80s, I'm aware that this has probably been discussed on this board before. I have been out of the country until rather recently so it's something I missed. So, I'm sorry for resurrecting an old discussion. I really am curious to hear your point of view because I respect what you have to say.
Do I want God's blessing? Of course. That's not the point. I want to know why we as a NATION, as a collective whole, feel we should have God's blessing. In my opinion, his "blessing" is akin to his "stamp of approval". And that brings me back to my original concern...that in the case of a war, each side always wants to feel that their side is "God's side". Of course we want to believe that. But when we're trying to maintain that we are not involved in a "holy war" it seems somewhat hypocritical to state that and then with the other breath invoke God's blessing upon our actions. The antithesis of "God is for us" would naturally be "God is against our enemies." And I guess that's what makes me uneasy.
Regarding the nation of Israel, they received specific promises from God in the Old Testament regarding their nation. It makes me uncomfortable to hear pastors quote OT scripture dealing with promises given to the nation of Israel and then apply it to America. It was written to a specific group of people in a particular point in history. Why do we feel that we can now lay claim to those promises? What gives us the right?
And yes, it bothers me that it is now trendy and hip to pray. Am I in favor of prayer? By all means, definitely! But after 22 years of being enveloped in the Christian community, I'm well aware that most of our prayers (mine included) aren't motivated by altruistic concerns but by a desire to gain something for nothing. And this is something that has caused me to distance myself from the church at this point in time. Because I see myself and I know my heart and I cannot in good conscience sing hymns with words that tell how much I love God and want his will, when I know that within my heart it is not truly the case. Hypocrisy is bad enough but in oneself it is self-deception and to me that is one of the saddest things of all. But I digress.
God isn't a force to be manipulated and coerced. I think it demeans him when we use his name as if that is the case. Asking his blessing, in my mind, brings with it some pretty heavy responsibilities. If we truly want him to be on "our side" it would follow that as a result we have a part in that agreement to be on "his side." And what will he require of us? Are we then willing to carry out our side of the bargain when it goes against our desires?
*sigh*
I guess I have a lot of questions. Again, let me reiterate that I'm not trying to be a smart-aleck, and I am by no means someone that hates our country and looks for every chance to criticize it. I am grateful to be an American, but as a citizen, I am concerned for not only its immediate welfare but its long-term direction. When the world looks at us, what will they see? We already have a reputation for being pompous and arrogant, and I think there are some pretty valid reasons for that, but can we show that we can change? Or will we reinforce the stereotypes that are already present?
I guess that's what prompted my question. Again, I appreciate your responses and opinions.
-sula