tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post2625614089970595311..comments2023-07-21T10:01:32.456+01:00Comments on T Childs Christianity Blog: Royalty, Class, Racism & ChristianityT-Childshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-81623760253547866552012-03-27T16:50:14.683+01:002012-03-27T16:50:14.683+01:00Hi Brenda; it's not that hard to 'tweak...Hi Brenda; it's not that hard to 'tweak' your blog, or add things like I have done. If you want some pointers I am happy to help in my small way.T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-39287274654587999872012-03-27T16:14:43.065+01:002012-03-27T16:14:43.065+01:00Hi Stanley; you've made some really good point...Hi Stanley; you've made some really good points here, and I'd like to address a couple of them. I think if it isn't racism or class it's something else like in India as you say with the caste system which is like class and race combined. As you say also calling someone a name and so stereotyping them is far easier than engaging with someone. I've come to the conclusion that it's better to have friends that you might not necessarily agree with on every point, than enemies.<br /><br />You say that prejudice without God can distort human relationships; that's a very interesting concept for certain. Never quite saw it like that before, but as a Christian it makes perfect sense. Yes, we need leaders, we need presidents and high-ranking people, but they often forget their mandate; it isn't to rule so much as lead, and often the best leaders are they who serve others before themselves.<br /><br />The equality in Christianity is one of the things, amongst many others, why I am a Christian, apart from the fact that I have a calling on my life from God! I think we all need a dose of humility now and again to keep us from getting too big for our boots!<br /><br />Thanks for the intelligent and thoughtful comment; it's worthy of debate, and I am lucky in attracting people like yourself and many others to my blog! Thanks!<br /><br />p.s. Many thanks for joining my blog; it's much appreciated!T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-31350044117354108142012-03-27T10:36:03.733+01:002012-03-27T10:36:03.733+01:00I ahall have to learn how to do that, I'll get...I ahall have to learn how to do that, I'll get there.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16165344093549650260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-85590883412444388402012-03-26T02:23:12.256+01:002012-03-26T02:23:12.256+01:00I have to agree that irregardless of where our cou...I have to agree that irregardless of where our countries' prejudices stand, we are still vastly more blessed with freedom than the majority of other countries. I also think it's a good point that you mention America's relationship with racism. Racism is a dark stain on the fabric of America. As someone on the far right, I really don't appreciate being labeled a racist. Often, calling someone a racist is easier than actually engaging them in intelligent debate. However, it saddens me that there are still some genuine racists left in America. <br /><br />In both countries, class has become a ladder and not a chain. We are blessed in comparison to those who live in the caste system in India. That is a perfect example of how pagan thought takes man's sin and takes it to its extreme. It's a saddening system and it is a testament to man's sinfulness. So, I agree with you that the class system (or caste system, in its most extreme form) is a gross distortion of the system of hierarchy God originally designed man for. I think that we can see how it should work in how the church is set up. God has placed pastors, elders, and deacons over His people but these people are their for our benefit. We are also given brothers and sisters to fellowship with. They are our equals. This, I believe, is the ideal system man was designed for. Our sinful hearts will never attain this, but we can always strive for such a system to be lived out in the church.Stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160075242848709012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-4551766212667781382012-03-24T23:24:30.256+00:002012-03-24T23:24:30.256+00:00Hi Stanley. First off you wrote: "...I do th...Hi Stanley. First off you wrote: "...I do think British people are quite cool." Well, that's a good start!<br /><br />Yes, the issue of social class seems more important in the UK than in other Western nations. In a sense though, what you describe for America, as in class being no object, is sort of the same for here as well; once you make money or are successful in some way, your social class seems to become irrelevant as in America. After all is said and done though, class is still an issue for many people. Forgive me for saying this, where Americans are less obsessed with class, it seems that racism and all that goes with that, is more a part of the American system. in the UK, on the surface, we are supposed to be tolerant of different races, but the reality 'on the ground' so to speak is very different. There is an incredible amount of racism in the UK, but it gets little precious coverage.<br /><br />Both the UK and the US proclaim freedom, democracy, freespeech and the like as being very important, and in that we share similar ideals and are similar in some ways, although being different in others. However, I think that in some senses, there is often very little genuine grassroots democracy in both countries; you might correct me on this. This aside, I feel that many British people and many Americans live quite well and live quite freely, much more than many other countries, and even poor people in both countries live better lives than the poor in many other places. We both have a lot to be thankful for, but we don't have to be uber-patriots to be good citizens; and that is a blessing also. We can criticise our governments, our leaders, and we can exercise our right to freespeech which is a privilege we should be grateful of.<br /><br />As a Christian, I have come to believe that no human nor any human society is ever going to be perfect; we have to work with what we have. I think class is an evil, like racism, and rather than say it is necessary although I completely get your point, I would say it is inevitable because of fallen human nature being what it is.<br /><br />Thanks for the thoughtful and intelligent comment!T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-90525108650978992002012-03-24T17:29:21.605+00:002012-03-24T17:29:21.605+00:00I found this enlightening. Being an American, I re...I found this enlightening. Being an American, I realize that the UK atmosphere is very alien to me. However, I do think British people are quite cool.<br /><br />The issue of class in Britain is woven into it's very fiber. Since the time of the Romans there was class in Britain. So, I think that maybe the UK is more inclined to such an attitude and situation because of the almost 2000 years of it. Here in America, class is, I don't believe, nearly as much of an issue. Here in America, class has become a political tool. Class warfare is prevalent. Mr. Obama uses frequently as well as do other members of the left. The ideas that surround the concepts in America and Britain are a little different though. Class is seen as no obstacle in America. A lower class person may invent something or provide a service that is desired. Then they will make money in the free market. It gives you the chance to rise above your class. To ascend the ranks. I know that Britain is a free country, yes, but, according to your post, it appears that the British people have not conquered the class system. By all means, please correct me if I'm wrong.<br />I want to state that I'm in no way condemning. We Americans have plenty of our own problems. Words like consumerism and debt come readily to mind. <br /><br />One final point: I think that it is the natural tendency of human civilization to parcel the population into the have's and have-not's. That is basic to the structure of civilization and to man's psyche (which is warped by sin.) From what I understand of class, it is a necessary evil. It is part of who man is. Obviously, the power of the Holy Spirit can overcome this. But in a secular society, class has become simply a pragmatic solution that isn't ideal, but it is fundamental to man's way of thinking. <br /><br />Thank you for your post!Stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160075242848709012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-1924515956397029632012-03-24T15:29:39.037+00:002012-03-24T15:29:39.037+00:00That's really kind of you Brenda, I really app...That's really kind of you Brenda, I really appreciate your comments! You have a knack of writing poetry that is a pleasure to read; that's not an easy thing to do. Yes I agree, individuality is a cornerstone of civilisation and who and what we are as human beings; we can celebrate this difference because it is as God made us.<br /><br />I really enjoy your blog a lot, and I always marvel how each of us, and I follow a few blogs faithfully, can present our work and posts so originally and differently. I took a little time to 'tweak' my blog and thought it important to advertise all the other blogs I follow.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment.T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-84110218355344798842012-03-24T12:01:55.573+00:002012-03-24T12:01:55.573+00:00What do you mean you wish you could write like tha...What do you mean you wish you could write like that, you write beautifully. I believe we all have to be what we are there is purpose in individuality. I hope I can learn to set up my blog as beautifully as you have done yours.<br />BrendaBrendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16165344093549650260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-44266764930707425282012-03-20T16:24:02.828+00:002012-03-20T16:24:02.828+00:00Hi Brenda, I really appreciate your thoughtful com...Hi Brenda, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment; what I always hope for my blog posts is that there is a degree of debate. I try not to think I have all the answers, in fact how could I!? Love the poem as well! I wish I could write like that.<br /><br />I agree with you completely, it is a privilege to serve Jesus; there is nothing in this world that could compensate for Jesus, nothing at all.T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-20343474490497975352012-03-20T11:36:49.961+00:002012-03-20T11:36:49.961+00:00Hi Tim,
I have to say that I have never thought of...Hi Tim,<br />I have to say that I have never thought of a 'wonderful life' as 'one surrounded by wealth and priviledge'. I really can not imagine a life more fulfilling than one that is grounded in Jesus. I have found that all I need is found in Him, and if I had a choice now of having what the world calls a life surrounded by wealth and priviledge or the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in my life, it would be the latter. There is no comparison. <br />I've found a hidden treasure <br />more valuable than gold<br />much brighter than a diamond<br /> a wonder to behold<br />created by a jeweller <br />who loved the world so much<br />He sent this precious stone to Earth <br />our hardened hearts to touch<br />This treasure I discovered <br />not on a velvet tray<br />but in the rags of misery <br />when I began to pray<br />This shining jewel of beauty <br />from sin and sickness frees us<br />The jeweller is our Father God<br />the precious stone is JESUS<br /><br />BrendaBrendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16165344093549650260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-75568352762356605842012-03-18T17:55:20.598+00:002012-03-18T17:55:20.598+00:00Hi Frank, thank you for reading and enjoying my po...Hi Frank, thank you for reading and enjoying my post. As I wrote, this is something that comes completely from the heart and I can talk about it and debate it all day quite frankly. I think that sometimes, there is a kind of Christianity 'out there' that is more about a person's social class and social status than it really is about a personal walk with Jesus on a daily basis, sad to say but I think true.<br /><br />I think as you say that some people who consider themselves better than a Working Class person don't see anything relevant in Working Class culture or the experience of someone who is Working Class, which again is sad but true I think.<br /><br />The North of England is probably a little more Working Class oriented than the South of England, although class operates here as well.<br /><br />You wrote: "The fruit of social class is often snobbery." Yes, I couldn't agree more. There exists in England a real sense of snobbishness towards people who are seen as common and ordinary, for whatever reason, and it often means that people are dismissed and seen as not counting or not being worth anything because they are common and ordinary, in the eyes of some people anyway. It is sad but true.<br /><br />In reality, we all have so much to learn from each other, and this post is not to condemn Middle or Upper Class people at all, but to explain how social class can be toxic and destructive and unfair; I want to hear from people from different backgrounds, to reach out and accommodate other people's opinions, so that we can learn to live in peace and tolerate each other regardless of our social origins.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment; I look forward to your next post.T-Childshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14973808285834438472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872289811002419028.post-20600630407363933772012-03-17T23:04:53.230+00:002012-03-17T23:04:53.230+00:00That is an excellent post and I agree with you ent...That is an excellent post and I agree with you entirely!<br />The very sad fact is, here in the South of England, there are many Christians who are not set free from this cultural malise. One very good example is that the majority of readers and followers of my blogs are American. There are enough Christians in my area who know me well, and are aware of by articles, but feel it is a waste of their time to read them. After all, according to them, as a working class person (even if I have my own business) - what could I possibly offer which they would learn, benefit and edify their faith? Going by the stats page, if these people took interest in my blogs and read them, the numbers would swell and on the map the UK would be dark green, almost black. The fruit of social class is often snobbery.<br />Your quote on 1 Corinthians is absolutely right. It is what God says when he lifts up the humble and sends the rich away empty. It is also worth looking up on James chapter 2, where the apostle gives a direct rebuke against snobbery existing in his day.<br />God bless,<br />Frank.Frank E. Blasihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12218732913319387677noreply@blogger.com