In 1940 Woody Guthrie was tired of hearing Kate Smith sing “God Bless America”, so he wrote “This Land Is Your Land.” He recorded it four years later. It has become one of our more famous folk songs. But, other than Mr. Guthrie, who said this land is our land? Was it really Manifest Destiny or “might makes right”? What about the few million people who lived here before Columbus? The history of the world has always been that of the conquerer and the conquered. How would we feel if at a Fourth of July concert a citizen of the Mohawk nation walked to the microphone and sang “This Land Is My Land”?
We like the word conquer. Somehow it isn’t as harsh as “took.” The children of Israel conquered Canaan. My very first issue with this came to me in Sabbath School when I was about 12. How was it that only 40 years prior God told the Israelites killing and stealing was wrong? Did that only apply among the 12 tribes or was that universal? How was it that the materials used for the building of the temple were offerings and plunder? I understand they believed God told them to take the “Promised Land” but most every war is fought by two sides who believe God is on their side. Just read the history of our own Civil War.
I am not trying to stir up controversy and don’t seek responses. I am just thinking about our history as a nation and as a human. It has been a bloody road to where we are. I am so pleased that Jesus was not the leader of any armed group. He really was the Prince of Peace.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 26, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org