The Lee Greenwood song, “Proud to Be an American,” is a powerful anthem that resonates deeply with many. Its patriotic fervor and celebration of American values have made it a staple at national events, sporting games, and even church gatherings. But should Christians embrace this song wholeheartedly? When considering a church choir singing “Proud to be an American,” some critical questions arise about its message in light of biblical teachings. Let’s examine the lyrics through a Christian lens, verse by verse, to understand the sentiments it promotes and whether they align with a biblical worldview.
“Proud To Be An American”: A Verse-by-Verse Biblical Critique
The core sentiment of the title itself, “Proud to be an American,” immediately raises theological concerns. Scripture repeatedly cautions against boasting in anything but the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24 clearly states, “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 1:31, 2 Corinthians 10:17, and Galatians 6:14 reinforce this message, emphasizing that believers should boast only in the Lord and the cross of Christ. This principle applies every time the chorus is sung and the line, “There’s pride in every American heart,” is proclaimed. As Christians, our primary identity and pride should be rooted in Christ, not in national identity.
Verse 1: Materialism vs. Eternal Perspective
The first verse of “Proud to Be an American” paints a picture of earthly loss:
If tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife.
From a biblical perspective, this verse reveals a potentially misplaced priority. Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Obedient believers are called to prioritize God’s kingdom above earthly possessions. John 6:27 warns against laboring for perishable food, and 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 speaks of building our lives on eternal foundations, not on wood, hay, and stubble, which represent temporal and worldly pursuits. A Christian living biblically should not honestly sing these lyrics with complete sincerity because their life’s foundation should not be built on things that can be taken away. Our treasures are meant to be in heaven, not solely in earthly achievements. A life lived according to God’s values transcends the potential loss of material possessions.
Verse 2: “Lucky Stars” and True Freedom
The song continues with:
I’d thank my lucky stars, to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.
The phrase “lucky stars” is problematic for Christians. Scripture strongly cautions against sorcery, astrology, and any reliance on fate or luck (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Attributing blessings to “lucky stars” contradicts the Christian understanding of God’s sovereignty and providential care. All good things come from God (James 1:17), not from chance or celestial bodies.
Furthermore, the claim that freedom, symbolized by the American flag, “they can’t take that away” is debatable, both domestically and internationally. While the concept of freedom is cherished, history and current events demonstrate that freedoms can erode. More importantly, from a Christian standpoint, true and lasting freedom is not found in national symbols or earthly governments, but in Christ.
Chorus: Source of Freedom and Ultimate Sacrifice
The chorus reiterates the problematic themes:
And I’m proud to be an American, (see comments on title) where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
Again, the pride in national identity clashes with the biblical call to boast only in the Lord. The assertion “where at least I know I’m free” is also spiritually shallow. While America offers certain freedoms, the ultimate freedom, spiritual freedom from sin and death, is exclusively found in Jesus Christ. John 8:36 proclaims, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Luke 4:18-19, Romans 8:2, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, and Galatians 5:1 all speak to this spiritual liberation.
The line “men who died, who gave that right to me” diminishes the ultimate sacrifice made for our freedom. While honoring military service is important, Christians must recognize that only one Man died for our eternal freedom: Jesus Christ. Our freedoms, even national ones, are ultimately endowed by our Creator, as acknowledged in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. True freedom is a gift from God, secured by Christ’s sacrifice, not solely by human efforts.
Verse 3 & Outro: “God Bless the USA” and True Blessing
The final verse and outro amplify the nationalistic sentiment:
And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas, From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A.
Well there’s pride in every American heart, (see comment on title) and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American, (see comment on title) where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. (see comment on 1st refrain)
And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.
The repeated invocation “God bless the USA” raises questions about potentially violating the Third Commandment, which cautions against taking the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7). If God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5), can He truly bless a song that centers on national pride? Considering the song as a whole, with its emphasis on pride, materialism, a hint of fate, and militaristic undertones, it is questionable whether this is the attitude God blesses. It can seem presumptuous to invoke God’s blessing while extolling virtues that are not explicitly aligned with biblical values.
Conclusion: Balancing Patriotism and Christian Faith
“Proud to Be an American” is undoubtedly a powerful patriotic song. However, when examined through a biblical lens, its emphasis on national pride, material values, and the source of freedom presents a conflicting message for Christians. While love for one’s country is not inherently wrong, for believers, it should always be secondary to our love for God and our identity in Christ. Our boasting should be in Him alone, and our understanding of freedom should be rooted in the spiritual liberation He provides. Christians can appreciate the sentiment of patriotism, but should be discerning about embracing songs that may inadvertently promote values that overshadow or contradict core biblical principles. Perhaps instead of singing about pride in national identity, we should focus on songs that celebrate God’s kingdom, His righteousness, and the true freedom found in Him, while praying for God’s grace and guidance for our nation.
