The unkindness of strangers

The Economist ^ | July 27, 2013

[BlackAdderess]

"EIGHTY years ago Lu Xun, now enshrined as the father of modern Chinese literature, observed that when others needed help his countrymen seemed to be stricken by apathy. “In China,” he wrote, “especially in the cities, if someone collapses from sudden illness, or if someone is hit by a car, lots of people will gather around, some will even take delight, but very few will be willing to extend a helping hand.”"

[BlackAdderess]

I do think that Christianity has shaped our society far more pervasively than most Americans perceive. Here is an example of a major world civilization that has not been shaped by Christianity as ours has been. As the Church grows in China we seem to be losing our own moral bearings in this country. What is the fate of human dignity in America under atheism?

[Viennacon]

The same fate as Western Europe. Decay with each passing generation until eventual collapse.

[mitch5501]

"The same fate as Western Europe. Decay with each passing generation until eventual collapse"

The rate of which will be largely determined by the patience of the barbarians at the gate.

[iowamark]

Why did you change the title?

[Viennacon]

In Europe, the gate was wide open, so the barbarians just walked in.

[elcid1970]

Would somebody please tell me that the atheists are wrong!?

[BlackAdderess]

I don’t post many things (this might be my first), I titled it with what I believe is the salient point. Wasn’t I supposed to?

[BlackAdderess]

Well, first you will need to agree on a standard of what is “wrong” and then get everyone else to agree with said standard...

[outinyellowdogcountry]

I am not as eloquent as Ray Comfort so I am sending you a link to one of his articles. He is well worth listening to if you are truly interested. May God bless you as your eyes open to the truth.
http://www.livingwaters.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2776%3Ait-wasn%E2%80%99t-done-in-the-dark&Itemid=353&lang=en

[RoadGumby]

What exactly is it that you are asking?

[elcid1970]

Thank you for that article link. Truly, God is good!

[aimhigh]

I don’t post many things (this might be my first), I titled it with what I believe is the salient point. Wasn’t I supposed to?

You are supposed to use the real title. You can then put your thought in parentheses, or in the comments. Interesting article.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

China is difficult to accurately criticize from the West, for several very peculiar reasons. Try to imagine the situation through some of these lenses:

1) Many in China are still *terrified* of Christianity. How could this be? Bad luck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiping_Rebellion

In the 1840s, China was extremely popular for missionary work, and many Chinese were receptive to Christianity. However, just by chance, missionaries gave a religious tract to the wrong man. His name was Hong Xiuquan, and he was soon to become the Chinese equivalent of Adolf Hitler.

He proclaimed himself the “younger brother of Jesus”, and though he knew nothing of Christianity, that was how he was thought of in China.

From 1850 to 1864, overlapping the US Civil War, he led a revolt in which, by British estimates, 20-30 million people were killed. To this day, many in China are still terrified of Christianity.

2) There is a famous picture theme in China which compares its three traditional religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Somewhat like a bad bar joke, it shows a Buddhist, a Confucian, and a Taoist, standing behind a barrel of vinegar. Each has dipped their finger into it, and tasted it. The expressions on their faces show their philosophies.

The Buddhist has a look of pained resignation on his face, because he imagines the sour bitterness of the vinegar as like that of life in general. Endless suffering until you become nothing.

The Confucian looks upset and angry, because he finds the sourness and bitterness of the vinegar indicative of imbalance in the universe, that needs correction, in that balance and order are the highest good.

The Taoist, however, has a relaxed and happy expression on his face, because the vinegar tastes like vinegar is supposed to taste, so it is good, honest vinegar.

(Someone noted that another character could be added to the painting, a Muslim who is refusing to taste the vinegar because there is no mention of vinegar in the Koran, so it must be “haram”. And even if was “halal”, acceptable, he wouldn’t taste it because infidels have polluted it.)

[iowamark]

http://www.freerepublic.com/help.htm#articles
“Do include the original title - When you post an article, be sure to include the original title where appropriate. This helps users find the article and lessens the chance of a double post. “

[COBOL2Java]

You need to always use the original title.

Administrator: Please change to the article’s original title.