Freethought & Rationalism Archive

OBKB · 01-25-2004, 12:16 PM

A selfish proclamation excluding the rest of known and unknown existence!!

OBKB · 01-25-2004, 12:19 PM

Interesting responses to this thread over at Bible-Discussion.com

secular buddhist · 01-25-2004, 12:28 PM

God could (if she existed) certainly bless more than one country at a time.

A more interesting point is made in Mark Twain's War Prayer.

OBKB · 01-25-2004, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by secular buddhist
God could (if she existed) certainly bless more than one country at a time.

A more interesting point is made in Mark Twain's War Prayer.

Thank you for the link to the War Prayer. I absorbed it and relish it enough to provide the link to friends.

Calzaer · 01-25-2004, 02:44 PM

I use "god bless america" as a save from saying "goddamnit!" in front of people who would otherwise not appreciate the invective.

Gawen · 01-25-2004, 04:35 PM

Quote:

I use "god bless america" as a save from saying "goddamnit!" in front of people who would otherwise not appreciate the invective.

My wife says the same thing. You two are the only ones I know that say that.

Calzaer · 01-25-2004, 05:32 PM

It's just because usually by the time I realize I'm in mixed company, the "god" part has already slipped out. So the phrase sounds a bit like:
"GOD....! bless America!"

Toto · 01-25-2004, 11:28 PM

Why is this in Biblical Criticism and History?

Is there any Biblical basis for GBA? I don't think so. The ancient Hebrews had a pact with their G-d, so that they would obey 613 ritual laws and receive his blessings. But the New Testament is supposed to have done away with that law as far as the Christians are concerned, and they are the ones who repeat God Bless American as if it were not blasphemy.

The phrase, of course, originates in the title of a popular song written by a Jewish immigrant from Russia. It is a song of gratitude for being in America, instead of growing up in Czarist Russia and growing older in the USSR. The sentiment is understandable, if theologically incorrect (or vacuous).

Aravnah Ornan · 01-26-2004, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gawen
My wife says the same thing. You two are the only ones I know that say that.

So does my mother. That makes three, gosh darn it to heck.

Calzaer · 01-26-2004, 07:41 AM

Toto: Blasphemy?

I'm not quite sure I follow that one. Is saying "God bless you" when someone sneezes also blasphemy?

01-25-2004, 12:16 PM	#1
OBKB Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Paris/AR/USA Posts: 122	God Bless America A selfish proclamation excluding the rest of known and unknown existence!!

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01-25-2004, 12:19 PM	#2
OBKB Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Paris/AR/USA Posts: 122	Interesting responses to this thread over at Bible-Discussion.com

01-25-2004, 12:28 PM	#3
secular buddhist Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 104	God could (if she existed) certainly bless more than one country at a time. A more interesting point is made in Mark Twain's War Prayer.

01-25-2004, 02:44 PM	#5
Calzaer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,762	I use "god bless america" as a save from saying "goddamnit!" in front of people who would otherwise not appreciate the invective.

01-25-2004, 05:32 PM	#7
Calzaer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,762	It's just because usually by the time I realize I'm in mixed company, the "god" part has already slipped out. So the phrase sounds a bit like: "GOD....! bless America!"

01-25-2004, 11:28 PM	#8
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	Why is this in Biblical Criticism and History? Is there any Biblical basis for GBA? I don't think so. The ancient Hebrews had a pact with their G-d, so that they would obey 613 ritual laws and receive his blessings. But the New Testament is supposed to have done away with that law as far as the Christians are concerned, and they are the ones who repeat God Bless American as if it were not blasphemy. The phrase, of course, originates in the title of a popular song written by a Jewish immigrant from Russia. It is a song of gratitude for being in America, instead of growing up in Czarist Russia and growing older in the USSR. The sentiment is understandable, if theologically incorrect (or vacuous).

01-26-2004, 07:41 AM	#10
Calzaer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,762	Toto: Blasphemy? I'm not quite sure I follow that one. Is saying "God bless you" when someone sneezes also blasphemy?

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