Parables on Politics

Starting a series where the political and socio-economic implications of parables are discussed. Don't fool yourself into thinking these ideas are the main thrust of Jesus' message. The spiritual implications (which I assume you have some familiarity) are of primary importance, but I want to see what other truths might be gleaned.

The title of this series will be Parables on Politics, and I'll use the abbreviation PoP for reference to which posts belong to this series. It is crucial that you the reader make comments. These are not to be stand alone posts but discussion catalysts. I don't know how many parables will be covered in all. Feel free to reference other sources like the Constitution (I do).

Thanks,

A thousand tongues

O for a thousand tongues to sing,
that's just what we need.
O for a thousand tongues to sing,
adding to this chorus of empty praise.

O for one in one thousand, one just one,
Lord can I be that one who sings what it means.

O for a thousand tongues to sing,
O great, O well, O my God!

O uncomprehensible word of frustration- "O"
When rather it should be an exclamation.

O, the grunt and the groan of the Spirit,
When I am as dead as dead can be.

O God do you get glory from facades and hypocricy.

O for the one word command- Rejoice
O for emphasis, and again I say Rejoice.

O what a shame, that I am outdone,
that I am out sung by inanimate things.

O that I could praise, O that I would,
Lift my heart, lift my voice.

Un-American?

a.k.a God blesses whomever He chooses (not America)

(prompted by the 4th of July)

What do we as Christians mean when we say: we should be thankful that we live America? I'm afraid some intend that they would be ungrateful had they been born in a different country. What image does that portray to non-Americans? Could it not be perceived as an insult? We should be thankful no matter what country we live in.

Additionally, I question the idea that God blesses en masse i.e. God bless America. Wouldn't it more likely be on an individual basis? And His criteria remains largely unknown to us. Yes, He does bless in spiritual and physical avenues. But should we not have more concern for the spiritual blessings. Which does not seem to me the case for Americans.

There are some regards in which I would gladly claim to be un-American. There are several negative characteristics that I associate with being American: materialistic, surrounded by comfort and ease, and entertainment hungry. These and others seem to be a hindrance to growth as a Christian.

I also reject the notion that America was founded on Christian principles. There were SOME Christians among the founding fathers who instituted SOME Christian ideas. Since that was mingled with much humanist philosophy, we really don't have much to boast about. And we've digressed since then. Do we really think we could ride the coat tails from over two hundred years ago anyways?

Expected response: to humble Christians in America.