In accordance with their band name, Bad Religion often takes on what they feel is misguided religious sentiment in their songs, and "American Jesus" flogs the concept of a nation believing it more blessed by God than other countries. Lead singer Greg Graffin and guitarist Brett Gurewitz wrote the song in response to US President George H. W. Bush's comment that the US would win the Gulf War (the first one) because God is on their side. It's pretty much a satirical view on the general American thought that the United States is the most powerful nation in the world because it is "One nation under God."
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam sang backup on this track.
Gore Verbinski, who also did the Bad Religion clips for "Atomic Garden," "Stranger Than Fiction" and "21st Century (Digital Boy)," directed the video, which shows the band performing while various people walk around with giant crosses (which were made of styrofoam).
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