According to the United States, democracy and Christianity were principal elements of a successful society. During the end of the eighteen-hundreds and throughout the beginning of the nineteen-hundreds, America tried to colonize and reform less fortunate nations. Following a social-Darwinist point of view, Americans took their “God-given” superiority to those who were incapable of establishing their own self-government (Doc. H). After much debate, American foreign policy towards the Philippines and Cuba was that it is our duty to rule them until they could rule themselves. We pledged to save the indigenous people from their savage, bloody, and corrupt ways of life. President McKinley’s foreign policy towards the Philippines stated that “they would soon have anarchy and misrule…there was nothing left to do but take them all, educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize them” (Doc. A).
American foreign policy since the countries foundation has been based off the white paternalistic perception that the United States is the most righteous, without sin country in existence. This ethnocentrism has developed biased justifications for
Since, “Religion's initial and primary thrust is conservative”(Pg. 17), as such, the Church today is open to racial reconciliation, but the initial thrust is conservative in nature, thus leading us to take a passive approach. Though admirable, it isn’t taking the necessary and progressive steps needed for a racial reconciliation within itself, let alone society at large, which is why Evangelicalism has fallen short of brining forth change towards this issue.
Though America was established with honorable and heroic intentions, unforgivable historical events such as the American Genocide Trail of Tears have effectively portrayed America’s incapability to follow John Winthrop’s A Model of Christian Charity.
For example, President McKinley went down on his knees and prayed to the Almighty God for light and guidance on his actions regarding the Philippines, only to come to the conclusion that they could not leave Philippines to themselves; they were unfit for self-government. America felt that without their guidance, the Philippines would soon have anarchy and misrule. McKinley had no other choice but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them as our fellow men for whom Christ also died (Doc 4). The Philippines were in desperate need of America’s help. They were in need of the just, humane, civilizing government from America as opposed to the savage, bloody, rule of pillage and extortion from which America has rescued them (Doc 9). Without America’s help, the Philippines would be stuck with an anarchy. America provided civilization and education to colonies. Furthermore, America provided missionaries to colonies full of people described as half devil, half child. The people of these communities were immature with no religion; they needed help. Missionaries went forth to preach a kingdom beyond this world, spreading religion. As other countries needed America’s expertise, America went forth and provided civilization, religion, and education to better the
The third impact of democracy on American religion is a sense of grand ambition. The hope and optimism that were so central to democracy often resulted in dreams and aspirations of significant social change and progress. Methodists like Garrettson were particularly noteworthy in their ambition. Though the Methodist system used a hierarchical system of governance, that system was intended to be a force for liberation. We see this grand ambition of liberation clearly in the life of Garrettson. Shortly
Carter’s religious needs conduct his policy choices because religion is at the core of his belief system. (Aronoff 433).
In his second essay, titled “Rethinking Power” describes this “Constantinian error” and the different ways that Christians try to create change in culture. He focuses on three major Christian culture-changing movements of our day: the Christian right, the Christian left, and the Neo-Anabaptists. All of these movements lack an
I believe that McClay and Zinn provide a persuasive argument elaborating their notion of the validity of America’s “unique” mission. However, I am inclined to agree with Professor McClay in his assertion in the mythical nature of American exceptionalism that has promoted social cohesiveness and propelled America as the “beacon of liberty and democracy” (McKenna & Feingold 2011, 14). The existence of present-day America developed after a period of empirical practices that allowed us to incorporate the positive qualities of democracy and make note of the negative aspects of wrongfully enforcing democratic ideals internationally (McKenna & Feingold 2011). Since our inception, the “invisible hand” of “divine providence” has directed America to propagate freedom and democracy to all peoples of the world (McKenna & Feingold 2011, 2-3). The majority of American Presidents
“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone un-der.” This would go on to be one of President Ronald Reagan’s most famous quotes spoken at the Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast in Dallas, Texas. However, this was not the first time Reagan made God the heart of the discussion. A year earlier Reagan gave a speech that while criticized would become widely commemorated as it caused the fall of the “Evil Empire.” The “Evil Em-pire” speech was given on March 8th, 1983 at the annual National Association of Evangelicals Conference in Orlando, Florida. The purpose of him giving this speech was to promote his poli-cies and legislation. He wanted the audience on his side in all aspects including anti-abortion leg-islation,
In an interview with Evangelical Focus, Yancey warned American churches against dipping their fingers into politics, pointing to Europe as an example. The Christian author said the church in some European countries have been “stained” by what they did for power, Christian Today relays.
The key question the author is addressing is What is truly our role as christians in society and what outlook should we have when dealing with politics?. Do we put our loyalties into
I agree with the ideas presented by Kristof and Kaleem. On a daily basis I have to remind myself to stop stressing over work because work will always be there and if I am ever gone, someone else will take my place. This is something I have to remind my coworkers about as well. We are living in a world in which our goal is to earn more money than our neighbor and our days consist of work and browsing the internet. Creativity and critical thinking are a rare asset nowadays, and we tend to judge those who dare think outside the box. We think those who show empathy are weak and finding a true friend is harder than finding a date on social media. Mainly because we believe that technology has made life easier, but it is making us forget that we are
The responsibility of Christians in regards to geopolitics and the mandates of the Gospel is one of humility and leadership; humility in the sense of servanthood to the Lord, and leadership in being beacons of light for those around us. This responsibility falls on the Christian because of our relationship with Christ. It is a unique relationship, one that places us in a special context with those around us.