This song was first uploaded by Raymond Crooke in 2007 and I know Raymond enjoys the surprise of seeing a new collaboration suddenly appear on line. Here is what he wrote back then : ‘’This is a spiritual of African-American origin. It was written down by Charles D. Tillman, who first heard it at an 1889 camp meeting in Lexington, South Carolina. These days it seems to be considered a bit politically incorrect. It is easy to point out all the harms caused by religion throughout history - the Crusades, the Inquisition, the battles between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland - and that's before even looking at other religions. Some Evangelical Christians attack the song because it has no mention of Jesus Christ and implies that there are other ways to salvation than being born again. Probably best not to take it too seriously’’ ......When I first read this I thought it would be amusing to throw in a crusade picture or two as it strengthened the arguments of those who hate religion because it causes wars. I personally wouldn’t disagree with that. Religion does cause wars but I don’t think Faith does. Those who genuinely believe follow God’s command and ‘Love their neighbour’ which if everybody did there would be no wars. It is the people who cause wars not Faith. As Raymond rightly says though, let’s just enjoy this song for what it is and don’t take it too seriously and as the comedian Dave Allen used to say ‘May your God go with you’. Thanks again Raymond and if nothing else it has made me look at the difference between Religion and Faith. A good cross reference here would be Bob Dylan’s God On Our Side ! Raymond’s original version can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SjU5yxPMww&index;=81&list;=PL5444D35A2AD94845

• published: 06 Aug 2014
• views: 21