America
the Ugly?
A
commentary by John Elliott
United Church of God pastor, Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona
Americans are increasingly learning that they are less appreciated and
less welcome overseas. Some whose vacation traditions have included
international travel are staying home this year. Many Americans residing
abroad weary from a constant barrage of criticisms leveled at America
and its citizens. Why do we see this growing dislike of America and its citizens?
Many reasons have been offered. They typically tie the repulsion to
political and military activities, economic inequities, cultural irreverence
and petty jealousies.
In 34 years of international traveling I, too, have tried to assess
the mindset behind those with unkind views of American citizens. My perception
in every case has been far different than those typically offered.
Beyond the obvious differences among nationalities, something else is
spoiling the relationships between Americans and their friends abroad.
For the last 50 years the unstoppable spread of an insidious American
culture has become a blight that is increasingly resented everywhere.
American industries everywhere merchandize products aimed at instant
gratification—products that appeal to humanity's basest natures.
They muscle their way into politics, entertainment, fashion, music, electronics
and cuisine. Seeking fast appeal and fast profits, a whole array of useless
and unhelpful merchandise has invaded and altered cultures worldwide.
Pushed aside are traditional ethnic dress, cultural music, traditional
lifestyles, time-honored customs and entire languages. In their place
is colored sugar water, trashy fast food, immodest dress, lewd and lawless
entertainment and an unhealthy mindset toward unproductive quests.
It's heartrending to see the odd television in a remote African village
blazing American "bump and grind" music videos and sitcoms
advocating marital unfaithfulness. In a Tanzanian village recently, a
group was viewing an American sitcom on a restaurant television. One
man commented to me, "our people are not like them." But sadly,
his people are becoming more like them.
Neighboring Kenya television airs local music videos of its youth copying
the lewd fashions and moves of America’s MTV idols. Lured by the
excitement and the materialism, local youths want to copy the televised
version of the American mindset. In cultures founded on principles of
respect, modesty and honor, the American cultural intrusion is viewed
as a shame and disgrace.
Global reactions toward this in-your-face intrusion of "Americanism" are
twofold. On the one hand, highly impressionable youths embrace the new
excitement and like Americans for their contribution. On the other hand,
wiser adults are repulsed and develop resentment and hatred for the intrusive
violation of their culture. And some are striking back in whatever crude
methods they have available to them.
A worldwide trend toward a lewd and lawless corrupting of cultures is
accelerating—and America is leading the way. A response to America's
in-your-face promotion of debased hedonism is looming from Almighty God
who says: ". . . They declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide
it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves" (Isaiah
3:9).
Rather, as a country America needs to repent and return to the foundational
biblical principles on which she was founded. When the framers of the
U.S. Constitution designed our country’s government, they wrapped
it around the laws found in the Bible.
James Madison stated that our form of government depends on "each
and every one of us to control ourselves according to the Ten Commandments
of God." Ironically, today it is illegal to post the Ten Commandments
in government buildings or schools.
John Adams stated: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral
and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any
other."
Patrick Henry said: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too
often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by
Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Noah Webster, the father of public education, stated: "No truth
is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the
basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges
of a free people." He went on to add: "The religion which has
introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles—and
to this we owe our free Constitutions of Government."
It’s tragic that America’s primary "export" is
a culture that has clearly departed from the country's moral foundations.
Is it just a matter of time until such folly causes the United States'
prominent position to be rescinded from above?
Be sure and read our booklet The United States
and Britain in Bible Prophecy. |
