What Good is America?

TO THE EDITOR:

Following are five specific ways in which America encourages good in today’s dark and dying world.

1. Defending human dignity and fighting oppression

America’s foreign policies are often shaped by a desire to defend the vulnerable against tyranny. Whether fighting against Nazi Germany during World War II, combating modern-day human trafficking, attempting to dismantle the global slave trade, or defending our country’s borders, the U.S. has played, and continues to play, a central to advance freedom.

2. Promotion of religious freedom

Defense and promotion of religious liberty is likely the most profound of America’s contributions to the world. America’s model of protecting the free exercise of religion is enshrined in the First Amendment. America provides refuge and advocacy for Christians and other faith groups facing hostility. One example is that American leaders, in particular secretaries of state under our current President, are outspoken against persecution of believers and other minority religions around the world. Hebrews 13:3 reflects a mandate to Christians, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”

3. Faith-based missions and private generosity

American citizens contribute more to charity than any other nation. Billions are directed toward international aid, education, and missions. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Eight Days of Hope and Compassion International have built hospitals, provided for children, and responded to disasters across the globe.

4. Humanitarian aid and disaster relief

Very few nations have mobilized resources for humanitarian aid like America. The U.S. has repeatedly provided food, medicine, and disaster relief to famine-stricken countries in Africa, earthquake victims in Haiti, and tsunami survivors in Southeast Asia. America’s global aid reflects a biblical understanding of neighborly love lived out on an international scale.

5. God-given creativity and technology

Scripture states that humans are made in the image of God in Genesis 1:26-27. All humans have the unique capacity to imagine, design, and build. This is not accidental. It reflects God Himself. At their best, technological advances embody the biblical truth that human creativity reflects Divine creativity. Rightly ordered, innovation is a way of imitating the Creator, bringing light into darkness and solutions into places of need. Rightly used, American ingenuity provides ways for ministry, medical breakthroughs, agricultural improvements, and countless other blessings that serve humanity and glorify God.

Marilyn Sager

Houghton

What to Give? Give Yourself.

Editor:

One of the greatest gifts that any person can give to another is simply to be fully present, in a spirit of relaxed and attentive openness.

The fact is that we aren’t very often present to one another in this way. Instead, we are – in the words of T.S. Eliot – ‘distracted from distraction by distraction.’ It is especially easy at this time of the year to be caught up in a rush of frenzied activity. Being present, therefore, requires some extra effort, some spiritual discipline.

I don’t know if it is more blessed to give than to receive, but I do know that in order truly to give, one must first be open to receiving. When we try to give of ourselves without a deep sense of connection to our own spiritual wellsprings, we soon deplete our resources, and we may begin to feel resentful, depressed, and cynical about the very possibility of self-giving. As we become more willing to open ourselves to the richness and depth of each present moment, we begin to embody and express the spirit of generosity.

Then we can offer our gift from a place of overflowing gratitude, rather than a desperate attempt to purchase affection and love.

First, open the ‘present’ that has already been given to you, and then extend yourself into the world, reaching out from that soulful place that can never be exhausted. This holiday season, offer the simple and beautiful gift of your personal presence.

The Rev. Bruce Johnson

Pastor of the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Houghton