Governments, if they truly are of the people, by the people, for the people (non-authoritarian), means the people's culture-- specifically education, ethics and civic involvement-- is paramount in achieving lasting harmony in a nation. Just as a government can become tyrannical and stop listening to/working for the people, so too can individuals lose their morality and become focused on frivolous, unimportant things – or lose their gratitude. This is why religion is so important – it is an invitation to be humble and grateful ... the beginning of ethics and community involvement and long-term sustainability.
I agree with your point, but I'll argue the religious aspect. My experience in the U.S. is that Christianity decays one's morals and directs individuals to greed and indifference to others. Trump, portrayed by Christian leaders as 'chosen by God,' and the prosperity gospel are the most glaring examples.
Religions are not perfect, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater... this is an ongoing aspirational effort. There are many flavors of Christianity; on any Sunday at any church you can advocate for what is right and good. Stay with your congregation and improve it from within by advocating for the specific improvement you've conceptualized. What is the alternative? The violence and aggression of Roman Empire, the kill or be killed of the Vikings, Islam? Maybe the irrationality and emptiness of wokeness and the new left? Stick with Christianity. Improve from within.
I think America has two groups of people who call themselves Christians. The main group are actual Christians, who go to church on a weekly basis, are generally humble and follow Jesus as their leader.
The group that gets the press is a sect that matches the cultural pressures and orientations of American manifest destiny. They believe there is a prosperity gospel that says, you are doing well financially so you must be doing what God wants you to do. These people do not have Jesus as their leader, but instead treat wealthy leaders, including Trump, as people to be emulated, again instead of emulating Jesus. But if pollsters ask this second group if Jesus is their Lord and Savior, they will say yes, but just to get along.
Governments, if they truly are of the people, by the people, for the people (non-authoritarian), means the people's culture-- specifically education, ethics and civic involvement-- is paramount in achieving lasting harmony in a nation. Just as a government can become tyrannical and stop listening to/working for the people, so too can individuals lose their morality and become focused on frivolous, unimportant things – or lose their gratitude. This is why religion is so important – it is an invitation to be humble and grateful ... the beginning of ethics and community involvement and long-term sustainability.
I agree with your point, but I'll argue the religious aspect. My experience in the U.S. is that Christianity decays one's morals and directs individuals to greed and indifference to others. Trump, portrayed by Christian leaders as 'chosen by God,' and the prosperity gospel are the most glaring examples.
Religions are not perfect, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater... this is an ongoing aspirational effort. There are many flavors of Christianity; on any Sunday at any church you can advocate for what is right and good. Stay with your congregation and improve it from within by advocating for the specific improvement you've conceptualized. What is the alternative? The violence and aggression of Roman Empire, the kill or be killed of the Vikings, Islam? Maybe the irrationality and emptiness of wokeness and the new left? Stick with Christianity. Improve from within.
I think America has two groups of people who call themselves Christians. The main group are actual Christians, who go to church on a weekly basis, are generally humble and follow Jesus as their leader.
The group that gets the press is a sect that matches the cultural pressures and orientations of American manifest destiny. They believe there is a prosperity gospel that says, you are doing well financially so you must be doing what God wants you to do. These people do not have Jesus as their leader, but instead treat wealthy leaders, including Trump, as people to be emulated, again instead of emulating Jesus. But if pollsters ask this second group if Jesus is their Lord and Savior, they will say yes, but just to get along.