God is not an American

[Thats my opinion]

The wall of separation between church and state is a vital part of the American ethos. When that wall is violated society becomes subject to sectarian-authorized law, and religion finds itself bought and paid for by the government. It is a lose-lose proposition.

Equally insidious is a cozy relationship between religion and nationalism. When any religious rally finds its platform decorated with American flags, that gulf has been breached. Churches should probably not even have national flags decorating their chancels. Throughout history examples of this religious sponsored nationalism have been all too numerous as ways to mobilize religion against everything foreign.

In recent years there has emerged within the liberal religious community a powerful reaction to this use of religion. One now hears in myriads of churches the cry, “God is not an American.” Many new hymnals include a freshly minted international affirmation. Here is one such hymn copied from several hymnals:

THIS IS MY SONG
This is my song, O God of all the nations, 
A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is.
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;

But other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.

My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on clover-leaf and pine.

But other lands have sunlight too and clover. 
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh hear my song, O God of all the nations. 
A song of peace for their land, and for mine.
Music: "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Words by Lloyd Stone (1912- )