Channels, Fall 2019

Page 54 Punzi • A Religious Interpretation “God and the Right” in the context of their war. 29 And they “publicized chivalric imagery alongside ideological propaganda.” 30 Songs and hymns provide helpful insight to the religious interpretations of the war, as the Union and the Confederacy both sought to be the morally right. Analysis of Songs and Hymns Borrowed Language Given the definition of borrowed biblical language as occasions where key vocabulary within the biblical text are used in the lyrics, this section will analyze songs and hymns and demonstrate the religious interpretation of the Civil War. “The Soldier’s Prayer” 31 “The Soldier’s Prayer” was associated with the Union and its main idea is the prayer of a soldier asking for God to protect him and provide courage for the fight. Because this song is a prayer, the religious character is evident throughout the song. There are, however, a few specific points that demonstrate borrowed biblical language. The soldier calls on the “God of battles” to hear his cry. Characterizing God as one who fights battles occurs throughout the Old Testament, in the Law, Prophets, and the Writings. It also occurs once in the New Testament, in Revelation. In Deuteronomy 20:1, God goes out to battle against the enemies of Israel and to protect His people. God is characterized in a similar way in 1 Chronicles 14:15 and 2 Chronicles 20:15, where God is the one fighting the battles on behalf of His people. The description of God as the one who fights for His people is used in this song as the Union soldiers pray for protection and courage. The use of biblical language demonstrates that participants viewed God as a key character in the Civil War. He had a position of power both to wage war and protect individual soldiers, and the Union calls on God to act as a powerful ally in the war. The song also says, “If we fall, oh, gather in to heavenly land, where peace, kind angel, reigneth ever.” The context of this line in the song is the request for God to keep the soldiers safe in His hands. The idea of God “gathering” his people occurs throughout the Psalms. For example, Psalm 106:47 links the idea of being gathered by God with being saved and protected by Him. Using the biblical language of being “gathered” by God shows that these soldiers prayed for safety. As they fought the tragic and bloody battles of the Civil War, their hope to continue was grounded in the hand of God. “God! And our Native Land!” 32 This anthem describes the reaction of the Union to the beginning of the war—their rising up to fight for God and for their land. Their goal was liberty and maintaining the union, to “conquer or die.” They resisted tyranny and called on all their countrymen to join them. They joined in the efforts of 29 Ibid. 30 Davis, “Music and Gallantry,” 163. 31 Joseph Dunbar, The Soldier's Prayer , (New York: C. M. Tremaine, 1867) Notated Music. 32 A. Lemuel Adams and Wm. B Thomas, God! And Our Native Land, a New National Anthem (Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, 1863) Notated Music.