Obama: Changing Bad Theology One Word at a Time
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As a perennial theologian, the last words of all major political speeches calling on God to bless America have irked me. Bad theology is like trans fats and hand guns -- it’s dangerous. It leads to xenophobia, hypocritical policies for immigrants, illogical wars (yes, I know, they’re all illogical), and consistent denial of starvation, disease, and other human rights violations. I could go on.
I am not exaggerating. Theology -- bad or good -- has very real effects on people. Bad theology has brought about the Crusades, the denial of women’s rights, and the genocide of Native Americans. On the other hand, good theology has brought about farmer’s rights in Latin America, the non-violent Civil Rights movement, and the blossoming evangelical movement to restore the earth.
Obama closed his speech last night like all savvy post 9/11 politicians do – by calling on God to bless the United States of America. But one of my colleagues at FCNL clued me in to a subtle difference… the word “may.” President Obama said, “May God Bless America” rather than “God Bless America.” Yes, the difference is slight – but it's also compelling. It’s an authentic recognition of the ignorance, entitlement, and greed that’s implicit in commanding God to bless certain people and not others. It’s an acknowledgment that this kind of command is a slippery slope toward believing that we’re divinely called to rule or judge or oppress peoples who are not blessed by God (non-Americans.)
I realize that the “may” insert doesn’t relieve unhealthy theology all together. The idea that there’s a supernatural being out there that blesses some and not others – whether we command it or more subtly wish for it – is still harmful. But Obama’s on the right track toward a relationship with the divine that is more humble, more grounded, and focused on an integrated love for humanity and our earth.
A better, more holistic world one word at a time. One word at a time.
posted by Karyn at
12:48 PM
11 Comments:
I agree with you 100%. Thanks for pointing out the subtle and yet important difference. That has always irked me as well, along with celebrities (athletes and actors alike) who thank God so publicly for their touchdown or trophy. Not that they shouldn't be thankful or appreciative, but that it calls into question where God was for their opponent. Should the other guy now feel like God is not on his side?
I wish all the politicians would avoid any reference to God in their public speeches. God has no place in politics at all.
This is the same as waving the flag. Stop wearing those stupid lapel pins with the flag also. It does not mean you don't love your country because you DON'T wear one. But somehow, God and Flag have become standard references in speeches. And any meaning is lost.
Hello, Friends,...
In regard to the 'May God'...comments, hey, this is America, and hey, we still have choices! Also, I am so totally happy to have a President that can actually SPEAK! Let alone the pressures of the current day and the issues with them...it's HUGE!!!
Be well.
The idea that there is participation by a divine being in human affairs is a primitive thought form. We insist on being able to call upon call upon a magical creature to aide us in the course of events. It is related to the idea that we have access to supernatural power despite all evidence to the contrary. We call it prayer. Superstitions do not go away easily, but at least we no longer believe that the Roman Godess Fulgora is behind the lightning or that it is Zeus creating thunder. Such progress means the future of the human species is not entirely hopeless even if we only gradually accept and take responsibility for what we cause to happen.
I suppose this can be looked at two ways.
From an atheist view point the success of America is at first pure chance followed by a lot of natural selection, genocidal/suicidal government policies, and event opportunity. I.E. Columbus discovery, assistance from natives (James colony), bountiful natural resources, rebellion and revolution (a suicidal tendency but aided by an outside influence (French), civil war (genocidal) followed by reconstruction fueling the industrial revolution, Manifest Destiny (genocidal Indian policies) pushing the natural selection process to its maximum potential, two world wars and emergence as world superpower, end of the cold war as the single superpower. Apparently no God involved here just a chain of events.
From a warped religious point of view looking at a short time period in history (400 years) it would appear God has blessed America significantly more than the rest of the world (at least for now). If one took this view they would have to concede that God approved of or is indifferent to murdering indigenous peoples on a mass scale while destroying the natural resources. Hmmmmm. Why wouldn’t God just make it all nice and pleasant for America from the beginning?
If one wanted to push the “God bless” debate then one would have to concede that prior to “USA” God had formerly blessed these peoples more than all others but did not spare the destruction, murder and suffering for them any more than was done for Americans.
The “formerly blessed”.
British
Spanish
Romans
China
Greeks
Persians
Minoans
Egyptians
Sumerians
Mayans and Incas
Atlanians ?
And the potential for a half a million years of lost prehistoric civilization which is probably hidden to us under the ocean or the ice in Antarctica.
So the point is the debate itself is utterly and literally a waste of time.
Feel free to forward and discuss amongst yourselves.
Sisterkeeper, what's your point exactly?
I also noticed the addition of that little word and was glad for it. Thank you for lifting it up and for your reflection. Alas, the president did not add "may" to his final sentence in the speech this morning that announced his Iraq strategy. Two steps forward, one step back....
Yeah, if one must end a speech with "God Bless," ... please can we make the leap to saying "May God Bless ALL NATIONS?"
Ooh, I like that "all nations" thing. That's good. I wonder if Obama would get into trouble if he tried it. I don't think God plays favorites, America.
Obama's saying "MAY God bless America" was a) not original: George W. Bush always ended his speeches with the "may" insertion, and b) not repeated in Obama's next address.
Nor, Paula, does it seem to be grammatically possible to render "God bless America" as anything other than synonymous with "May God bless America."
Regrettably, the facts get in the way of the good lady's theory.
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