EXCEPTIONALISM

EXCEPTIONALISM

Sunday, September 29, 2013     

EXCEPTIONALISM — ex·cep·tion·al·ist  adjective:  the condition of being different from the norm; also :  a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region. First known use was in 1929.  Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

Matthew 5:1-16 … seeing the multitudes, [Jesus] went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  Did you know that a major historical distinction between the USA and many other nations and cultures is the meaning of the word “volunteer”, elsewhere often meaning “forced labor”. There are other manners that I see as making USA an exceptional nation. Though they’re obvious indicators, they are not the reason for USA exceptionalism.

  The reason is the early and continuing seasoning by and luminosity of followers of Christ (Christians) willing to be challenged, ridiculed, even persecuted for standing for the Word Living and written.

EBB4