America

Over the years people have wanted to change the national anthem because of the violence in the lyrics but recently a third verse which few ever heard was challenged as being pro-slavery. Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave Perhaps other patriotic songs should be looked at, for example, America the Beautiful where in the first verse we have: America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! Some feel that there is a lack of brotherhood in the country. Stars and Stripes Forever sounds a lot like America First. Then there is my all-time favorite The Battle Hymn of the Republic which depicts the Lord as pro-war and speaks of Christ. This may be offensive to non-Christians. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free! While God is marching on. Is it time for these songs to go the way of statues of past presidents who were slave owners? Let’s hope not!