God Bless Canada - Rev Harper

So what is the deal with Stephen Harper using the phrase: “God bless Canada” at the end of his speeches?

A few folks are worried this is a signal that theocratic tendencies, the specter of an American style “Religious Right”,  has been exported north of the 49th parallel.  There are really two streams to this concern.

First, the language mimics that of GWB and the Republican party.  Somehow the phrase “God bless country X”  has become the domain of the American right.  It is (in some circles) not possible to ask God’s blessing on a country without A] making reference to American politics; and B] implying that one is thereby asking God to bless country X at the expense of all other countries.

Secondly, there is the concern that although Harper did not campaign on what are considered the hot issues of the American right (most notably abortion), it is perhaps thought that Harper is pulling the old bait and switch:  play them soft this time around, hoping for a majority in the future, and then WHAM – hit Canada with a right wing social policy.

Okay, although I don’t think Harper is “Bush-Lite”, and I don’t think he is using the God Bless phrase as a secret signal to his allies, I can see that folks will make a common association.

Perhaps Harper could rework his tag line:

Short form: – for local speeches, in house meetings, and the beer tent at the Calgary Stampede:

“God bless us, every one” (with apologies to Charles Dickens).

Long Form:  for use with Rex Murphy on Cross-Country Check Up, and other occasions of national significance, Speeches from the Throne, etc:

“May the object or entity referred to in the preamble to the Charter as being the God under whose supremacy  common recognition of humanity is made possible and so guarantees the remainder of the rights in 2.a ff of the Constitution Act, due to the self limiting nature of an acknowledgement of any form of authority higher than that of the modern nation-state, bless Canada.”

Comments

[Bene D]

My first thought wasn't US religious right, theocraticy here we come. It was damn, he's sticking it to the losers!

Pray for me.:^)

[Joseph]

Bene, I've always found your stuff rather thought provoking; I'm a long time lurker on your site. I think I commented once many months ago on something. I hoped that a few of my friends would find their way to your blog. And it looks like at least one has gotten into some conversation there. (Hi Tim) I find as well that "conversation and dialogue" is one of the things that blogs can foster.

And some of the local talk (here in Edmonton) has been concerned about the "religious right", so I think (unclearly) I was also looking at some local reaction.

I think the whole gloating thing is one of our great temptations. It may be that "sticking it to the losers" is just such a temptation to all of us. It creeps up pretty fast, and I've seen it more than once in my own circles - the various debates and controversies in the Anglican world. We have not stopped arguing over which of us is the greatest disciple.

We could all use a bit more mercy, and a careful re-reading of what others have to say. My brain (not to mention my heart) is far too small, far too often.

I'll pray for you - please return the favour!

[Bene D]

Glad we connected! Blogs can foster good discussion and dialogue and it was nice of Stephen Harper to give us the opportunity.

It is up to God to judge intent. That is a tough one. We humans get a fair amount of exercise jumping to conclusions and questioning motive, no one in my offline life has even mentioned it. I'm very glad you took the leap from lurking to commenting.:^)

Watching election night speeches in front of the home town crowd is interesting. I wondered the first time Mr. Harper said God bless Canada if he was taking it for a test drive.

No matter. The transition is happening quickly, there is work to be done and our public servants need our prayers.

I'm honoured to return the favour.
Blog on!