Mrr - you bring up a point that I tried to address in the thread on America the Beautiful (click). Both are beautiful songs, songs that seem quite appropriate at this time. However, both make mention of God. If we sing them, does this exclude Americans who do not believe in God? Is it possible for nonbelievers to sing these songs and suspend their disbelief, sharing the sentiment without sharing the belief? Religious belief is pervasive in our culture and language - if we are to be inclusive, must we cleanse ourselves of mention of religious belief? Or, perhaps, is there another way, a way that would not involve cleansing our culture of what has gone before us?
What's the solution?
-Joe Offer-