McGod Bless America

Jonathan Rauch | June 26, 1999

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In 1999, no important public figure, and hardly any unimportant one, bothers to talk or write that way about religion. What would be the point? Outside of a loud but small claque that concerns itself mainly with abortion and homosexuality, people leave God at home or in church. Mainstream America is becoming like Japan, which is at once the most devotional and godless of countries. Temples and shrines are everywhere, even in homes, but the Japanese pay their respects, not out of religious zeal or belief in a living God, but as a way to touch base with tradition, to connect with community, to honor elders.

When Al Gore declares that he lives to glorify God, he means to pluck those same innocuous chords. If anyone really thought that Gore's faith would dictate his policies, his presidential prospects would be as bright as Gary Bauer's. When the House can muster the votes for the Ten Commandments, that is a sign not of piety's strength but of its denaturement.

We atheists, in fact, have cause to rejoice. Americans have struck a balance that, in the best-of-both-worlds department, beats even JFK's Harvard education with a Yale degree: In public life, God's name is ubiquitous but his influence is nil.

So say it often, Brother Gore. Say it loud: God bless you! And God bless the United States of America!

What the heck: God bless Cincinnati!