Angry at America?
It’s pretty popular to be anti-American as a Christian right now (especially as a young Christian). We look at the big superpower we live in. We compare our standard of living to others’ around the world. We see the havoc wreaked by a war a lot of us don’t agree with. And we think, what is wrong with this country? Why aren’t Christians questioning this? Why isn’t America doing more good and less harm?
I’ve been in that boat, believe me. I think those are legitimate questions. But before we rush to condemn the U.S., I think there are two important things to remember.
The first is we don’t see everything our country is doing. For instance, for the past two school years I was paid by the federal government to tutor in inner-city schools. It was called community service work study - some of you may have heard of it. That’s just one example of many “behind-the-scenes”projects our government supports. I was also involved in refugee ministry freshman year, which gave me a glimpse into how many millions of people the United States does let in each year, who are desperate and have nowhere else to go. I know this doesn’t change what’s wrong, but let’s not forget that there is some good that is being done, and many people are overwhelmingly thankful for it.
The second and more important point is that we need to be more concerned about the church fulfilling needs than the government fulfilling needs. What bothers me isn’t that America is negligent. It’s that I’m negligent. The church is doing so much, and it needs all of our resources to do more. I’m the one who needs to be getting out there and doing things to effect change, instead of sitting around complaining about everything America isn’t doing. The church can be a powerful force for social change, as well as a herald of the gospel message, but that requires that you and I be the church!
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to minimize the concern that many have over our nation’s policies. This is a democracy, and effecting change through government isn’t wrong, and definitely has its place. But let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater when we’re disappointed with the U.S. There are many good things being done, and in the end it’s our responsibility to do more, primarily through the church.
Thoughts?
Filed under: Culture on April 21st, 2008
It is also prudent to point out that our wealth and stability are the fruits of our labors, so to speak. Is it wrong and immoral to be prosperous and successful? Those who would say so seem to desire some unrealistic leveling of society without realizing that we will never have a classless society. It’s a utopia fantasy and nothing more.
I concur exactly. I know I have placed to much dependance and disappointment in “America” and not on myself as a part of the Church. It is the Church’s mission to reach out and fulfill needs, as you said, and not the government’s responsibility.
These are excellent thoughts to remember, Anna. Thanks for sharing them.
Hi, Anna. I found your blog through Emily at Unfurling Flower.
The issue about the church not doing enough in this country to help people has been on my mind a lot lately. I see the need to change this, but I’m not sure how to go about it. What an encouragement to see I’m not the only one feeling this way!
On another note, I was also at the Festival of Faith and Writing, even at some of the same sessions you wrote about. I enjoyed hearing your perspective!
Really good points you made, Anna. It is so easy to just sit back and criticise instead of taking action ourselves. I really like your emphasis on the church doing more and fulfilling these needs, and not the government. As one of my best friends often says, we need to be making sure the Church is fulfilling its biblical mandate of transforming our world.
Well, in my case, a lot of my anti-Americanism was the ignorance of youth. The older I get, the more I realize how great this nation truly is.
But also, two of the concerns you mentioned are reasons I’ve gone further right, and embraced America more. I’m bugged to no end by the “success is a sin” attitude I’ve seen by far too many on the left. Not to mention the anti-war crowd, but that’s a whole other Pandora’s Box that probably shouldn’t be opened, I guess.
I agree. Especially that the church needs to be doing more.
As for our government, maybe its about seeing the glass half-full or half-empty, and I’ll admit I waver on being consistantly grateful for what we DO have as Americans and trade it for a zeal to “right the wrong”. I’m thankful for the reminder to be balanced,Anna…’cause especially during these presidential elections, one could easily begin to become disheartened.
I specifically used “disheartened” as I haven’t felt angry at America neither joined up with any “anti-America” sentiments. I just feel sad sometimes, to see the direction we’re headed.
Hi Erin, thanks for stopping by! That’s cool that you were also at FFW!