America. It is God’s own country.”
A comment that did not come from me; but something a fellow Brit said to me on a telephone call the other day. “It is the place to live the dream. My dream is to visit America, because I am a Christian.” Hmm.. A strange approach but not far from the truth.
Whether it is your small community white steeple church or your large city centre worship hall; their is something FUN about religion in the States. He never explained or provided evidence to sustain his comments but it made me think. Religion in the US is a family affair. Adults and children can enjoy fun, friendship and fellowship and be drip fed the beliefs and serious meaning behind worship. Churches in the US become the focal point of a community just like the ‘Dog and Duck’ pub in the UK does in Great Britain. Religion is paramount to the upbringing of so many American families and having personally experienced the love and friendship, I feel they have got it right.
The UK is different. The young do not have the same opportunity to attend vacation bible schools or the opportunity to take a mission trip to South Carolina to help the homeless, disabled and under privleged. Church in the UK seems to be reserved for the elderly, or for Weddings, Christenings and Funerals.There is a certain taboo to religion in the UK, as it is just not cool!
From a personal point I do not think God has justified all American actions over the decades, but the opportunity to develop christian values and beliefs with a balance of fun and fellowship is spot on.
God Bless America!
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I think the US has gone overboard with religion, trying to put it into the White House and judging others about their religion or lack of. It should be a free choice. Nobodies business. Should not be preached from the White House. Can you imagine the president saying “God told him what to do?” I am sure we could all justify our actions by stating that.
I agree that churches in communities provide a great resource, an extended family, if you will, and a common ground for many. It would be wonderful to find one without the dogma, but it does provide a lot for so many. People have different beliefs, though, and no one should be the judge about anyone else’s choices.
I am afraid I was never raised going to any one church, so didn’t develop the ties. I am more spiritual – or metaphysical in my own heart but would encourage everyone to seek and enjoy what ever makes their heart sing.
I thought the UK would be more religious than the US, and find it interesting that my thinking is incorrect.
I do not think that God resides in America or any one country, but everywhere, everyplace and in every heart.
Have to say that seeing this makes me actually want to move from the US to the UK. Maybe I am naive, but in the UK, is religion the same issue as it is in the US? Do people routinely ask questions like “what religion are you?” “what church do you attend.” Or, the more sly version “what background are you,” in order to ascertain the previous question.