Julie Gold’s much covered song ‘From A Distance’ speaks of us mortal humans as “instruments” and imagines a future with “no guns, no bombs, no diseases and no hungry mouths to feed”. The fact that “God is watching us from a distance” is intended as a consolation for all the troubled times on Earth and to engender the belief that such a dream is possible.

Nanci Griffith’s interpretation of the song is so full of passion and feeling it almost persuades me to put my Atheism on hold and say Amen and glory Hallelujah.

Watch:

It almost persuades me but I got things into clearer perspective after enduring hammy and egocentric readings of the same tune by Bette Midler and Cliff Richard (I’ll spare you the links – just be forewarned that they exist!).

I also read that the song was an inspiration for US troops in the Persian Gulf War and realise that the ‘no war’ message is lost on those who do battle convinced they have God on their side.

The fundamental flaw of the song’s premise is that this notion that ‘God is watching’ can be taken two ways.

On the one hand, those of faith are lulled into a false sense of security; comforted by the idea of a benevolent spirit overseeing earthly deeds and sending out good vibes to believers.

On the other hand it begs the question as to why such a stand offish figure should be so worthy of praise.

Since He is promoted as an all powerful being, why just watch passively. Surely He should be able to act against evil and destruction that ravages our planet. If you witness wrongdoing and suffering, there is nothing noble about keeping your distance and refusing to intervene.

To my mind a distant non-interventionist God is as good as no God.

It’s still a good song though.