Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1922-11-09
Is the II. S. of America a
Christian Nation?

Perhaps no hard and fast answer
should or could, be given to this
question. However, if we compare
ahe U. S. of A., with Turkey, China,
Japan and India, we would immedi-
ately say, America is Christian, Tur-
key is Mohammedan, India badly
mixed etc.
But, giving more accurate defini-
ton we would say that a Christian is
a person who believes that Christ is
the only begotten Son of God-the
Savior of mankind; and who OBJ
serves His teachings. Then we can
not say that any nation on earth is
wholly Christian. Christianity is not
a mere profession. 1t is pure and
noble life, with absolute faith in
Christ as the begetting and sustain
ing power, and that, followed by
loving loyalty to Him in all of His
requirements. This must be contin-
uous in order to remain Christian.
Using this definition there is no
nation that we can call Christian.
However, there are millions of peo-
pie in America who are disciples
learners of Christ, just as truly as
that children in our public schools
are learners of this worlds wisdom.
Very many of these children are
earnest in their efforts to learn, yet
they have long, long way to go be-
fore they know everything. Just so
it is with the Christian, the sincerest
disciple of the perfect Teacher, can
not reach perfection in one mighty
leap, but must study and practice,
all through this life; and perhaps for
ages to come, in order to reach the
final goal.
AS pupils in public schools are by
no means as diligent in the pursuit
of knowledge as they should be, so
Christians are far from being as
faithful in their efforts to grow spir-
ltually SLfOnS, as Lnelr own, anu
others welfare requires.
But negligence and laziness are
not the greatest barriers to human
progress. Selfshness or hoggishness
is the gigantic hindrance to every
forward movement for the good of
the human race Selfshness, false
pride, and unholy ambition are the
greatest preventions to those who
seek the higher, nobler life.
Now if those sins are disreputable
in individuals, are not the same
traits curse to nations? If true
Christian cannot be selfish, neither
can a Christian nation demand that
other nations contribute to it's selfish
ends.
What then is the Christian duty
and privilege? 1t is to search the
Scriptures diligently and continuous
ly to learn Gods laws, which are all
good and righteous, and are necess-
airy for the welfare of the universe.
What should Christian nations do?
Obviously they should Immediately
quit trying to get the best of other
nations and peoples. Quit putting
up tariff walls, and doing other dirty,
mean tricks to cause the already
furnishing peoples of Asia to be WHIP
ed out of existence.
If Great Britain and the U. S. of
America, the two greatest, formost
and powerful nations" on earth,
would repent, and begin right now to
deal with all nations on Christian
principles, they would become bright
and shining lights for all the world.
Why should wise CD men talk
about the great, unsolvable prob
lens that confront us as individuals
and nations? Of course they are
great in the light of human wisdom.
But what an offense to the Master,
not to take notice of His solution and
follow His directions!
The great Teacher of teachers gave
to the world two great command
ments to guide us Alright in all of
our mutual relations between man
and man, nation and nation and be-
tween man and his Creator. "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, with all thy mind, and
with all thy strength" And-"Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as myself"
Following these directions faith
fully and ceaselessly would make all
peoples happy, harmonious, peaceful
and prosperous. Christian Citizen
Silas H. Schellenger.