Freedom

Freedom of Religion, Speech:
Language, Law, Tradition, Culture

I strongly support the idea that any minority, from anywhere, if it wants to live in the United States, to work and eat in the United States, should consider learning English.  We expect all who dwell in the United States should respect the laws of the United States.  If they prefer other forms of government, other systems of law, and other cultural life styles then, perhaps they should consider living elsewhere.

 

In the same spirit the United States is home to several treaty nations, mostly Native American Indians.  The languages, laws, traditions, and cultures of these several nations are to be equally respected, and deserve the full covenant protection of United States law.

 

Individuals, who have no such treaty protection, or who are not indigenous to the geographic boundaries of the United States have no such covenantal rights under United States law, and must seek access to that law by the usual means: namely, citizenship, lawful appeal, and by voting.

 

By the same token any minority, from anywhere, if it wants to live in any other country, ought to respect the language, law, tradition, and culture of that country.  Specifically, Americans do not have the God given right to force their language, law, tradition, or culture on other countries.  On the other hand, any country that wishes to adopt American language, law, tradition, or culture is certainly free to do so.

 

Contrary to these ideas, Christians belong to a distinct nation, commonly known as The Church.  The boundaries of The Church are not limited by country borders, because God created all of the universe and there is no country that does not belong to Him.  He has given to The Church this mandate, to proclaim to every country, people, and tongue that Jesus Christ is the LORD of God's Kingdom (the entire created universe) and is seated on the throne of David by His Resurrection from the Dead.

 

All, without exception, are welcome to pray and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and other gifts from the LORD Jesus Christ, from God His Father, and become members of Christ's Kingdom.  There are no memberships to join, no proselytism need take place.  The LORD Jesus Christ respects your country, it's laws and culture; in fact He authorized them.  If changes need to take place, they must come freely from within, and not be forced from without: the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you as you pray.  You do not need to renounce your culture or your people; on the contrary, the LORD Jesus Christ commands that you respect your culture and people: for He has written, "Honor your father and your mother."  Consequently, over time, the Holy Spirit will gently lead you to greater and greater honor and glory for your father and your mother, for your culture and your people, whatever they may be.

 

Christians everywhere make a sincere effort to help all those in need, so you need never feel alone.  Indeed, you will never be alone: for God will always be with you, even if you are the only Christian in your country.  It will be your excellent behavior, your respect for your father, your mother, your culture, and your people that will draw others to want to become Christians too.  You need not say a word; in fact it is better if you do not speak often: for your excellent behavior will speak for you.  If your country tolerates freedom of speech, your friends will ask, and you may answer.  But if your country forbids freedom of speech, and/or proselytism, respect your laws and traditions.  The Holy Spirit will change these laws when your country is ready for your free, unforced change.

 

Yours in Christ,

Augie-Herb