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Of course America is exceptional
Washington Post political reporter Karen Tumulty wrote Monday about the growing use of the idea of "American exceptionalism" by political conservatives as a "battle cry from a new front in the ongoing culture wars."
Sarah Palin and many other prominent conservatives assert that "God has granted America a special role in human history." It is this belief about America's destiny that they say is "under attack" by liberals who downplay America's distinctiveness.
Are these leaders saying that America has a special relationship with God?
How do you interpret this?
Of course America is exceptional. If it isn't, why do some many want to come here, legally and illegally? From its beginning, America has offered hope and opportunity to hundreds of millions.
But there is a huge difference between affirming American exceptionalism and the claim by some that God favors America more than other nations. That is idolatry. Jesus didn't die and rise for Americans, who did not exist in His time, but for everyone from every land and for all time.
Those conservatives who think God favors America more than, say, Kenyans, should ask why a Holy God would bless a nation which has tolerated 50 million abortions and promotes other practices God considers an "abomination"?
Furthermore, such people who regard America as uniquely worthy of God's blessing should consider this verse from Isaiah 40:17 -- "The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes they count for less than nothing--mere emptiness and froth."
As Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36) These verses should humble us, not cause us to exalt ourselves or even America. For "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled." (Luke 14:11)
By
Cal Thomas
|
November 29, 2010; 9:40 PM ET
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Posted by: Secular | December 4, 2010 2:31 PM
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America certainly was blessed because we honored God by reading scriptures from His Holy Word and praying daily in schools when I was growing up. We also were friends and allies with Israel. That's all changed now and we are seeing the results as this once great nation slowly sinks into total degradation. You can't spit in God's face and expect to be blessed. A million aborted babies a year; anything goes lifestyles; turning against Israel; etc, etc.
In Genesis 12 God stated, "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
He was speaking to Abram (Abraham) and about the nation of Israel. You can take that to the bank. This is called, Blessings 101.
Posted by: nikosd99 | December 4, 2010 1:30 AM
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American is exceptional because we have never allowed religion to get entangled in the running of the country. It would be a shame if supposed Christians were to undermine our constitution, because they claim they know God's will better.
Posted by: david6 | December 1, 2010 4:35 PM
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"Of course America is exceptional. If it isn't, why do some many want to come here, legally and illegally?"
Maybe because it's worse where they came from?
Big duh.
Posted by: haveaheart | December 1, 2010 2:20 PM
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Pure Republican BS....
that is the only reason we are discussing this.
Posted by: vigor | November 30, 2010 3:03 PM
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The only "exceptionalism" in America today is the exceptional level of stupidity embodied in people like Sarah Palin and her ilk.
Posted by: slim21 | November 30, 2010 11:45 AM
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You may be an idiot, but at least you have moments of semi-clarity Cal.
Posted by: FredEvil | November 30, 2010 10:43 AM
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I'm an atheist myself and do not believe in gods, but, if there are gods, it seeems like these days they are cursing the USA- not blessing it. Sarah palin and her ilk are a plague of ignorance and hate upon the land. Glen beck and the idiots who profess to be christians just foment hate, ignorance and division. If there is a God he surely hates the USA.
Posted by: sux123 | November 30, 2010 9:33 AM
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Alain Rene:“Pride and conceit were the original sins of man.”
Posted by: tojby_2000 | November 30, 2010 9:32 AM
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Mr. Thomas, there is hardly anything you write that I agree with. However, this one article I agree with your analysis even after you made teh assumption that god exists. Hope to see more such writings of yours.