I enjoy the song placed in today’s perspective but in its origin it was the primary instrument of establishing and perpetuating the myths of the War of Northern Aggression which linger until today. Written to the tune of John Brown’s Body, John Brown being the terrorists abolitionist of Harpers Ferry renown, it purported to give Holy sanction to the cause of the North and misrepresenting it as a war to free the slaves.
These attitudes continue and are represented by the disagreements on this thread.
An historical reference:
http://www.geocities.com/mymagnoliamemories/battlehymn.html
Well, you can’t argue with understandings of history and traditions. When I was in the army stationed in Huntsville, Alabama, we used to sing “Gonna hang Abe Lincoln from a sour apple tree.” It was part of the local tradition.
All I’d say is that there were atrocities on both sides. Southern treatment of Union Army prisoners wasn’t very nice, either. It was a fearful war. As it happens, my great uncle was the youngest general on the Union side. But also, it is a magnificent battle hymn, biblical as well as patriotic, which can be adopted to our CURRENT Republic. But there’s no point in arguing it. The feelings are understandable.