The commencement address delivered by Lutheran lay theologian Larry Rasmussen at the 2003 graduation ceremonies of Trinity Lutheran Seminary appears in the Summer/Fall, 2004 issue of Trinity Seminary Review. In one place, Rasmussen's comments are similar to my own about the American Dream. It comes at a place in his presentation where he talks about the increasing penchant for associating democracy in America with liberty only, particularly the liberty to make money, forgetting about other important elements of democracy. Rasmussen writes:
A close look at the notion of democracy embedded [in current American thinking]...is unsettling. Democracy's three classic values are liberty, equality, and community ("fraternity"). But the only talk now in our nation is about freedom as liberty and how it can be secured. We hear nothing of the other two any more---equality and community. When liberty ideologically trumps all else in a free enterprise model tied to affluence as a way of life, then even democratic government itself is basically about protecting and promoting freedom to acquire wealth and do with it as you please. The right to property and its uses is more basic than, say, government as an equalizing force ("equality") or government as the people's means to achieve the common good together ("community"). We have quietly amputated two-thirds of the democratic vision.Good food for thought...and prayer! Rasmussen says more eloquently or ably what I have been trying to say.
It is one of our main jobs to remind Americans of our great heritage here and around the world. The power of politics and its handmaiden, economic theory, make it difficult to get out message through but we actually have a wonderful opportunity to influence Christians every Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot depend upon anyone but the community of believers to adequately promote equality and community.