[CedarDave]

I guess we're just supposed to keep a stiff upper lip and all that. Right, ol' chap?

Most Americans still believe in God; one who is greater than ourselves who we look to for guidance and comfort in times of national and personal tragedies.

[EternalVigilance]

The open espousal of Christian values by politicians in the United States also contrasts strongly with the timidity of the average Brit in talking about religion or spirituality. The famous British reserve, which, so far as showing emotion is concerned, seems to be breaking down, is still absolute when it comes to the existence of God. In the face of national tragedy, we cancel sporting events but we don't immediately fall to our knees.

Hence the fact that they long ago slipped from the ranks of superpowers. Sadly, their foundations have been undermined and are therefore washing away further with each new storm.

Jesus, after all, made it very clear that He would honor those who honored Him.

God bless America.

[MHT]

England has one of the lowest levels of church attendance of any predominantly Christian country. Just think, beautiful cathedrals....empty. The author thinks that such British behavior of the 19th century was delusional---I think their behavior then was exemplary. It was before they mastered their technique of appeasement, which pacified Hitler before Churchill's rise to power. It was before "marriage" became passe in British life and "partners" parenting thousands of illegitimate children became the norm.

Before this arrogant, elitist author criticizes anything about America, he should take a second-look at the cultural void of his own country. After all, it wasn't so long ago that people were worshipping their lost goddess, Princess Di, in the depths of sorrow and grief---only to "move on" with few even remembering her death date a year later.

The same rationale he uses to explain how predictable disasters are can also be applied to the decline of British civilization. Past experience is often an indicator, a precursor, of the future. For the UK, socialization of those things which belong in the private sector, lack of "guard rails" on personal and public behavior, and denigration of religion have been preliminary events which foreshadow the demise of a once proud culture. Poor Victoria--she would have been so disappointed.

[helives]

To all,

God bless Australia, God bless America, God bless Israel, God bless Britain,

God bless any other countries prepared to protect Christendom..as for the rest....oh dear!!, and yeah I know Israel is not Christain, however scripture is plain on this matter, I bless thee who bless Israel and I curse thee who curse Israel.....bad luck Yasser and ur Muslim mates,

well Jesus is coming to separate the sheep from the goats.

....who is on that dang security council again??? oh yeah, France, Germany, Russia, China etc....oh dear, wrong side Im afraid.

and when I saw the news of Columbia and saw Georges speech and references to Isaiah it brought a tear to my eye, not because of the astronauts deaths, but the fact that the leader of the western world was prepared to quote the Lords scripture....whole lot better than that democRAT, Willy Clintoon.....Georges beliefs can only be good for America and thats a fact.

God bless all you guys n gals

Stu in Oz (oi oi oi)

[ancient_geezer]

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests that in a way Americans consider themselves a chosen people. The British had the same delusion in the 19th century.

Europeans seem to be more subject to delusion. so that is a fair characterisation.

One need not consider themselves chosen at all. However one can certainly aspire to something better. When such view is maintained as a basis of one's government form it's earliest beginnings, it becomes a conviction and guiding light as opposed to the delusions claimed by monarchists for themselves.

“Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” John Adams

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not by religions, but by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Patrick Henry

[tictoc]

Two Cheers for Colonialism

[JudgemAll]

Foaming at the mouth barf alert. Did the President tell a lie? No. So maybe they wanted a quote from Freud about condoms? You know, like the timing was perfect for it. Or like the Bible cannot add to the truth and equations of moral degenerecense and decay of liberals. Like liberals are gods or something, some kind of superstition in superhumans.... yep. Pagan freaks'em all.

[syriacus]

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests that in a way Americans consider themselves a chosen people

What a funny interpretation of religiosity...

I find (true) religious feelings are strongest in humble people, who realize that they are imperfect and who do not think they are gods.

[Steve0113]

On Saturday, democratic leaders of the House of Representatives, who were meeting in Pennsylvania to plan strategy, immediately gave up their confabulations when they heard the news, and began to pray.

Does anybody else not believe this for a second?

[lodwick]

They actually PAY this nitwit to write?

Memo to Andreas: ShutUp.

[ArcLight]

You mean...we're not? ;-)

[McGavin999]

We don't consider ourselves a "chosen people" but we do consider ourselves children of God. We look to Him, we lean on Him, and we worship Him. The American people bow to noone other than God. We try, and sometimes fail, to follow the Word that God gave to all humanity, but at least we do try.

[onedoug]

Thanks for posting, CD.

w, would you put this on your print-list? Thanks.

We are "chosen". Ain't no "...in a way...." about it.

[Wait4Truth]

The best part of this article is that George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, leader of the free world, doesn't give a DAMN about what Europe has to say on his scripture quoting or his war on evil.

[CedarDave]

Thanks for your comments in response to my posting this. I came across it by accident while looking up one of Drudge's Independent.co.uk. stories last night. I have read all your comments and responses. I am continually impressed by the breadth of FReeper knowledge on many subjects and, in this case in particular, scripture. Beyond just knowledge, I see in your remarks how you take the words of the Lord to heart and that they are not just words spoken on a Sunday morn, but they guide you in your life. I wish that my own words could have the eloquence and persuasiveness that your words do.

I don't want to slight others, but two short respnses struck me as capturing the essence of this thread:

I find (true) religious feelings are strongest in humble people, who realize that they are imperfect and who do not think they are gods.

I find explanations of religious symbols and spirit by the untrained and the non-religious to be highly nauseating. Its like a bushman trying to explain a wrist watch.

Thanks again for all your thoughtful remarks.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests that in a way Americans consider themselves a chosen people.

Andreas Whittam Smith...you sir, are a chancre.

The British had the same delusion in the 19th century.
So, you are saying that prayer is a form of delusion?

But whereas we thought God had directed us to civilise the world, the Americans evidently believe themselves instructed to pacify it.
So you are saying that killing people in the name of God is a way of civilising them? I see. Religion is a little lift in your shoe, so to speak. So the British, finding so many savages in the world that don't wear shoes, decide to nail these lifts onto their feet. Is that it? How civilised.

This explains their astonishment that the rest of the world should fail to share their view of Iraq.
We are astonished because you are as blind and addle-minded as Neville Chamberlain was...and yet you fail to learn from his failure.

Do the world a favor sir. Shut up, sit down and please decide not to reproduce.