It is people that makes diffrences

I'm visiting Birmingham (in Alabama) again. Now that my life is based in Tokyo, there is this strange feeling when driving around that I wonder... how do I know all these street? I don't live here anymore, and when I see someone new, I should ask like a stranger, but I can't. Thus, it's as clear as sunlight that this is my home.

People asked me what I'm doing in Birmingham. And that's a fair question. There is no major tourist destination or attraction. The most touristy one, if any, would be he Civil Rights Institute, a museum of racial segregation and civil rights movement. Birmingham is a thriving city and reviving, repelling old reputation. But, it's not a city popular for vacation or tourism.

But I chose this city for my one-week vacation. For what? Why would I choose here over New York or Chicago, or European cities like Florence?

Again and again, then, I'm reminded that it's people that give meaning to places. And in Birmingham, there are many that I care and are dear to my heart. I don't mind traveling alone in New York City or any tourist destination. I've done that, and sometimes it's better to be able to plan and go to places as I want. I did that in New York City and that was one of my best trips I've ever made.

But, those places would be meaningless without people. However awesome those destination can be, it could carry very little value without people to enjoy it. And places like Birmingham, where people I care live, become more valuable than any bigger city in the world. And friendship is what makes this city so special.

I like to be this way. I want to be someone who care and value friendship. Above all, God made us this way. He saw it was not good for a man to be alone and he made us creation that functions much better when in multiple. Two is better than one. And so is church. Church is the body of Christ revealed in this world and different parts make one body. That's why I value community so much.

One day, if God's willing, I want to have a community like this in Tokyo. And I think that is one of ways that church can make difference in the world.

Founded on Judeo-Christian principle?

I realized this is my first post in over an year and it's a bit heavy topic, but I just felt like sharing my view and thought about this topic since it's a huge election year in the U.S. After a few conversations with friends, I started wondering over this question:

Is there such a thing as a nation founded on Judeo-Christian principles?

I've heard many arguments, especially from evangelical conservatives, that the United States is a country founded on Judeo-Christian principle. But, is it really though?

Yes, those American colonies were established to escape religious persecution from England. Sure, they might well run those communities on Christian principles. But, when the United States declared independence and eventually earned the independence, it was due to opposition of heavy taxation from England among other issues. But, Christian principles were not the main reason for the war.

Christianity isn't meant to be a state religion in the first place. Rather it teaches to be obedient to the authorities.

"Then he (Jesus) said to them `So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.`" Matthew 22:21 NIV (And similar statements in Mark 12:17 and Luke 20:25)

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established... Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pa taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:1-7

Even for the Israelite in Old Testament, God never intended to place human authorities over them. He rather form a community of the twelve tribes to coexist directly under His reign and blessing although they later rejected and demanded a king.

If a country is really founded on Judeo-Christian principles, what does it look like? Does it lack human authority and have God directly rule over? Do people support each other, and function as one body of Christ? When one part of the country suffers, does the whole country share the suffering? Does it rejoice when one part experience joy? Does it welcome strangers and provide basic needs when they need?

I don't like when a self-proclaimed "Christian" politician argue about Christian value in American politics because there is so little in their argument that is Christian. They are not interested in caring of the poor and vulnerable. They don't want to welcome immigrant or refugees who wants better life and peace when there is capacity to give them. They don't treat different people fairly and equality among races and gender is never on their priority list.

Donald Trump won primary in South Carolina, where there are many Christian evangelical voters live, and I am wondering why. He has nothing to do with Christianity. He wants to ban Muslims, deport undocumented immigrants, including those who brought by parents. How could a Christian vote for him? Well, unless the "Christians" think they feel oppressed and losing their political influence, and they want a iconic leader to represent them, whether he or she is Christian or not.

I shared this article on my Facebook, and it says "One of the saddest chapters in the history of Christianity is how the courageous church of the martyrs became — with the help of the state — a fearful and persecuting church." I don't think church should ever be on the governing side of the politics. Church is not a political faction, but it is a community of believers whose head is Christ. We already have the King. Why are we still trying to rule over people?

So, back to the question. Is there such a thing as a nation founded on Judeo-Christian principles? I don't think so. Not on the earth. But, we will be a Christian nation, when the Satan is defeated, there are new Heaven and Earth, and we reside in New Jerusalem.