under god

The repeated use of the phrase “under god” and other similar religious expressions throughout David Rees’ work suggest the inherent conflict or even hypocrisy in aspects of US foreign policy and American cultural thought after 9/11. I think Rees uses this phrase to shed light on the tendency of the Bush administration to use religion or religiously-based ideology to support and defend its actions regardless of the actual relation those actions may have to religion. Similarly, Rees’ repeated use of “under god” further suggests the over-saturation of the concept in the rhetoric of US foreign policy.

After 9/11 the distinctions between patriotism and religion became blurred and to many Americans what each represented became synonymous with the other. Religion became infused into secular aspects of society and culture. I believe Rees is conveying the need to separate the two. It suggests that more is needed to justify war than a blanket claim that god supports it and perhaps that the American public should be more wary of the repeat use of this defense by the government. I think religion has a place in society but not as an explanation or even a excuse of foreign policy.