Gods Among Men: A Scathing Refrain Against Hypocrisy | American Jesus | Bad Religion

American Jesus is a song by the punk rock band Bad Religion, released in 2007 on their album New Maps of Hell. The song's lyrics are a scathing critique of American foreign policy and its role in perpetuating violence and instability around the world.

The song's chorus repeats the phrase "we're the American Jesus," which is meant to be ironic and sarcastic. The lyrics accuse the United States government of using Christianity as a pretext for its military interventions, much like Jesus was used as a symbol of hope and redemption by the early Christians. The band is suggesting that the US is exploiting this symbolism to further its own interests, rather than genuinely promoting peace or justice.

The song also references specific examples of American aggression, such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was widely criticized around the world. Lead singer Greg Graffin's vocals are particularly biting and sarcastic throughout the song, delivering lines like "We're the American Jesus, bringing love to those who hate" with a sense of disdain.

One of the most striking aspects of American Jesus is its use of imagery and metaphor to drive home its points. The lyrics liken the US military's actions to a form of psychological warfare, where the enemy is manipulated into attacking themselves. This idea is reinforced by the song's chorus, which suggests that the US is using Christianity as a way to justify its own destructive behavior.

Throughout the song, Bad Religion also nods to the historical and cultural context in which American foreign policy has been shaped. The lyrics reference the country's colonial past, the rise of globalization, and the role of big business in shaping government policies. Overall, American Jesus is a powerful critique of American imperialism and its consequences for the world at large.