OK, perhaps this is more political than religions, but maybe even more philosophical.

What does "God Bless America" mean exactly? Since we are asking God for his blessings, why not just have him bless humanity? Why even stop there... bless all living organisms on earth (maybe except for the mosquitoes). Are his blessings limited? Does he only have enough for America? Or by making this statement, are quietly asking God to show give us special treatment, while allowing other countries to go without divine help?

God Bless America. Are we to assume that God will only "bless" America if we ask for it? But what if blessing America is not his will? Are we trying to change his mind? Are we assuming we know better than God, in that America should be blessed? Seems an awful lot like petitionary prayer.

When you think about it, saying "God Bless America" is really only good for one thing -- votes.

You hit the nail on the head Bo. Its a political punchline.... overused but seemingly mandatory for the electorate. If not "god bless america", some other outward sign of faith in a deity..... and lets face it.. the only one acceptable is the Christian one.

God Bless America takes care of two things, patriotism and religious conviction. Someone trying to get elected isnt going to say God Bless Humanity ..... it doesnt demonstrate enough love for the red white and blue

Ofcourse I would say its good for votes and nothing else but then again thats because I believe that you might as well say Easter Bunny Bless America or Pink Unicorn with a purple sparkly horn bless america. America is as likely to benefit from the easter bunny or pink unicorn as it will invoking the equally unrealistic deity.

JMHO

Alison

Ditto what Alison said.

No no Sir Bo, you have it all wrong. You see, I have all the answers; you should just listen to me now. ;-P You see, God comes in many forms...he is one God...but actually three....yet still one...yet also seven spirits....but still one...that's what the Bible says, so it is true. And you see, He used to be just for the Jews, but then about 2,000 years ago when Rome was about the most powerful force on Earth, he changed and became just for the Christians (which by the 4th century comprised the primary religion of the entire Roman Empire). Then about 200 years ago he changed and became just for the United States of America (when America would become one of the most powerful forces on earth for this day and age). Also, and this is modern-day prophecy (you can take it to the bank ;-P ), in the future there will be another set of people who will be the most powerful force on Earth, and the God of that day will be for that group of people above all others. That's just how God rolls!!

Oh, but your question regarding saving all animals too...that's just plain silliness! After all, a human figure can't die for animals! It had to be an animal figure! What do you think the Easter Bunny was for!?!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyLQIKl97Es&feature=relmfu



Disclaimer: for anyone who didn't get it, this was all said with tongue in cheek.

I showed the video to my cat and she repented on the spot! Thank you so much!

Thanks Ace, I enjoyed the little cartoon. I would have missed it had you not brought my attention to this thread.

By the way, God did bless America. All of it's woos are brought on by the ungodly who have raised up not knowing Him. Because of it, greed has taken over and is striping it of its wealth and prosperity.

Linda...... learn to do RESEARCH! In 1925-1935 there was only a 5% increase in church go-ers. the dominate form of religion was Protestant however, so maybe having just that tiny bit more restoring their faith put us in god's favor again! But it's very doubtful. It's not like WWII sparked the demand for supplies giving everyone jobs and restoring the economy. If you're right, then god sent Hitler to "bless" America Take it out. The founding fathers didn't put it in and doesn't belong in a freedom of and freedom FROM religion nation.

Linda, The US has a GDP of 15 billion, 3 times the size of communist china, which is the second largest economy in the world (next to america). We are currently in a recovery, by which i mean our real GDP is increasing, so this idea of striping us of wealth is irrational.

How can you say that all the bad things are where god is punishing the US for its misdeeds? There is no basis for that argument.

Bad things happen, its absurd to try and say, oh its a sign from god that he is angry.

Kroli,

This web site is a debate about God! Trust me, long before this site was built, I did my research. I have spent more time studying the word of God then you have, studying all you're worldly issues. My response came from the knowledge that I received from my studying. So, maybe its you who needs to do some research.

As for your comment about Hitler, who knows, you might be right.

To you and to Josh, I never said that God did anything. I simply said that without him, we have gone down hill. You need to re read what I said and then tell me where I said anything about God punishing us.