Post by Gerard Mendes on May 25, 2005 12:35:57 GMT -5
LETTERS FROM ROMANIA--PART 4
From: "Corina Teperdel"
To: "gerard mendes"
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:21:07 -0500
Subject: The American Church
THE AMERICAN CHURCH THROUGH ROMANIAN EYES
So, now about the way we, as Romainians, see the American Christianity... Again, a very complex issue. I will have to say one more time that I will write here only a few oppinions that could be wrong (even if they are right in my eyes). And, surely, they are not the whole picture, but just a few pieces from this complicated "puzzle-image".
First of all, I have to say something about the way we - and when I say "we", I mean the mass. There are also exceptions, of course... - so, the way we see the American culture and society, generally speaking. If you want it or not, you ARE an example - both in good and bad things. I don't know if you, as Americans, are aware of the fact that the whole world is watching you. Maybe you don't know too much about the nations of the world (of course you cannot, they are too many), but I'm sure that the nations of the world know a lot about you (America is unique). We, as Romainians, do know for sure. About 90% from our TV movies are USA products. You are in our news. We have started to eat at Mac Donald's and to wear T-shirts and blue-jeans for years. We are not yet eating peanuts butter with jelly for breakfast, but probably we'll do it soon!
You ARE being seen as the head of this world. And probably you really are...
In the movies we see, again and again a certain image is being painted. You are the good heroes, the saviours of the world, the ones who fight for good and justice, the idealists, the strong, the beautiful, the brilliant ones... And, this way, the desired effect is being obtained: if WE want it or not, in our conscious or subconscious part we want to copy you - in everything. And here the bad part comes, because you are not exactly perfect. You have problems, too. And some of them are really big... But we take everything together - as a package. We are not separating right from wrong, because it's about a whole life-style here. You live in a certain way, and we want to imitate you in all you do.
So, if we, as foreigners, are exotic and misterious for you, the same way, you are somehow fascinating for us...
I am saying these things because they are also valid for the spiritual field. America IS the leader, the example, the brain, the pattern. You go to preach all over the world, good-smelling and bright, and everybody looks up to you and wants to be like you. Did you know that?... Well, it's true for most of the Romainians, at least... That's why you have also a big responsibility. What you propagate is being followed and imitated, if it is right or wrong...
I don't want to speak here about the good things you do and give and bring. You certainly do that. Probably all the steps further were made first by you. And probably you gave the most brilliant spirits and minds in the Christian arena. I will dare to speak about the bad parts here. Because usually the bad things are the ones we are not aware of. We all know which our qualities are. But when it comes about our deficites, we hardly see them. And, because I wrote first about the plank in our Romanian eye, please allow me to write now about the speck in yours, without hating me at the end of this letter...
So... Where should I start?... Maybe with the affirmation that you seem to be a society which is seeking first of all to be successful, prosperous and happy. And you want to reach these targets as easily and quickly as possible. (This is the central point, like a root, which is giving birth to branches and leaves. So, I consider that the things I will say are all related to one another.) Well, what's wrong with that?... Everybody wants to be happy and to prosper, right?... Right. Still, when it comes about being a Christian, I don't think it's about being happy by all means...
One of the consequences of this mentality is the fact that the American Christianity is focusing too much on this earthly life (forgetting heaven), on the promises of God (forgetting the requirements), on the "rights" of God's children (forgetting the "duties"), on having instant results (forgetting the fruit called patience)... It also seems to me that your society helps you to have everything quickly and without too much effort, that's why it's hard for you to admit failure, and it's also hard for you to fight long-term battles. You want all, and you want it now!
You know, usually your preachers look like little gods, so faultless in their new suits and with their gold big rings and watches, so fervent in the front of their big churches... It's already an image that has to be nourished further. But also an attitude. Such people cannot know what failure is. Their ministries MUST be "world-wide". And to grow quickly. And to bring great results. Big numbers. Awesome things.
next:
From: "Corina Teperdel"
To: "gerard mendes"
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:21:07 -0500
Subject: The American Church
THE AMERICAN CHURCH THROUGH ROMANIAN EYES
So, now about the way we, as Romainians, see the American Christianity... Again, a very complex issue. I will have to say one more time that I will write here only a few oppinions that could be wrong (even if they are right in my eyes). And, surely, they are not the whole picture, but just a few pieces from this complicated "puzzle-image".
First of all, I have to say something about the way we - and when I say "we", I mean the mass. There are also exceptions, of course... - so, the way we see the American culture and society, generally speaking. If you want it or not, you ARE an example - both in good and bad things. I don't know if you, as Americans, are aware of the fact that the whole world is watching you. Maybe you don't know too much about the nations of the world (of course you cannot, they are too many), but I'm sure that the nations of the world know a lot about you (America is unique). We, as Romainians, do know for sure. About 90% from our TV movies are USA products. You are in our news. We have started to eat at Mac Donald's and to wear T-shirts and blue-jeans for years. We are not yet eating peanuts butter with jelly for breakfast, but probably we'll do it soon!
You ARE being seen as the head of this world. And probably you really are...In the movies we see, again and again a certain image is being painted. You are the good heroes, the saviours of the world, the ones who fight for good and justice, the idealists, the strong, the beautiful, the brilliant ones... And, this way, the desired effect is being obtained: if WE want it or not, in our conscious or subconscious part we want to copy you - in everything. And here the bad part comes, because you are not exactly perfect. You have problems, too. And some of them are really big... But we take everything together - as a package. We are not separating right from wrong, because it's about a whole life-style here. You live in a certain way, and we want to imitate you in all you do.
So, if we, as foreigners, are exotic and misterious for you, the same way, you are somehow fascinating for us...
I am saying these things because they are also valid for the spiritual field. America IS the leader, the example, the brain, the pattern. You go to preach all over the world, good-smelling and bright, and everybody looks up to you and wants to be like you. Did you know that?... Well, it's true for most of the Romainians, at least...
That's why you have also a big responsibility. What you propagate is being followed and imitated, if it is right or wrong...I don't want to speak here about the good things you do and give and bring. You certainly do that. Probably all the steps further were made first by you. And probably you gave the most brilliant spirits and minds in the Christian arena. I will dare to speak about the bad parts here. Because usually the bad things are the ones we are not aware of. We all know which our qualities are. But when it comes about our deficites, we hardly see them. And, because I wrote first about the plank in our Romanian eye, please allow me to write now about the speck in yours, without hating me at the end of this letter...
So... Where should I start?... Maybe with the affirmation that you seem to be a society which is seeking first of all to be successful, prosperous and happy. And you want to reach these targets as easily and quickly as possible. (This is the central point, like a root, which is giving birth to branches and leaves. So, I consider that the things I will say are all related to one another.) Well, what's wrong with that?... Everybody wants to be happy and to prosper, right?... Right. Still, when it comes about being a Christian, I don't think it's about being happy by all means...
One of the consequences of this mentality is the fact that the American Christianity is focusing too much on this earthly life (forgetting heaven), on the promises of God (forgetting the requirements), on the "rights" of God's children (forgetting the "duties"), on having instant results (forgetting the fruit called patience)... It also seems to me that your society helps you to have everything quickly and without too much effort, that's why it's hard for you to admit failure, and it's also hard for you to fight long-term battles. You want all, and you want it now!
You know, usually your preachers look like little gods, so faultless in their new suits and with their gold big rings and watches, so fervent in the front of their big churches... It's already an image that has to be nourished further. But also an attitude. Such people cannot know what failure is. Their ministries MUST be "world-wide". And to grow quickly. And to bring great results. Big numbers. Awesome things.
next: