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America – greatness in renewal
Written by Peter Youngren on January 20, 2009Today many around the world are filled with admiration for America, for its ability to renew itself, shed old prejudices and move forward. My grandfather immigrated to America almost 100 years ago, and through the twist and turns of my own life I have had an opportunity to live in America, although born in Europe.
When I enrolled in Zion Bible Institute in 1973 my roommate Steve Rodriquez, an African-American, opened my eyes to racism. This was brand new to me; I came from Sweden, which at that time, especially in the smaller towns and rural areas, was almost completely a homogenous country. We had little or no reason to interact with people of other races. Years of travel around the world and across America have caused me to hear many stories of prejudice and meet many who have been victims of terrible discrimination. Racism is an ugly sin, and regrettably the church has not always been at the forefront in rooting it out.
The election of Barack Obama in no way signals the end of racism, but it shows unique greatness in America. The majority of the population rose above racism to elect the best person, regardless of race or gender. Being raised in Europe I often heard condescending criticism of the United States of America, particularly because of racism. Europeans would often speak in tones that hinted at moral superiority. Yet until now, it has been inconceivable that any European powers would elect a non-white to the highest office. In France, which arguably has as many or more immigrants than any other country, you hardly have anyone from an immigrant background in public office, whether municipal, provincial or federal.
When I see the joys and hear the stories of people visiting today’s inaugural, I rejoice with them. Sadly over the last month the only dissenting voices I have heard are from born-again Christians, which somehow had their mind set that senator McCain was “God’s choice”. I have been criticized for de-emphasizing the importance of politicians in the spiritual development of country. The role of politicians is enormous in military, economical and social issues. However I have never put my hope and spiritual revival on one political party or another. Nor do I find any supporting Scripture that God would be more inclined to bless a country because of one government rather than another. Instead all the blessings of God are available only in and through Jesus Christ, and Him alone, across all cultural, political and party lines. My branch of Christendom, the evangelical charismatic church is often associated with the Christian right. Looking over the past years we have no right to wag our finger in the face of anyone, as though our particular branch of politics was holier or more moral. Abortion is a terrible sin, but this will not be dealt with through a political decision, but through a groundswell of people who experience God’s love for themselves.
Every human leader, whether spiritual or political will disappoint, so will America’s current president. Yet I pray that these next few years will be a time of grace, openness and acceptance, that people will be willing to listen to views and ideas different than their own. When such a dialog occurs I have no doubt that the message of Jesus will shine the brightest. This could be the best of times for the Gospel to flourish across America and the world.
Geoff
~ Earth
Europe is Mecca & Paradise, for the left wings. So, we needed not to say so many things about Europe. Ofcourse Europeans they don’t really talk about their continent’s crime and Violence, But, they discuss continually the crime of American.
Try getting the left wing europhile media in the US to say anything negative about their promise land—as fascist and racist as it is.
Wendy
Racism sickens me. I am so happy for the African Americans. To see tears streaming down their faces was a beautiful picture. Recently on the world news I saw hundreds of Germans in Germany standing on the side of Israel against Hamas. Our God really can change the hearts of human beings. Walls are coming down to open the door for ALL to come in.
When Jesus went home he left the front door open.
Beena
America deserves praise for rising above racial prejudices and electing a president who made history. Initially though I couldn’t understand all the excitement , when I read the experiences of people who lived 50 to 60 years ago, it did make sense. Being born in a country which is the largest democracy in the world , this sense of freedom & to be treated equal in all respects is deeply embedded in me. So I can empathize with their feelings.
Moral laws passed have never given the ability for people to have victory over sin ( For example all the nations which have legislated morality- like no smoking , no drinking , women dressing in a particular way- their citizens should have been living in victory but everything goes on underground) so an anti - abortion law does not necessarily bring down abortions it only goes underground. And rightly put sin is no longer the problem but the distorted protrayel of the SON is…
I liked your statement that every human leader will disappoint in someway or the other. But unfortunately that is not what I see & hear from people & media alike, this turning of a human being ( be him of any colour ) in to a kind of messiah & the euphoria over him all over the world makes me uncomfortable.It does seem that people are looking to him to solve all their woes. I only hope pastor peter that his election does bring forth an openness amongst countries & that there would be opportunities for Gospel advancement which is what is supreme in our minds as beleivers that more & more people receive this awsome love of Jesus.
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Jonathan Payne
~ St Catharines
I’m amazed that someone actually spoke about this matter. As a black person I sometimes feel guilty, because I cannot help but notice just how much evangelical Christians on the radio and television are either ignorant to life as a black person in America and they passively down play racism and intolerance. I once listened to a caller to a Christian radio station and he emphasized how he as a Christian did not want his children to learn about Martin Luther King because he was a womanizer with no morals. This of course is in correct, however what bothered me is how the radio personality agreed with this guy in not so many words and went on to advise the caller of how important it is to judge someone by their character (these words sound familiar). I just wonder if this person knows that there was a time when black people were not counted as people in the census and or worse still were slaves treated worse than dogs or cats. In most of Africa, it was even worse colonialists raped women, killed small children and burnt people alive after taking their land. If anyone does not understand why black people all over the world celebrated Barack Obama’s election there is a snap shot as to why it was such a big deal.
Jesus is certainly my Idol and no man, but whatever moral short comings these evangelicals might think Obama has,they are trivial compared to some of the suffering that black people have suffered and despite all that ,out parents were able to introduce us to Christ and Christians in our community served Christ.
What I long for in the church sometimes is the same tolerance that I encountered in a bar. I know that sounds outrageous, but I cannot understand why it was easier to make friends, when I used to drink, in a bar than it is in church today. I have encountered more judgmental and intolerant Christians than non. I’m not saying all Christians are like this, as a matter of fact some are far from it, however I would just like to be treated (not special) and viewed by the content of my character and not the color of my skin. Or maybe more accurately with the love of Jesus…because that is what I’m seeking to give
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Comments:
Hagere
~ Ontario
Thank You Pastor Peter for your positive out look.
Due to this election, I have seen friendships been strained between African-American born again Christians & Caucasian born again Christians.
This election is not going to eliminate Racial discrimination. Because, It’s human nature to like those who are like us. But, I believe that a vast majority of Americans see beyond race.inspite of what the media portrays.
Well, People around the globe are enthralled with this election—quite besides whether Obama will deliver–but because they’re deeply uplifted by what this shows about the American people, that they’ve elected him, that Americans have LIVED OUT what the rest of the world may dream for themselves but dare not hope.
People around the globe are also feeling better about THEMSELVES as inhabitants of this globe, because it shows that the human race can rise above the wounds & hatred of what our worse selves have inflicted upon each other… It shows how humans can rise above the collective ghosts of their pasts and forge a better view of themselves and of each other.
I do believe that the election of Obama may well be one of the BEST foreign policy statements America can ever make.. Action speaks louder than words
God bless you Pastor.