The idea of a nation having a soul speaks to the tradition of civil religion, a healthy way to use America's Christian culture, as opposed to nationalism. I try to parse the difference in my own Substack post today: https://nickcoccoma.substack.com/p/american-nations-part-vii
A good history lesson and the idea of 2 ways to think about the "soul," and its ramifications for our polity, was insightful. But, I am afraid the idea that soul is everywhere just won't get traction with most of our population. We - as a nation - are hyperindividualist. As you said, President Obama's alternative vision was just not taken up - too complex, too nuanced. I am afraid the white nationalist, "Christians," have already won. Sad.
Thank you so much. Diana! As a nation we need a "New Vision!" For without a vision(clear) and knowledge, our people will perish. (A scripture engraved on the old court building in Camden, New Jersey that I remember from my youth.) As a nation and personally, we must redefine our visions clearly and with great wisdom, knowledge and discernment.
coming in late with a comment. thank you for this. this week I read a post on instagram by Ayisha Siddiqa regarding Pakistan and the soul of that land and the connection to its people. It ties in with your piece here and is worth a read. I don't know how to post it but you can find it here. https://www.instagram.com/ayisha_sid/?hl=en
In a way, what you are referring to as soul is similar to what Christ says in Luke 12:27, "consider the lillies." There is SO much in the world around us that points to God and reflects Him. I think that one area that modern, or perhaps all of, evangelicalism has fallen short in is stressing the presence of God in everything, not just in humanity. I understand the desire to ensure that pantheism isn't preached but we have essentially thrown the baby out with the bath water in hyper-focusing on man being made in God's image (which we are) and almost completely ignoring the natural theology that God has instilled within all of Creation. The awe and wonder that you experience when you see a waterfall, an open field, and so on, is SOMETHING and that SOMETHING is God. God is present in all things because He created all things. We are surrounded by tastes and reminders of Him, but instead we think selfishly of our own uniqueness as humans rather than understanding the responsibility and awareness that come with being Imago Dei.
Sorry for the rant, I hope that made sense. Thanks for the post!
Reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” and taking away the idea that the first peoples on the North American continent took thousands of years to learn the spirit of their new homeland and how to honor and care for it. We colonists of the last few centuries need to stop viewing this land as something to be exploited and learn from the first peoples how to honor and care for it.
Thanks for the history/theology! I'm uncomfortable with 'soul' and it's roots in Greek thought. Especially when it comes to the 'soul of the nation'. What came to mind for me was Walter Wink's work with the Powers, especially 'angels'. What might the 'angel' of America be? Are there two (or maybe more) 'American' angels wrestling for the country's future?
"Soul" is a metaphor. that means it is and is not at the same time. which means its use does not follow "logical" rules. it is a very powerful idea, that individuals or nations have a soul. just don't literalize it and ask its dimensions, when and how it came to be. we experience our lives, as if we and the nation had a soul. that is important. and enough.
First it is good to be back on line ! and to read your posts and thank you for sharing President Biden's Speech as well as your powerful reflection. My own reflection is that not all battles are guns and killing and it is necessary to remind people that they should define their meaning when using a word. Our contribution as Christians is to speak out about soul and care for soul of our own, others, and the nation. Huge calling for us all. Both you and Biden give us/me guidelines to standup against Mega's and love and educate at the same time. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts and helps Diana. Been in Georgia a week! Learning a new culture and listening! Peace and Blessings!
Good article. However I wish the concept of God and soul had extended far enough. Too much Christian theology too frequently limits God to descriptions reflecting the human image while ignoring the much richer and larger biblical image of God which includes the non-human. I reference for instance the whirlwind/pillar of fire during the Exodus and burning bush of Moses. Making God too small is often the sticking point in understanding both the Divine and our own reflection of the Divine, and also our soul. Acknowledging God to be larger than merely human puts a clearer perspective into any discussion. That acknowledgement does not decrease the value of Christ Jesus, but simply acknowledges Him as the human form of the Divine.
The idea of a nation having a soul speaks to the tradition of civil religion, a healthy way to use America's Christian culture, as opposed to nationalism. I try to parse the difference in my own Substack post today: https://nickcoccoma.substack.com/p/american-nations-part-vii
Interesting piece - thanks
A good history lesson and the idea of 2 ways to think about the "soul," and its ramifications for our polity, was insightful. But, I am afraid the idea that soul is everywhere just won't get traction with most of our population. We - as a nation - are hyperindividualist. As you said, President Obama's alternative vision was just not taken up - too complex, too nuanced. I am afraid the white nationalist, "Christians," have already won. Sad.
So touched and challenged by the nation soul question, It made me stop and contemplate! thank you so so much
Thank you so much. Diana! As a nation we need a "New Vision!" For without a vision(clear) and knowledge, our people will perish. (A scripture engraved on the old court building in Camden, New Jersey that I remember from my youth.) As a nation and personally, we must redefine our visions clearly and with great wisdom, knowledge and discernment.
coming in late with a comment. thank you for this. this week I read a post on instagram by Ayisha Siddiqa regarding Pakistan and the soul of that land and the connection to its people. It ties in with your piece here and is worth a read. I don't know how to post it but you can find it here. https://www.instagram.com/ayisha_sid/?hl=en
Yes! And thank you for so eloquently saying what I have been thinking about.
In a way, what you are referring to as soul is similar to what Christ says in Luke 12:27, "consider the lillies." There is SO much in the world around us that points to God and reflects Him. I think that one area that modern, or perhaps all of, evangelicalism has fallen short in is stressing the presence of God in everything, not just in humanity. I understand the desire to ensure that pantheism isn't preached but we have essentially thrown the baby out with the bath water in hyper-focusing on man being made in God's image (which we are) and almost completely ignoring the natural theology that God has instilled within all of Creation. The awe and wonder that you experience when you see a waterfall, an open field, and so on, is SOMETHING and that SOMETHING is God. God is present in all things because He created all things. We are surrounded by tastes and reminders of Him, but instead we think selfishly of our own uniqueness as humans rather than understanding the responsibility and awareness that come with being Imago Dei.
Sorry for the rant, I hope that made sense. Thanks for the post!
Reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” and taking away the idea that the first peoples on the North American continent took thousands of years to learn the spirit of their new homeland and how to honor and care for it. We colonists of the last few centuries need to stop viewing this land as something to be exploited and learn from the first peoples how to honor and care for it.
A good place to start is with Jon Meacham's "The Soul of America." Make it required reading in high schools.
A beautiful and well reasoned piece. I will think about this for a long time.
Thanks for the history/theology! I'm uncomfortable with 'soul' and it's roots in Greek thought. Especially when it comes to the 'soul of the nation'. What came to mind for me was Walter Wink's work with the Powers, especially 'angels'. What might the 'angel' of America be? Are there two (or maybe more) 'American' angels wrestling for the country's future?
"Soul" is a metaphor. that means it is and is not at the same time. which means its use does not follow "logical" rules. it is a very powerful idea, that individuals or nations have a soul. just don't literalize it and ask its dimensions, when and how it came to be. we experience our lives, as if we and the nation had a soul. that is important. and enough.
Celtic folk could be our very good guides for discovering our place in the soul of the universe...
Tiare Mathison
First it is good to be back on line ! and to read your posts and thank you for sharing President Biden's Speech as well as your powerful reflection. My own reflection is that not all battles are guns and killing and it is necessary to remind people that they should define their meaning when using a word. Our contribution as Christians is to speak out about soul and care for soul of our own, others, and the nation. Huge calling for us all. Both you and Biden give us/me guidelines to standup against Mega's and love and educate at the same time. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts and helps Diana. Been in Georgia a week! Learning a new culture and listening! Peace and Blessings!
Good article. However I wish the concept of God and soul had extended far enough. Too much Christian theology too frequently limits God to descriptions reflecting the human image while ignoring the much richer and larger biblical image of God which includes the non-human. I reference for instance the whirlwind/pillar of fire during the Exodus and burning bush of Moses. Making God too small is often the sticking point in understanding both the Divine and our own reflection of the Divine, and also our soul. Acknowledging God to be larger than merely human puts a clearer perspective into any discussion. That acknowledgement does not decrease the value of Christ Jesus, but simply acknowledges Him as the human form of the Divine.
Amen, sister, Amen!