01959 – Myth of “the Chosen Nation”
Richard T. Hughes

It is clear that the myth of the Chosen Nation has been a powerful theme in American life. It is also clear that this myth can serve good and constructive purposes, especially when yoked to the notion of national covenant, for “covenant” implies responsibilities to other human beings…

But when shorn of the notion of covenant and mutual responsibility, the myth of the Chosen Nation easily becomes a badge of privilege and power, justifying oppression and exploitation of those not included in the circle of the chosen…

It is possible to take seriously the notion of covenant in the context of one’s immediate peers and fail to extend that covenant understanding to a larger circle of humanity.

from Myths America Lives By

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