Let Freedom Ring?

Sang these words in church this weekend.

Our father's God to thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing. Land may our land be bright, with freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might, Great God above.

Even discounting the “thees” and the “thys” I sometimes wonder if the sentiment expressed by these words from “My Country 'Tis of Thee” are not cast aside by our modern society as un-relatable and out of step with the sophistication of the world today. If that is the case, I feel a sense of regret.

In the United States, the concept of freedom is deeply rooted in the country's history and founding principles. The U.S. Constitution, along with its Bill of Rights, enshrines fundamental freedoms and individual rights that are considered fundamental to American society.

The United States has a strong tradition of free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and other civil liberties. Citizens have the right to express their opinions, assemble peacefully, and petition the government for change. These rights are protected by the legal system and have been upheld and expanded through landmark Supreme Court decisions.

However, in other parts of the world, freedom may be curtailed or restricted due to various reasons such as authoritarian regimes, censorship, discrimination, or lack of democratic processes. In such cases, the ability to let freedom ring may be limited, and individuals may face constraints on their rights and liberties.

It is important to note that the struggle for freedom and the expansion of individual rights is an ongoing process. Societies continually grapple with striking the right balance between individual liberties and maintaining social order. It requires constant vigilance, activism, and advocacy to ensure that freedom continues to ring and that progress is made toward more inclusive and equitable societies.

And the extent to which freedom rings in the United States is an ongoing topic of discussion and debate. Our country faces challenges and limitations in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other factors, can fully exercise their rights and experience true equality.

It is worth noting that the perception of freedom can also vary depending on individual experiences and perspectives. Different communities and individuals may have different levels of access to and experiences with freedom.

The United States continues to grapple with the complex task of balancing individual freedoms with the needs of society as a whole. It is an ongoing journey towards realizing the full potential of freedom and ensuring that it truly rings for all citizens.

While we grapple, I can't help but think that looking to the Author of Liberty wouldn't be a great way to stay on the path where freedom will ring.