Thanks for this thought-provoking post! Certainly there was greed among those participating in the Land Rush, but there was opportunism among those looking for a better life too, not just westward expansion. The more worrisome aspect, to my way of thinking, is the myth of Manifest Destiny. Certainly this resonates with other great American myths, like our country's founding in pursuit of freedom and our glorification of rugged individualism. It strikes me as ironic that almost all of our national myths run counter to the principles of Christianity. God does not promise us land and bounty because we are Christian, especially at the cost of taking it from indigenous Americans. And Christ does not teach us to "go it alone" without concern for our neighbors. How did we get it so wrong then? And how - despite the surge of evangelical Christianity in recent decades - do we still get it so wrong?
Thank you, David, for your thoughtful reflections on the post!
You bring up an important perspective that resonates deeply with the complex history of America, particularly in the context of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. Indeed, while the pioneering spirit afforded many the opportunity to forge new paths, it's critical to recognize that these opportunities often came at a significant cost to others, especially indigenous populations. My process here is to acknowledge both sides while striving to find a lesson still relevant today.
The theme of Manifest Destiny is recurrent in discussions about American history (and on this Substack) because it profoundly shaped the nation’s expansionist policies. It's a concept that we must continue to examine through a Christian lens, acknowledging both the positive and negative impacts. In my ongoing efforts to explore history including American myths and their alignment with—or contradiction to—Christian principles, this theme, along with others, will be a recurring topic in our lessons.
Human nature exhibits a broad spectrum from fierce independence to deep communal concern, reflected in the varied intellectual and religious views on the roles of community and individual responsibility that have always been and continue to be a part of our society. The Bible teaches both the importance of personal accountability and community support. As Christians, we're called to navigate these teachings thoughtfully, recognizing our shortcomings and the imperfection inherent in our fallen world.
We are, all of us, learners on a spiritual journey, striving daily to emulate Christ's example and teachings. I think we still get it wrong because ultimately we are all imperfect sinners. Our historical reflections here, while not always all encompasing, aim to provide learning opportunities that challenge us to think critically and grow spiritually. I believe there is still opportunity for us to learn and grow from history and, of course, scripture.
Thank you again for engaging in this conversation. I look forward to exploring these themes and many others further in our upcoming posts.
My personal story that I wrote about is a deep understanding of being obedient to God. He turned me inside out and I now have the capability of being grateful right where I am. I'm 60 yrs old and we live in our camper. I have many friends with 2 houses, and I'm truly happy for them. The principality of Mamon is responsible for greed. He's the spirit of "never enough". Trusting in God to fulfill our needs, renders Mamon unable to influence us. With God All Things Are Possible
Thanks for this thought-provoking post! Certainly there was greed among those participating in the Land Rush, but there was opportunism among those looking for a better life too, not just westward expansion. The more worrisome aspect, to my way of thinking, is the myth of Manifest Destiny. Certainly this resonates with other great American myths, like our country's founding in pursuit of freedom and our glorification of rugged individualism. It strikes me as ironic that almost all of our national myths run counter to the principles of Christianity. God does not promise us land and bounty because we are Christian, especially at the cost of taking it from indigenous Americans. And Christ does not teach us to "go it alone" without concern for our neighbors. How did we get it so wrong then? And how - despite the surge of evangelical Christianity in recent decades - do we still get it so wrong?
Thank you, David, for your thoughtful reflections on the post!
You bring up an important perspective that resonates deeply with the complex history of America, particularly in the context of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. Indeed, while the pioneering spirit afforded many the opportunity to forge new paths, it's critical to recognize that these opportunities often came at a significant cost to others, especially indigenous populations. My process here is to acknowledge both sides while striving to find a lesson still relevant today.
The theme of Manifest Destiny is recurrent in discussions about American history (and on this Substack) because it profoundly shaped the nation’s expansionist policies. It's a concept that we must continue to examine through a Christian lens, acknowledging both the positive and negative impacts. In my ongoing efforts to explore history including American myths and their alignment with—or contradiction to—Christian principles, this theme, along with others, will be a recurring topic in our lessons.
Human nature exhibits a broad spectrum from fierce independence to deep communal concern, reflected in the varied intellectual and religious views on the roles of community and individual responsibility that have always been and continue to be a part of our society. The Bible teaches both the importance of personal accountability and community support. As Christians, we're called to navigate these teachings thoughtfully, recognizing our shortcomings and the imperfection inherent in our fallen world.
We are, all of us, learners on a spiritual journey, striving daily to emulate Christ's example and teachings. I think we still get it wrong because ultimately we are all imperfect sinners. Our historical reflections here, while not always all encompasing, aim to provide learning opportunities that challenge us to think critically and grow spiritually. I believe there is still opportunity for us to learn and grow from history and, of course, scripture.
Thank you again for engaging in this conversation. I look forward to exploring these themes and many others further in our upcoming posts.
Greed is still a huge thing in society. See also James 3:13-18 on the two kinds of wisdom.
My personal story that I wrote about is a deep understanding of being obedient to God. He turned me inside out and I now have the capability of being grateful right where I am. I'm 60 yrs old and we live in our camper. I have many friends with 2 houses, and I'm truly happy for them. The principality of Mamon is responsible for greed. He's the spirit of "never enough". Trusting in God to fulfill our needs, renders Mamon unable to influence us. With God All Things Are Possible