
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