I had the opportunity last week to catch a sneak preview of the movie “Amazing Grace.” The story is about William Wilberforce who was a young and ambitious, not too mention popular, MP in London. The film mostly covered the struggle to outlaw slavery in Britain, but also Wilberforce’s attempt to outlaw it throughout the British Empire. This movie is great at bringing history to life and the struggle of faith to the screen. To me, it is worth the watch. And I must admit it creates a stir in one’s heart, especially as a believer, to the issues of social injustice in our land. I wonder…what are our “slavery: issues today? What should believers be speaking out against and rallying for change in our government?
7 comments:
Probably not what you are looking for, but from a global perspective, slavery and human trafficking is far from gone. It is sadly a vast practice.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, I think you are definately correct. But I think that SP was referring more to "our government". It seems to me he was thinking in a more local sense.
The issue that first came to my mind was pretty standard among evangelical Christians. I was thinking about the issue of abortion. In my opinion, its affect is the similar to slavery in that it does not allow people the opportunity to stand up for themselves. Of course, the debate is about whether or not the fetus is considered life and we could get into a big debate on that; I personally would rather refrain because this is an issue on which I've just gone in circles on with friends who are "pro-choice". None the less, I choose to try to take a stand for those little ones who don't get a chance at life. To me, they have been borne and the fact they are in their mother's womb is just the first stage of their development. To me, they are just as human as you and I.
I also do try to speak out for the children of homosexual parents. This is another very touchy issue which probably could get quite heated. None-the-less, I feel that I greatly benefitted from having both a father and mother. They both nurtured and loved me in very different and unique ways. They showed me what a wonderful marriage could be between a man and a woman. To be fair, there may be homosexual parents who are adequate in fulfilling a child's needs. Personally, it's hard for me to believe. Then again, there are those single parent's who do a fantastic job of raising their children on their own.
All in all, I don't feel that it gives a proper view of what marriage should be. Biblically, it is clear that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and no child should have to be raised thinking otherwise. I sign petitions as often as they come across my inbox and even have written my MP regarding the issue (he actually responded too...I was quite pleased about that). If any friend or aquaintance talks about the issue, I do attempt to let them know my feelings and why I feel that way. If people want to be involved in homosexual relationships, then let them! I just think it's totally unfair for the children that are involved.
Issues of social injustice in our community? Not hard to find - just look around! The tragedy at Madison Memorial Lodge this week cast a little light on much larger issues of social injustice in our midst. Housing prices are sky rocketing and yet the socially marginalized, the sick, the old, the impoverished, those with broken bodies and broken spirits are warehoused in decrepit, depressing, and spirit crushing rooming houses and shelters. The 86 souls at Madison Lodge are only a few of the thousands of social outcasts struggling to survive just one more day in our city. They yearn for acceptance, love, someone to talk to, a place to feel safe, an opportunity to live in a meaningful way. Do we see them? Do we talk to them? Do we invite them into our homes and to our tables? When Christ returns to separate the sheep from the goats, what will he say to us? --- where will he place me?
I agree with horst.
After the tragedy at Madison Lodge this week, it's a reminder to me that we need to do more, as individuals and also our government.
Lot of these people horst speeks about are just that..people. People, who struggle everyday both physically, spiritually & emotionally and are inslaved in addiction's that have them trapped or hiding, and many who are struggling financially due to being in slavery.
Yes, we do have wonderful resources provided by the government, but it's just not enough for someone who is struggling in addiction minute by minute, or someone who is fighting just to get nutrition into their bodies.
We need a government & community that will reach out and be there in times of tragity.
These people horst speaks about, long to be loved, share a cup of coffee with or a meal.
Why do sometimes we find ourselves after tragity hits saying, 'boy I wish I could have done something more', that's what I found myself saying this week - yet some of us are afraid to face the real faces of the addicted, out of fear possibly? I don't know.
So, again I would love to see our government/community change & reach out to the addicted, the broken hearted as well a community to be praying for freedom for the prisoner in slavery in our own backyards.
There are so many to get into, but seeing as time is not on my side at the moment I will mention one...
...Political candidates can raise millions of dollars in the matter of weeks for their campaigns, but we still can't seem to raise money to feed all our citizens; if you ask me there has been a sick shift in priorities...
Why do we look to our governments to "fix" social injustice? Is that not our job as fellow human beings? I think if each of us stopped waiting for the government to throw more money at problems, and instead took more personal responsibility for the less fortunate in our community, doing the simple things such as reaching out, talking and listening to them, assisting even one person with some of their needs, then we address issues of social injustice. I can't "fix" the problems of our society and culture, but I can can make a difference today in the life of at least one other person.
I am not saying it is completely the government's responsibilty, but mainly trying to illustrate a point that we (all of us) have our priorities a little out of whack. Not clearing the government of their responsibilities at all, but not clearing us of ours...if that makes sense.
Post a Comment