God belongs in O Canada lyrics
Re: “O Canada needs one more revision,” Letter, Feb 7. Letter writer Rork Hilford wishes to remove God from our national anthem and replace it with the word “please.”
His proposal shows a lack of understanding about Canada’s heritage.
Faith in God is woven into the fabric of our country.
The Charter opens with the phrase: “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law…”
Many oaths of office express our allegiance to God.
I attended the swearingin ceremony for a judge last week. I was pleased to note that both the oath of office and the oath of allegiance end with the phrase, “so help me God.”
In context, inserting the word “please” into O Canada would mean that we would be praying to the country itself rather than to God.
The country cannot possibly keep itself glorious and free. Such wording is (at best) illogical thinking and (at worst) idolatry.
Neither of these sentiments has any place in our anthem.
Philip E. Carr, Calgary
Anthem reflects all that we enjoy
I have to laugh when someone gets twisted over the use of “God” in our so-called “progressive society.”
OMG is used constantly. Or, “Dear God, get me out of this mess and I’ll never be so stupid again.” Or, “thank God, that could’ve been me.”
I’m assuming the overly sensitive will be appealing to the prime minister to update our language laws so we can all lead a long, sheltered and peaceful life without being downtrodden by this offensive language.
Anyone who believes that changing a few words in our anthem will make you more or less of a human being (sorry, people-being) in this country is remarkably shallow. And if it does change your perspective, far bigger issues are at play.
Count yourself lucky that you live in the best country in the world, a country that provides you with everything you need or want.
There is no intent in the wording of our national anthem to diminish you or anyone else. The only offence is in those who look for it.
Our anthem is a reflection of everything we enjoy, and for that, you should thank God. Paul Baumberg,
Dead Man’s Flats
All Christians need to speak up
Canada is my home and I am very blessed to be a Canadian. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
O Canada, my country’s national anthem, gets changed from “sons” to “us.” Really?
Now, someone in their infinite wisdom wants to remove God from it.
I guess we have offended him. Guess what?
I am offended.
I am a Christian and offended by others who have removed prayers from schools and now suggest reference to God be removed from the anthem. What’s next?
Come on Christians, let your voices be heard.
Stand up for God. Enough already.
Margaret Bryant, Calgary