Class exists and has always existed. Some people have money and culture, others don’t. Some rise to the top, others remain at a position of impotence. The European system assumed those qualities were passed by blood. The American psyche realizes they exist but believes the individual should be judged by their performance, not their parents.
One of the oldest classes was that of slave. The rejection of slavery was planted by Christianity in Europe. It took centuries to gain momentum. It took the Reformation with its distribution of Bibles in the local language for people to understand. It is hard to repeatedly read about how all are the same in Christ Jesus and continue to believe that some people are better just because of their birth. When Europe was expanding into the new world slavery became a big issue. By then it was largely gone from Europe but the kings needed slaves to work their plantations and mines out in the colonies. The church, Roman Catholic at the time, put out all kinds of declarations condemning the practice. The kings ignored them.
Only when the European malcontents got to North America did they manage to break away from the controls of the kings and nobility. It effected their view of class and was deeply troubled by slavery. Keep in mind that by the time the Constitution was written slavery had been pretty much banned north of the Ohio river and the Mason Dixon Line. People forget that. While half our country was rejecting slavery it was still accepted in most of the world as normal.
American liberals, who are again calling themselves Progressives, are trying to adopt the European attitude toward class structure. They believe in their hearts that they are wiser and better suited to make our decisions for us and limit our choices. They truly believe that if the average citizen is given personal freedom they will make harmful choices. They, being superior, know what is best for us. This thinking was rejected by the Protestant Christians who formed this country. It is being reinstated by the elites who want a nanny state.
They want to do for the rest of the country what they have managed to do for the black underclass. They want everyone to be dependent on government. With the “help” the government gives come the strings that are simply a gentle form of chains.
It makes a difference what you believe about God, human nature and salvation. It is no coincidence that the decline in personal freedom goes along with a decrease in Bible centered churches.
Will we become like Europe? Do you care as long as you have Monday Night Football and the latest smart phone?
homo unius libri
I think things will only get worse until the Lord straightens it all out.
ReplyDeleteI fear you are right but I also remember that Nineveh repented. Too bad that doesn't seem to be part of the American psyche.
DeleteGrace and peace