But at least we can still be the center of the earth, right? With chest-thumping hymns of national exceptionalism or mind-numbing thoughts of personal egotism, we can put ourselves where we belong: on the pedestal of me-first-ism.
Then this comes along...
- Sunday I was reminded that there are more members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Congo than there are in North America. Interesting since the CC(DOC) claims to be the first denomination born in the United States.
- And I heard on NPR this morning that car-making icon General Motors sells more cars in China than it does in the United States.
So, where do we fit? Does all that make you feel small? Or right-sized? I wonder...
I'd like to hear from you.
Well I was in a pretty good mood, then I read your blog and it all seems so bleak, the vastness of space and our inconsequential spot in it. I was planning on helping a group of blind veterans this afternoon, but why bother, right?
ReplyDeleteNO! i am just joshing you Rev. I enjoy my calling to service and I thank God that i have an opprotunity to provide some measure of help in peoples' lives. As far as the cosmic expanse goes, I usually ask my wife about things too difficult for me to wrap my mind around, and she usually has a good answer.
In it all there is an openess to wonder. We may not be the center, or even special, but i don't think that should get in the way to an awareness they we are something like no else. And that's about how I feel.
Another perhaps unexpected fact:
ReplyDeleteThere are thought to be between 80 and 90 million Christians in China-- a number that is greater than the entire population, Christian or otherwise, of one of Christendom's "flagship" nations Great Britain, where only about 2% of the population even attends Sunday services on any given week.