“For the LORD your God is a God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore…” Deuteronomy 10.17-19

We often hear it said that America is a nation of immigrants, and this certainly is so. Even the native populations, who have largely been displaced by immigrants from Europe and elsewhere, originally journeyed to the “new world” from their homes in Asia.

Immigrants have always been a feature of the American landscape, and we may expect that this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

What does this tell us about America?

At the very least it indicates that this nation is, and always has been, a desirable place. Its wealth of resources, beautiful and expansive lands, and abundance of opportunities have appealed to people from all over the globe. No other nation in history has captured the thrall and hopes of people from so many different parts of the world. The continuing press of immigrants to this country should serve as a reminder to Americans that, of all the nations of the world, our country has been most abundantly and lavishly blessed of God.

This observation did not escape the notice of previous generations of Americans as they reflected on the goodness of God to this country, and even today a kind of nostalgia of gratitude is in evidence. We see more flags flying outside private homes. Bumper stickers and T-shirts celebrate the greatness of America. “God Bless America” has replaced “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at many American ballparks as the favorite to be sung during the seventh-inning stretch (the Cubs still hold out for the old ways).

But is this a sincere expression of gratitude, however primitive may be the understanding of “God” on the part of those who fly their flag, brandish their T-shirt, or join in the singing? Or is it simply a post-9/11 tipping of our hats to Someone few of us otherwise take seriously? And if the latter, how long can we expect it to continue?

T. M. Moore

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