In 1957 John Diefenbaker took a minority conservative government and turned it into a majority government.
Dear Mr. Harper:
You are going to be our next Prime Minister. You are young, you are ambitious and you pulled off a good campaign with a tough party.
It will be good to have children at 24 Sussex Drive. It will be good to have change. I have no problem with grand promises, the tail has to wag the dog.
Mr. Harper, please don’t make God bless Canada a slogan. I don’t know if that is a personal signature, a nod to our friends in the south or an acknowledgement of those who built this country. I can’t tell when you say it. I cannot tell, and that gives me pause.
I can stand beside a Hindu, a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist and sing God keep our land. When I hear dominion, I know that is from a bible verse about Him having dominion from sea to sea. Of course He does and we are a blessed country.
It’s a given. Keep your faith, and seek Him often. But please, don’t make God your servant or ours. Please don’t use God to pander.
This country needs to go forward. We’ve elected a fragile government. Hundreds of Canadians lost their jobs today. Power has shifted to the west. Calgarians listened politely to reconciliatory words in French.  God sets kings on thrones at will and disposes of them at will. His rain falls on the just and the unjust. He knew you when you were being formed. You are created in his image. Many, many people tread the halls in Ottawa of all political ideologies that would pray; God. Bless Canada.Â
It is a holy thing, not the tag at the end of a speech.
Please don’t try to use God, let Him use you.
What is wrong with saying God bless Canada?What is wrong with promoting Faith by the leadership of the country? I see no problem with this. Can’t God use Harper by having the slogan be God bless Canada? Who are you to say it is pandering if it truly isn’t from his heart? Also, how does one determine if it is pandering or not? If you are saying to one group, I don’t see it if one says God bless Canada. Also, I would think atheists would be happy to be blessed even if they don’t believe in God. I’m really sick and tired of PC these days and I wish it would stop so Harper can do his job. (Not that this is his only job but I do feel it is important)
Well said.
Extremely well put, Bene.
Actually, as I read it, the words that came out of my mouth were a fervent, “Amen, Bene!” *chuckle*
dh – Its interesting that you used the term PC. I take it that you’re using the acronymn to mean “Political Correctness”. While I understand what is meant by the term, I’d like to suggest that being correct in his political life is exactly what the Right Hon. Mr. Stephen Harper is going to need… especially in a minority government.
I think there are very few people that would be upset that Mr. Harper is a man of faith – more, though not too many, that he seems to be a man from the more conservative theological Christian traditions. I hope that he is able to keep whatever prayer-life he has, as the weight of the mantle of responsibility given to him by his party and the people of Canada settles onto his shoulders.
And, even though he and I come from different ideologies – both political and faith-based – I will be lifting him in prayer each and every day, asking simply that God be present in Mr. Harper’s life in a way that would offer the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Mary, and the compassion of Christ to him.
But, I also have to agree with Bene. As a private citizen, I can turn to another and say, “God bless Canada”… and mean it is a prayer. But, when I accept public office, my voice becomes less my own. I may mean it as a prayer, but it can – and will – be heard as *policy*.
As theodicy.
One final point… if someone who was an ecclectic Wiccan was elected as Prime Minister… how comfortable would you be if s/he finished his or her speeches with, “Brigid Bless”?
Blessings and peace – Richard
Bene…
Would you please correct my spelling of Mr. Harper’s name in my comment above? It happens every time I type it. (I’ve got a friend from university who was always called by his last name… you got it… “Harpur”.)
Thank you very, very, very much.
b/p – Richard
Not a problem – I do it to. Fixed.
THANK YOU! I’m already wary of hearing “God Bless Canada” — for many of the implications you write about, above. (and this is coming from an ex-pat American)
I guess I’m tired of everyone being weary of God Bless Canada when it is something we all should be excited about. I think in public we need to be more letting people know how important our Faith is rather than put it in a lower perspective. This is why I’m weary of political correctness. Who is to say something is “politically correct” is correct? There is a difference between Brigid bless and God bless. To say they are the equivilent or imply that is ridiculous. I’ll refer to my previous response on that one. I personally have no problem with God Bless Canada as a policy. Especially in light of the Great Commission. It just seems wierd to me that we can say all of the secular things but when it comes to Christian things we must walk on pins and needles. I personally feel if Stephen Harper said God bless Canada he WOULD BE correct politically for like you said the majority of people would not have a problem with him being a man of Faith. If they have no problem with him being a man of Faith then why not be willing to hear something that is a total benefit to Canada and that is positive? It seems weird to think something that is positive and present it in a negative light as God Bless Canada.
“There is a difference between Brigid bless and God bless. To say they are the equivilent or imply that is ridiculous.”
I’m sorry, dh… but I cannot see how that is ridiculous. Each is calling on their god (or their expression of the Divine, depending on how you would like to word it) for a blessing.
Expansion on why you don’t agree would be much appreciated.
“I personally have no problem with God Bless Canada as a policy. Especially in light of the Great Commission. ”
Ok… but would you have problem with “God Bless Canada” as a policy, if it was being spoken out of a tradition other than Christianity?
Blessings and peace – Richard
*LOL*
I just came off of two weeks of immersing myself in systematic theology… and its showing.
I meant theocracy not theodicy.
Words. They’re going to be the death of me. *grin*
b/p – Richard B.
I don’t know who you think we are DH, we are regionally fractured, and we have not lived up to our G8 promises to show mercy and generousity to other countries. We fail to care for our own. We are far behind in our stewardship of the land, air and sea.
I know you hear God Bless America so much you’d be shocked if you didn’t hear it.
Did you watch Mr. Harper’s speech?
Jesus said go, teach all nations, baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe what I have commanded you.
He said that to his disciples. This isn’t about political correctness or negativity.
God Bless Canada in a speech has nothing to do with a Golden Rule or the Great Commission. Mr. Harper has a party to lead, and soon a House to work with from the other side of the aisle.
Jesus did not say, when your political party is in an election say God Bless Canada country wide and potentially world wide so those disciples will feel good about you.
I find it rather ironic (though the explanation is beyond my expertise) that our Charter of Rights has the word “God” written into it, yet we might find it difficult that a public official would use the same language at the end of a national speech.
Had Mr. Harper, in a public context, ended with “in Jesus’ name”, that would be a different story. I’m sure that personally he had the option, but his language was that of our current Charter.
I don’t agree because we are talking about God bless we aren’t talking about people saying Brigid bless. Doesthat make sense? I’m only addressing God bless. My question is if you want God to use us then what is the problem to include with that God Bless Canada. Can’t it be both a prayer AND a policy? ” don’t know if that is a personal signature, a nod to our friends in the south or an acknowledgement of those who built this country.” For me if it is all three that is fine with me. They are all important the most important being #1 and #3. If it happens to be a sign of support for the South then so be it. We all want the US AND Canada to blessed by God.
Like the song says “Go tell it on the mountain……that Jesus Christ is Lord.” I’m not suggesting in public say use Jesus but if part of being a Believer in God is to tell it then why get bent out of shape when people are doing the exact thing they should be doing as part of their belief?
How God bless Canada is said and the attitude? that is another story and I agree. But I have no problem with the term or saying it in general. Does that make sense?
Simple question John.
What was Mr. Harper’s motive?
I do not know, do you?
God is in the Charter, God is in the national anthem and in the anthem for the Queen.
God is invoked in public ceremony with reverence, awe and right respect. He is publicly, earnestly and devoutly invoked when we bury our military and our leaders.
The Charter gives Mr. Harper and the rest of Canada:
- freedom of conscience and religion
- freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
- freedom of peaceful assembly; and
- freedom of association.
I did not say he violated the Charter, because he did not.
Yes DH it makes a great deal of sense.
Again I ask, did you hear Mr. Harpers speech?
Can you tell me how often he uses the phrase in speeches when he is seeking office?
dh…
I guess what I’m trying to say is that hearing “God Bless Canada” from a Prime Minister who is Christian has the same dissonance to (some/many?) non-Christians as hearing a Prime Minister who is Wiccan saying “Brigid Bless Canada” would have to (some/many?) Christians. (Though, to be honest, I don’t know many people who follow the Wiccan path who would finish a speech in that manner. *grin*)
My comments to this post started with me wondering about the internal consistency of your comment… and now its got me thinking about my own. *LOL*
If I am uncomfortable with Mr. Harper calling for such a blessing, then I should be equally uncomfortable with a Canadian Prime Minister of any other faith tradition doing the same thing… and vice versa.
If I am comfortable with Mr. Harper calling for such a blessing, then I should be equally comfortable with a Canadian Prime Minister of any other faith tradition doing the same thing… and vice versa.
Interesting stuff.
Thanks for making me think about it, dh.
b/p – Richard
I think there is a different between comfort and the right to say the term. So Bene, while I agree to a point with the consistency I disagree to a point as well. When I hear another Faith say bless us I’m definitely going to be uncomfortable with it and I will probably say something about it but I won’t say they shouldn’t say it. I don’t feel as Believers we don’t necessarily have to be consistent in our comfort if we truly believe that “I am the way the truth and the life….but through Me.” However, we can be consistent with the right to say it. I will never be comfortable but I’m not going to follow the ACLU lead and say they don’t have a right. Does that make sense? I think that is the problem with the ACLU they say that being comfortable is a right. I say it isn’t. When I take out the trash I’m sure not comfortable but I wouldn’t say I have a right to make my house a trash pit as evident of cities condemning property. Does that make sense?
You are definitely making sense, dh.
And, you’re right, I shouldn’t have used “comfortable/uncomfortable”… rather “prepared to accept their ability to say/not prepared to accept their ability to say”.
b/p – Richard
DH: This is not about the ACLU or my comfort or whether Mr Harper, Richard, Joseph, Becky, Shannon or I have rights. I give up.
If it isn’t because of rights or comfort, then why do you have a problem with the PM saying god bless Canada? It appears it was due to comfort that you were against the PM saying God bless Canada. Maybe it is the sicerity of the PM on the blessing. However, King Cyrus gave a policy statement that is in the Bible of his blessing toward the Jews or Nebechadnezer and his policy of blessing for the Jews as well. It appears the Bible has alot to say on the subject of Blessing and how leaders of nations can respond positivily with regard to these issues.
Richard, wow you and I came full circle on this issue. It is encourageing that two people who are fairly different can come to some mutual understanding. That is why I enjoy your blog and even Bene’s so much. You guys are generous in letting vistors speak and allow for things to come full circle rather than other sites where they get stubborn even though I know deep down there is some level of agreement. Us three are able to identify where there is agreement and where there is disagreement and in a positive way. I’m the type of person that want to go beyond what we agree and disagree onto why and how we disagree and agree and at the same time identify the disagreements and agreements. You guys are great and I appreciate you two.
Stephen Harper is leader of the Conservative Party, and Prime Minister designate.:^)
The Rt. Honorable Paul Martin is still PM.
The Rt. Honorable Steven Harper will be the Canadian PM when he is sworn in by the Governor General a few weeks as the transition and opening of parliament takes place.
The Canadian Prime Minister is not head of state.
He/she is head of government, the Queen represented by the GG is head of state.
and God is over the Queen and ultimate head above the head of state. :^) Just having fun. Thanks for the info. With this new understanding on my part can you still answer my post #19 regarding Harper’s saying God bless Canada?
Motive.
Did Cyrus and Nebachadnezzer have proper motive in their blessings of the Jewish people mentioned in the Bible? Just because the motive might be wrong (and I’m not saying his is that) doesn’t mean that the statement shouldn’t be promoted or said.
I will tell you why I am uncomfortable with the phrase ‘God bless Canada’ coming out of the mouth of our civil leaders. It is because I hear ‘God bless America’ used so often in the context of war against the enemies of America. God is then reduced to a tribal deity who is on our side and is being invoked to blast our enemies.
Granted, I doubt very much whether that was in Mr. Harper’s mind last night. But I believe the use of the phrase will set off alarm bells nonetheless, and he needs to be careful about that.
The president of our neighbour country to the south needs to reflect that we Christians are commanded to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us. Perhaps he might consider asking God to extend his blessing beyond the borders of America. I think there would be New Testament justification for that.
My two cents’ worth
Tim
dh – Thanks for the compliment. I’ve always found discussion – and healthy debate – vital to both my political and my faith-life. (Thomas is my disciple of choice. *grin* Well, Peter, too. I mean, neither of them worried about asking questions, or looking foolish.)
My “sticking point” is – in a multi-faith society – whether or not the head of a government (or designate head *nod to Bene*) should ever make public appeal to the god of their faith.
There are a number of faith traditions – including the one that you and I share as disciples of Jesus – that can be interpreted to have a kind of imperialism built into their structure. I get the feeling that that’s part of what Tim is talking about.
Over the last twenty years, the denomination through which I serve God has made and repeated apology, in word and in action, to the peoples of the First Nations of Canada – for our part in the residential school system… and for our part in doing what we could to take away their culture and their faith.
Reading the writing of the time, it was done with the best of intentions… but it still worked to destroy people. Even more sadly, we did it in the name of Jesus Christ.
I hope, when leaders say things like “God bless Canada”, or in the case of our neighbours to the south, Mr. Bush says, “God bless America”, that they remember Jesus’ response to Pilate.
My fear is that they don’t… or might not, at least.
What I hear Bene saying is a bit different. (Bene, please feel free to correct me if what I’m saying is putting words in your mouth.) When Bene heard the phrase, “God bless Canada”, part of what he wondered was, “Is Mr. Harper praying… or is he using God’s name as a way of making political points?” I think I hear Bene saying, “If its the former… well… ok.”, but if its the latter, one might consider it breaking the commandment that says, “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Bene, if I’m reading too much into your post, whap me!
Blessings and peace (to all here, and to Mr. Harper, as well *grin*) – Richard B.
Tim – I think you have hit on the unspoken assumption (and fear) – that Harper’s use of the phrase conjures up images of a Republican menace south of the border. It is too bad that a phrase has been “hijacked” and its use is now tainted with a particular association. We have two choices: abandon the phrase or redeem it.
Is Harper attempting to use God as a lever for his policy views? I don’t think we can judge that yet, on the basis of one election night speech.
Time will tell whether the phrase was a plea for help, a handshake to the “religious right” in the south, or the beginning of a slow movement to a certain kind of social policy.
Interesting thoughts all around.
I haven’t been able to count the times Harper has used God Bless Canada on this election stump.
Media coverage of this began January 13th.
I put “Stephen Harper God Bless Canada” in Google News Canada . Tracked it back to the first mention in the Globe and Mail. 50 references later…
It’s his election speech tag line, his ‘hook’, his personal slogan.
Tim, is it true love to have people be tortured under an evil regime when that regime can be destroyed? How about in the OT when the Jewish people were told to get rid of the ites? I have no problem with it because it is a good phrase in any light. Also, when leaders say God bless a nation they are not thinking particular denominations. Personally this implied seperatation of church and state must stop. When looking at Jesus’s response to Pilate was before His statement on the Great Commission. Richard and Tim. I just don’t understand limiting phrases that help society and allowing for others that don’t help society. It seems strange to me.
Uh – have you heard of Guantanamo Bay?
Yes and it is a legitamate place where terrorists and people who have killed innocent people have gone to.
Also, what does that have to do with Bene’s post. I’m sure he appreciates us staying on the subject matter of the post.
“When looking at Jesus’s response to Pilate was before His statement on the Great Commission.”
I’m sorry, dh, I’m not understanding what you’re saying. Can you elaborate on your statement for me? Thanks!
b/p – Richard B.
What I was saying is that I disgaree with your conclusion regarding Jesus’s response or lack of response to Pilate. It was implied that we should respond accordingly when that is not the case in every instance. Does that make sense?
‘Yes and it is a legitamate place where terrorists and people who have killed innocent people have gone to’.
But I’ll bet that the pilots who killed seventeen innocent people in the botched US missile attack in Afghanistan won’t be going there. Any idea how many innocent people died in the ‘shock and awe’ bombing that preceded the US invasion? Are their killers also in Guantanamo Bay?
With regard to your earlier post justifying the US invasion of Iraq on the grounds that God commanded the Israelites to kill the Canaanites when Joshua led them into the promised land – the actual instruction was to leave nothing alive – men, women, children, the lot. Would you then see God’s command to Joshua as giving modern Christian generals biblical authority to commit such acts of wholesale slaughter on entire populations? If not, why not? That’s what the text says. But if you can’t use the text to justify genocide, then you certainly can’t use it to justify just war.
My observation is that you are allowing the authority of the Old Testament to supersede the authority of Jesus who commanded us to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us. To me that is an unacceptable choice for a follower of Jesus.
I’m not letting anything dictate anything. Whan Jesus says “I have come not to do away with the Law but to fulfill it” I believe it. The fact of the matter is that more peoples lives were saved than otherwise. So we should have Saddam in power continuing to torture and kill innocent people let alone the having no freedom to think and act differently than Saddam. Also, how many people who would have killed more people were taken away? “But if you can’t use the text to justify genocide, then you certainly can’t use it to justify just war.” Sorry, I don’t buy it. Also, Jesus never ever mentions anything for or against war. In fact Jesus predicts that there would be wars and rumors of wars in the future until He comes back. Could we say that if we did what you would have done (or not done) that that would be justifying genocide when Saddam would have continued his genocide let alone Al Quida and that the actions of the US prevented genocide at the hands of Saddam? Did Jesus ever make those statements regarding enemies to governmental leaders and weren’t those messages to the masses and the individuals that were there? I’m not placing OT over Jesus but understand that every Scripture is in light of other Scipture. Scripture in light of Scripture.
Sorry, Bene I got drug into another sidebar that is off topic from the post. As you know I didn’t start this but I just couldn’t leave the guy hanging on this one. I’m sure you’ll understand.
Profuse apologies from ‘the guy’, who will now resolve to stay on topic!
Tim, I wasn’t trying to be harsh on the “off topic”. You and I may disagree on many issues but, I think you and I can work together and make future discussions rewarding and fulfilling.
And I wasn’t being sarcastic either. My apology was genuine.
Shalom.
Tim
The Honorable Steven Harper,Prime Minister of Canada.
Congratulations Prime Minister Harper:
Sir,
I voted for a Conservative government for the first time in my life.I did so in support of YOU!I have always voted Liberal, and my father before me.It was not an easy thing to do but,I honestly felt that I could no longer support a liberal government and face myself in the mirror!
I now await your leadership with some reservations.Will you listen to the people of Canada as few politicians have done in the past? Will you treat all canadians as equals, regardless of their social status,geographical location,or religious beliefs? Will you honor our inherent right to free speech,medical care,employment,and housing? Will you work to revamp our immigration laws,and our justice system? Will you ensure our saftey in our streets, and deal with criminals in a manner that conveys a message of zero tolerance for crime and disrepect for our laws?Will you insist that our courts administer the laws of Canada in a fair and repectful way?
Canada has been allowed to become a haven for criminals and terrorists all in the name of freedom and human rights under the liberals.They chose to trade purpose and power for politics and fiscal chaos, with limited direction and thought.
All canadians look to your government with hope and some trepidation.Give us back the Canada that we once had.Give us back the respect as country we once held, and the co-operation of neighbours and allies.
I for one await the results.Will you disappoint me and the other canadians who supported you? I sincerely hope not.Again,congratulation to you and your government.May you become a high point in our history!Show us all what you can do!!!
Sincerely,
A.J.Hurrie
British Columbia,Canada
For some odd reason this conversation didn’t show up on the sidebar, in the template or in the inbox from January 24th to today.
Glad to see ‘you guys’ worked it out.:^)
Well, Harper’s “God Bless Canada” and his stand as an evangelical has taken quite a beating the past few days. His ethics have been called into question by the appointment of his campaign co-chair to the Senate and by Emerson’s defection and betrayal of his riding to accept an appointment as Minister. His Justice Minister has a previous conviction under Manitoba’s Election Finances Act and his Defense Minister is a former defense lobbyist.
I guess evangelical and honesty and integrity are not synonymous. Harper rationalized all the appointments, none of which were illegal, just questionable. The average Canadian is not happy. The high level business Canadians are quite happy.
Frankly, we have reason to be concerned. Several of Mike Harris’s cronies are part of his team as well. It’s a complicated issue, not necessarily black and white, but nonethessless, worrisome. His attempt to buy off Canadian families with the child tax benefit isn’t cutting it with this voter.
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