Disturbing article about Russia. I’m perhaps more sensitive to this subject these days because I’ve just finished a round of reading in WWI Russian history, coupled with the never ending WWI research. It’s not looking good for team world. Aren’t you glad we know there’s a better place awaiting us?
It’s such a discouraging time and I fear that we in the west are just plain weary of trying to beat back so many bad guys running amok. 😦 So it’s easier to say “not our problem.”
Some things aren’t our problem. But (as Hitler proved) some things are everyone’s problem. If not now, then eventually.
Ricky, I’m not so sure the Christian sections of Russia are any stronger than those in the US. I’ve been in conversation with a guy who has traveled to Russia for the last thirty years for missionary trips. This is his comment on the above:
“HI Michelle, thanks for the article. Had not seen that one. Although I post news on FB and Twitter, I try to hold back from personal commentary. For me, Russia is not the opposite side of the world. It’s a place I visit every year for Christian ministry, and I don’t want to get myself blacklisted.
“The article is disturbing, yes, but it’s just 1 more piece in the grand scheme of thinking that forms Vladimir Putin’s goals and personal ambitions. Mr. P has shaken nerves in governments across Poland, the Baltic states, and south to Central Asia.
“Right now, Kazakhstan (in my opinion) has less to fear than other places because Kazakhstan is already closely aligned with Russia economically. That huge nation is basically already in his back pocket, so he need not be worried too much about patriotism there right now.
“Until last year, his hand-picked man for the Ukrainian presidency had Ukraine in nearly the same situation, but Ukrainians are not Kazakhs, and they have suffered tremendously under Moscow for generations, and they finally grew sick of being controlled by Moscow and forced out Yanukovich.
“Years ago, Putin publicly said that the “greatest tragedy” of the 20th century was the breakup of the Soviet Union. That was a major revelation of his thinking, considering the millions who died in such little incidents as, say, World War I & World War II. The USSR collapsed without a single bullet fired, and yet he considers that the #1 greatest tragedy.
” He is out to rebuild its power and grandeur, if not its name.
“Canada has been getting jittery about the Russian military buildup in the Arctic (most Americans are probably unaware of that). Meanwhile, Russia has been courting favor with China, which has also been building its military as never before. Close ties to China (on which the USA has become extremely dependent for goods) puts Putin in a very advantageous position of power.
” All this comes at a time when the Russian population has been discouraged and feeling like trash in the world because they are the biggest nation in the world, yet they cannot even manufacture a single automobile good enough to compete in world markets. (Even tiny South Korea can do that!) That is why the Russian population as a whole is cheering Putin louder than ever.
“They see him as restoring the power, the glory, the fear of Russia in the world again. Most of them adore him for this, and that encourages him to continue in his grand ambitions.
“Soviet leaders were always good at the strategy, “Tell the world what it wants to hear, but then go ahead and do what you want to do.” Putin has perfected that ability to a highly polished science. Scary times for anyone with open eyes. So glad I know the Lord! Thanks again!”
I forwarded that comment to the person who sent me the link with this addition of my own:
Wanted to note that Anne Applebaum is an excellent reporter. Her book Gulag was horrifying, fascinating, and very, long and absorbing when not horrifying.
Her husband, of course, was the Prime Minister of Poland for awhile and is now something or other in the government.
I’m not sure if I’m thankful for what I know about Russian history, or totally dismayed. Coupled with all the WWI research, I’ve just read two books about the last Tsar’s family–and that story remains as troubling as ever.
Thanks for those comments, Michelle. It is true that there are Christians and non-Christians in both the US and Russia. However, the church has a great deal of influence in the Russian government. The US government is hostile to orthodox Christian beliefs.
For at least the last twenty years, the US has used the UN to try to promote abortion and perversion around the world. It has been Russia that has taken the lead to stop that effort. I respect the Poles, the Ukrainians and the Baltic people. The Russians treated them horribly. However, if those countries remain yoked to the perverted West, their children are at risk.
For about 100 years, the Americans promoted Christianity and fought for freedom around the world. That era is over. Today, Russia and South Korea are the leaders of the Christian world. Russia has stood up against the perverted West. South Korea has a dynamic church and is becoming the cultural leader of the world.
ricky — as donna points out, the church knows its place in Russia and doesn’t speak out of turn. Putin, an ex KGB Marxists, knows (or thinks) religion is the opiate of the masses and allows it a role as long as it stays in its place. The evangelical missionaries have had a different reception than the orthodox priests.
Putin surprises me. I though he was far more rational. Modern nation states gain very little from war — some private war profiteering to be sure but the nation as a whole sees little benefit even if it “wins”. In the third world, war, for loot, plunder, etc, cane make sense but not for a modern state — economic domination works much better (just ask the Germans). Yet Putin has perhaps gone all in against the Ukraine. The Crimea I understood. this action makes very little sense.
As Obama points out Ukraine is not part of NATO and hence it will be hard to justify any intervention and to convince our EU allies. Recently Merkel joined Obama in condemning Russia’s actions — that was a major step for Germany which is hesitant to ruin its economic relationship with the Russians over the Ukraine. Germany is the key here, even if Obama wanted a more forceful response to Russia, he needs the Europeans on board and that means Germany has to be on board. My German/Austrian think its highly unlikely Germany will risk anything over the Ukraine. Hence, Obama is sort of stuck — he may tried it alone (with some help from Poland) but he wold be limited to air assistance which currently is also busy assisting the Kurds.
For Poland, its a little closer to home. Anne Applebaum is an excellent journalist/historian even if she is conservative. She is currently married to the Polish Foreign Minister. She has her own career but I don’t doubt her opinion matches her husbands. The Poles want a more robust response but they won’t be able to convince the Germans.
It is the US church that is cowed into silence for fear of being called “bigoted”.
The church in Russia:
A. Is making progress reducing abortions which were extremely widespread in communist Russia.
B. Has been a leader in Russia and abroad in curbing the promotion of perversion.
C. Is active in pushing Russia to develop a “porn-free” Internet while the US has a “porn-filled” Internet.
The reason the Russian church has been so successful is that the Russian people (even after 80 years of communism) are still primarily orthodox (as well as Orthodox) Christians. Most of the American people worship animals, the environment, money, pleasure – anything but Jesus Christ. The theologians of the Russian people are their church leaders. The primary “theologians” in modern American culture are people like Oprah Winfrey.
HRW, The reason you don’t understand Putin is that he is not just a cynical Western politician. Read his speeches. He sees himself protecting Russia and the rest of the still relatively unperverted world from the spread of Western decadence and perversion. The Russian people and the Russian church want him to do this.
It seems like you are saying that one set of sins (perversion) is worse than other sins. I have always thought that a list of sins consists of only 2 types, sins against others and sins against the body (self). Even there I have not thought of them as lesser and greater sins; they are sins against God.
Since I am not to judge other people and which sins they do, I would also apply that judgement, or lack thereof, to nations and peoples. I will not say, but I may think, that one nation or government is better or worse than another.
If we are looking at how Putin is ruling Russia compared to how Germany is being governed, I can make observations. I can say which I would rather live under. I can say that while Russia is better now than under Stalin, so is Germany now than under Hitler. That does not mean that Russia is now better than Germany (or vice versa).
My brother-in-law had both his grandfathers killed in Russia before WWII. He doesn’t have any love for the communist rulers of Mother Russia.
Your constant putting down of the US and the West gets old when you raise up Russia. Russia has some problems today with it’s actions. Acting Christian? Well…
Bob, Communism and socialism are now more popular in the West than in Russia. Putin and Russia oppose pornography and abortion as well as perversion. The US and the West practice and promote abortion, pornography and every type of perversion. I am not alone in my analysis:
The choice between Germany and Russia is interesting. This is the choice that Eastern Europe faces. If they choose the West they will be richer in the short run. However, in the long run the souls of their grandchildren will be put at great risk. I would prefer that my grandchildren be raised in Russia instead of Germany.
One of the reasons Putin may be against abortion, (is he? I have no idea), is his nation’s birthdate is falling so fast owing to poor standard of living. Ceaucesceu (wow, spelling on that name, former leader of Romania) also didn’t allow for abortion or birth control, but what he did to the people and the children who were born and abandoned was criminal.
Human Rights are important, no matter how small the person.
ricky
I don’t think the church has anything to do with the lowering of the Russian abortion rate. In the 1980s and 90s it was so high it couldn’t go anywhere but down and yet its still the highest in the world. Increased access to birth control and government support for children (maybe the US can learn from Russia!!!) has led to a decline in abortion.
A “porn free” internet is impossible and probably just an excuse for a country to monitor and censor unwanted opinion and information.
Putin is extremely tactical — his speeches and propaganda are just tactics. Yes, he wants to create an economic zone separate from the West (Eurasia) yes he wants to protect and extend Russian influence (“the near abroad” includes the Ukraine) By playing on traditional Russian prejudices to foreigners, Jews, homosexuals, etc he can keep further his goal of an independent Russian led economic zone. Thus, what you see as positive leadership is merely a means to an end.
Ukraine had/has/wants a choice between a German led EU and a Russian led Eurasia. The western Ukrainian definitely wants the EU. In the Donbass region some may have wanted to go with Eurasia but given the behavior of the drunken louts who call themselves a militia, I think Russia is losing support there.
Pat Buchanan may want to take a closer look behind Putin’s curtain — Russia has the highest abortion rate in the world (legal up to 12 weeks for any reason, and in some cases 22 weeks), Russian produces some of the most vile pornography in the world — if you have a strong stomach google it, I won’t, I don’t have an iron stomach and that stuff will get me fired. And even before we go there, the culture of drunken violence has very little respect for human life. Beneath the thin veneer of Orthodox rote and ritual and beautiful Potemkin villages is a society barely able to stay sober and alive (lowest life expectancy in Europe).
Ricky – Your mention of South Korea reminded me of an article I recently read in World. Sadly, it looks like Christian influence is waning there.
“The recent Sewol tragedy (see sidebar) unearthed much of South Korea’s political, economic, and social corruption. But there are others: Sex trafficking and prostitution flourish in South Korea, which is a source, transit, and destination country for the sex trade. The Ministry of Gender Equality estimates about a half-million work in the domestic sex industry, which drives at least 4 percent of the nation’s GDP (and critics say that’s a grossly conservative number. The Korean Institute of Criminology says South Korean male tourists are the “number one source of demand for child sex trafficking” in Southeast Asia. South Korea also produces the highest-per-capita revenue for pornography, $526.76 (compared to $44.67 in the United States).
” “Family” is traditionally the most important part of Korean life, but families are now falling apart. The national divorce rate has tripled from 2013 to 2014. South Korea has had the highest suicide rate among developed countries for eight consecutive years. In 2012, 39 people per day killed themselves. Suicide is the leading cause of death for 10- to 30-year-old South Koreans and those above 65 as well, whose suicide rates have tripled within the past decade. For people in their 40s, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.”
I just have a problem with a Texan saying Russia is better than the USA.
One of my sisters graduated A&M. I like Texans. I graduated Ft. Bliss and Ft. Sam Houston. What more can I say? Texas Has the best roads in the country. The people are as nice as Oklahomans, and Okies are very nice. I have a picture of one of the nicest Rest Areas (East Texas) I have even seen. 3 nephews and two nieces were born in Texas. Now if only UT would just barely lose (so it really hurts!) every game to A&M my joy would be complete!
Don’t keep bad mouthing the USA. Remember, Texas wanted to join the USA! We like having you here. Tonto liked the Lone Ranger and who doesn’t like Tonto?
Bob, I appreciate the kind words about Texas and I appreciate your affinity for A&M. My initial question was: Should Christians feel sad that Russia is getting stronger and that The US and the West are getting weaker?
Buchanan’s point was that it is fairly clear that Russia is supporting Christian values more than the US.
Karen O, I had heard a similar report recently from a South Korean Christian, and the increase in the divorce rate is troubling, but at this point South Korea is probably the most Christian nation among relatively wealthy nations although you could certainly make an argument for Chile or Poland.
You know, God calls us to live in the place–time, location, community–where he puts us. It’s no coincidence to God that I live in pagan Sonoma County at this time in history. It may be uncomfortable spiritually and water-wise, it’s certainly expensive and snooty, but this is where we’ve been called to live.
Throughout history, God’s people have lived in the midst of chaos and temptation. There was no perfect community where Christianity or Judaism could be practiced in sweet harmony with one another. That’s because sin exists in the world. There are no perfect churches because sinful people like me–arrogant, proud, judgmental, weak and a host of other problems–inhabit the churches.
I also happen to live in the United States.
Sure, we can try to find utopia, but I don’t believe there is a “Christian” nation anywhere. The US at one time may have been led by devout individuals who crossed the ocean in search of a place to worship God in peace (see Plymouth, 1621), but they brought their own problems and sinfulness with them. (See what the Pilgrims did to those natives of what is now Rhode Island and Cape Cod). They may have started out as Godly men and women with high ideals about worshipping God, but once they were inconvenienced by circumstances, they fell back into sinful ways.
They slaughtered the natives in shameful acts.
That “they” includes my personal ancestors, though one was slain in the King Philip Wars.
All we can do as believers is try to live our lives before God as best we can–clinging to his forgiveness, recognizing our own sinful ways and striving to be God’s hands and feet to the very sad, lonely and broken world around us.
That’s what I believe Jesus calls me to do–and he gave me to this community to that in.
I don’t know enough about any country in the world to say it is better or worse than my own. I may be able to gauge relative freedoms, but really, the grass always seems greener someone else when we examine the flaws of our own society.
Let’s be thankful heaven is our home and because of Jesus, we’ll be allowed in–to live happily ever after without pain, tears or sin.
It may be prudent for Christians to monitor the regimes under which they live, in case they may want to leave for greener pastures–which could, conceivably, be a perfectly reasonable act–but the relative differences between Russian, American, Chilean, Korean, governments, etc., are infinitesimal compared to the form and function of government God calls for in Scripture; and that Scriptural form of govt is something God expects *in this world,* not only in the *world to come.* The glorious eschatology in Scripture is meant to be realized, in part, in THIS age. That’s why, IMO, we Christians should only seek, support, and accept godly men for political office.
I am not sure just what form of government is called for in the Bible. God warned the people of Israel about wanting a king. Should we be looking for a prophet? Moses? A Judge?
When I think about what form of government is called for in the Bible I pretty much come up with a blank for anything beyond the family.
BobBuckles, but Scripture frequently distinguishes between good and bad rulers, characteristics of both, and commands both the rulers themselves how they should govern, and the people whom they should support. It (Scripture) also describes (or prescribes) good law. There is much about government to be gleaned from the Bible.
Yes, the Bible describes good and bad rulers, but it is strangely quiet about what form government should be. Could it be that there is no best form of government? Could it be that many forms of government can be good? As with everything else, people are the problem, not the organization or business.
That could be the case, BobBuckles, but I’m not sure how much variation there really is among world governments, or what form(s) Scripture calls for. They all seem to include some version of executive, legislative, judiciary–along with some kind of representation of the people. The forms by which those things can be manifested wouldn’t be all that significant, I don’t think.
And I should also clarify that when I say “form” of govt, I’m referring more to the principle that a govt formally recognize Christ as King, and manifest that by employing godly men in office who primarily consult Scripture as their direction for how to govern wisely.
On the restricting pornography in Russia – I am reminded of a scene in Brother Andrew’s autobiography, God’s Smuggler, when he meets up with a Russian Christian to smuggle Bibles in the USSR:
‘”But a hundred Bibles! That’s worth ten thousand rubles here in Moscow, more in the provinces. Ten thousand rubles worth of pornographic literature! Why a man could…”
“Pornography?” said both Hans and I together. “What does that have to do with us?”
“Nothing” said Ivanoff. “Except that if you’re caught, that’s what they’ll accuse you of selling.”‘
Buchanan is right. One of the current ideological battles is between the Debauched West and those who support traditional morality. The President of the US is and will be the de facto leader of the Debauched West. Putin has positioned himself to be the leader of the traditionalists. I have not noticed anyone else with the courage to take on the American/European hedonists and perverts and their sycophants.
Mr. Solzhenitsyn was a favorite of mine and a favorite of Ronald Reagan’s. Before the rest of us he saw the moral collapse of the West. He lived long enough to offer praise for Putin.
Little Bush trusted the advice of Saudi Prince Bandar, Obama relied on terrorist Bill Ayers, and Hillary was trained by communist Sol Alinsky. Meanwhile, Putin sought advice from Solzhenitsyn.
Haven’t seen it, but apparently someone’s published side-by-side photos of Putin looking at a globe and Obama … playing golf.
That, along with the film footage today of militants diving into the pool at our deserted and now overrun embassy in Libya, kind of says it all I think. 😦
The militant Muslims will be a challenge to Russia, China, Germany, India and the other countries that will soon assume leadership roles. Their job will be made easier if US leaders will get out of the way and spend all of their fighting racist cops, heterosexuality, Global Warming, lack of diversity, bullying and the War on Women.
We have to remember that our present day leaders and the people that voted them in believe that all those things are real problems. You and I may not but they do.
Meanwhile, I am stuck with a house in Southern California that might sell for $500,000 that I owe $528,000 on. It costs us about $1,000 a month.
Bob, At least you and I got to be a part of the old United States which was a great country. I enjoyed every day of Reagan’s eight years. I’m afraid the future United States isn’t going to have much of a middle class.
Wandering Views 
Disturbing article about Russia. I’m perhaps more sensitive to this subject these days because I’ve just finished a round of reading in WWI Russian history, coupled with the never ending WWI research. It’s not looking good for team world. Aren’t you glad we know there’s a better place awaiting us?
http://hotair.com/archives/2014/08/29/putin-youre-next-kazakhstan/
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It’s such a discouraging time and I fear that we in the west are just plain weary of trying to beat back so many bad guys running amok. 😦 So it’s easier to say “not our problem.”
Some things aren’t our problem. But (as Hitler proved) some things are everyone’s problem. If not now, then eventually.
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So why should we be sad when Christian Russia is getting stronger and the anti-Christian, perverted US and Western Europe are getting weaker?
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Agree or disagree with these, or a little of both, but sometimes we have to laugh to keep from crying. Some more political cartoons.
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2014/08/the-week-in-pictures-strategery-edition.php
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Ricky, I’m not so sure the Christian sections of Russia are any stronger than those in the US. I’ve been in conversation with a guy who has traveled to Russia for the last thirty years for missionary trips. This is his comment on the above:
“HI Michelle, thanks for the article. Had not seen that one. Although I post news on FB and Twitter, I try to hold back from personal commentary. For me, Russia is not the opposite side of the world. It’s a place I visit every year for Christian ministry, and I don’t want to get myself blacklisted.
“The article is disturbing, yes, but it’s just 1 more piece in the grand scheme of thinking that forms Vladimir Putin’s goals and personal ambitions. Mr. P has shaken nerves in governments across Poland, the Baltic states, and south to Central Asia.
“Right now, Kazakhstan (in my opinion) has less to fear than other places because Kazakhstan is already closely aligned with Russia economically. That huge nation is basically already in his back pocket, so he need not be worried too much about patriotism there right now.
“Until last year, his hand-picked man for the Ukrainian presidency had Ukraine in nearly the same situation, but Ukrainians are not Kazakhs, and they have suffered tremendously under Moscow for generations, and they finally grew sick of being controlled by Moscow and forced out Yanukovich.
“Years ago, Putin publicly said that the “greatest tragedy” of the 20th century was the breakup of the Soviet Union. That was a major revelation of his thinking, considering the millions who died in such little incidents as, say, World War I & World War II. The USSR collapsed without a single bullet fired, and yet he considers that the #1 greatest tragedy.
” He is out to rebuild its power and grandeur, if not its name.
“Canada has been getting jittery about the Russian military buildup in the Arctic (most Americans are probably unaware of that). Meanwhile, Russia has been courting favor with China, which has also been building its military as never before. Close ties to China (on which the USA has become extremely dependent for goods) puts Putin in a very advantageous position of power.
” All this comes at a time when the Russian population has been discouraged and feeling like trash in the world because they are the biggest nation in the world, yet they cannot even manufacture a single automobile good enough to compete in world markets. (Even tiny South Korea can do that!) That is why the Russian population as a whole is cheering Putin louder than ever.
“They see him as restoring the power, the glory, the fear of Russia in the world again. Most of them adore him for this, and that encourages him to continue in his grand ambitions.
“Soviet leaders were always good at the strategy, “Tell the world what it wants to hear, but then go ahead and do what you want to do.” Putin has perfected that ability to a highly polished science. Scary times for anyone with open eyes. So glad I know the Lord! Thanks again!”
I forwarded that comment to the person who sent me the link with this addition of my own:
Wanted to note that Anne Applebaum is an excellent reporter. Her book Gulag was horrifying, fascinating, and very, long and absorbing when not horrifying.
Her husband, of course, was the Prime Minister of Poland for awhile and is now something or other in the government.
I’m not sure if I’m thankful for what I know about Russian history, or totally dismayed. Coupled with all the WWI research, I’ve just read two books about the last Tsar’s family–and that story remains as troubling as ever.
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Thanks for those comments, Michelle. It is true that there are Christians and non-Christians in both the US and Russia. However, the church has a great deal of influence in the Russian government. The US government is hostile to orthodox Christian beliefs.
For at least the last twenty years, the US has used the UN to try to promote abortion and perversion around the world. It has been Russia that has taken the lead to stop that effort. I respect the Poles, the Ukrainians and the Baltic people. The Russians treated them horribly. However, if those countries remain yoked to the perverted West, their children are at risk.
For about 100 years, the Americans promoted Christianity and fought for freedom around the world. That era is over. Today, Russia and South Korea are the leaders of the Christian world. Russia has stood up against the perverted West. South Korea has a dynamic church and is becoming the cultural leader of the world.
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As long as the church in Russia stays in it’s place, I suspect. Let it challenge the government on something and then we shall see …
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ricky — as donna points out, the church knows its place in Russia and doesn’t speak out of turn. Putin, an ex KGB Marxists, knows (or thinks) religion is the opiate of the masses and allows it a role as long as it stays in its place. The evangelical missionaries have had a different reception than the orthodox priests.
Putin surprises me. I though he was far more rational. Modern nation states gain very little from war — some private war profiteering to be sure but the nation as a whole sees little benefit even if it “wins”. In the third world, war, for loot, plunder, etc, cane make sense but not for a modern state — economic domination works much better (just ask the Germans). Yet Putin has perhaps gone all in against the Ukraine. The Crimea I understood. this action makes very little sense.
As Obama points out Ukraine is not part of NATO and hence it will be hard to justify any intervention and to convince our EU allies. Recently Merkel joined Obama in condemning Russia’s actions — that was a major step for Germany which is hesitant to ruin its economic relationship with the Russians over the Ukraine. Germany is the key here, even if Obama wanted a more forceful response to Russia, he needs the Europeans on board and that means Germany has to be on board. My German/Austrian think its highly unlikely Germany will risk anything over the Ukraine. Hence, Obama is sort of stuck — he may tried it alone (with some help from Poland) but he wold be limited to air assistance which currently is also busy assisting the Kurds.
For Poland, its a little closer to home. Anne Applebaum is an excellent journalist/historian even if she is conservative. She is currently married to the Polish Foreign Minister. She has her own career but I don’t doubt her opinion matches her husbands. The Poles want a more robust response but they won’t be able to convince the Germans.
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Proof that sometimes the gov’t does a better job than a corporation.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/aug/29/us-telecoms-fcc-block-high-speed-internet-chattanooga
When a good or service is a “natural” monopoly the gov’t can and should be able to deliver it better.
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It is the US church that is cowed into silence for fear of being called “bigoted”.
The church in Russia:
A. Is making progress reducing abortions which were extremely widespread in communist Russia.
B. Has been a leader in Russia and abroad in curbing the promotion of perversion.
C. Is active in pushing Russia to develop a “porn-free” Internet while the US has a “porn-filled” Internet.
The reason the Russian church has been so successful is that the Russian people (even after 80 years of communism) are still primarily orthodox (as well as Orthodox) Christians. Most of the American people worship animals, the environment, money, pleasure – anything but Jesus Christ. The theologians of the Russian people are their church leaders. The primary “theologians” in modern American culture are people like Oprah Winfrey.
HRW, The reason you don’t understand Putin is that he is not just a cynical Western politician. Read his speeches. He sees himself protecting Russia and the rest of the still relatively unperverted world from the spread of Western decadence and perversion. The Russian people and the Russian church want him to do this.
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rickyweaver @ 3:19
It seems like you are saying that one set of sins (perversion) is worse than other sins. I have always thought that a list of sins consists of only 2 types, sins against others and sins against the body (self). Even there I have not thought of them as lesser and greater sins; they are sins against God.
Since I am not to judge other people and which sins they do, I would also apply that judgement, or lack thereof, to nations and peoples. I will not say, but I may think, that one nation or government is better or worse than another.
If we are looking at how Putin is ruling Russia compared to how Germany is being governed, I can make observations. I can say which I would rather live under. I can say that while Russia is better now than under Stalin, so is Germany now than under Hitler. That does not mean that Russia is now better than Germany (or vice versa).
My brother-in-law had both his grandfathers killed in Russia before WWII. He doesn’t have any love for the communist rulers of Mother Russia.
Your constant putting down of the US and the West gets old when you raise up Russia. Russia has some problems today with it’s actions. Acting Christian? Well…
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Bob, Communism and socialism are now more popular in the West than in Russia. Putin and Russia oppose pornography and abortion as well as perversion. The US and the West practice and promote abortion, pornography and every type of perversion. I am not alone in my analysis:
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/04/04/pat-buchanan-god-is-on-putins-side-while-the-we/198745
The choice between Germany and Russia is interesting. This is the choice that Eastern Europe faces. If they choose the West they will be richer in the short run. However, in the long run the souls of their grandchildren will be put at great risk. I would prefer that my grandchildren be raised in Russia instead of Germany.
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One of the reasons Putin may be against abortion, (is he? I have no idea), is his nation’s birthdate is falling so fast owing to poor standard of living. Ceaucesceu (wow, spelling on that name, former leader of Romania) also didn’t allow for abortion or birth control, but what he did to the people and the children who were born and abandoned was criminal.
Human Rights are important, no matter how small the person.
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ricky
I don’t think the church has anything to do with the lowering of the Russian abortion rate. In the 1980s and 90s it was so high it couldn’t go anywhere but down and yet its still the highest in the world. Increased access to birth control and government support for children (maybe the US can learn from Russia!!!) has led to a decline in abortion.
A “porn free” internet is impossible and probably just an excuse for a country to monitor and censor unwanted opinion and information.
Putin is extremely tactical — his speeches and propaganda are just tactics. Yes, he wants to create an economic zone separate from the West (Eurasia) yes he wants to protect and extend Russian influence (“the near abroad” includes the Ukraine) By playing on traditional Russian prejudices to foreigners, Jews, homosexuals, etc he can keep further his goal of an independent Russian led economic zone. Thus, what you see as positive leadership is merely a means to an end.
Ukraine had/has/wants a choice between a German led EU and a Russian led Eurasia. The western Ukrainian definitely wants the EU. In the Donbass region some may have wanted to go with Eurasia but given the behavior of the drunken louts who call themselves a militia, I think Russia is losing support there.
Pat Buchanan may want to take a closer look behind Putin’s curtain — Russia has the highest abortion rate in the world (legal up to 12 weeks for any reason, and in some cases 22 weeks), Russian produces some of the most vile pornography in the world — if you have a strong stomach google it, I won’t, I don’t have an iron stomach and that stuff will get me fired. And even before we go there, the culture of drunken violence has very little respect for human life. Beneath the thin veneer of Orthodox rote and ritual and beautiful Potemkin villages is a society barely able to stay sober and alive (lowest life expectancy in Europe).
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Ricky – Your mention of South Korea reminded me of an article I recently read in World. Sadly, it looks like Christian influence is waning there.
“The recent Sewol tragedy (see sidebar) unearthed much of South Korea’s political, economic, and social corruption. But there are others: Sex trafficking and prostitution flourish in South Korea, which is a source, transit, and destination country for the sex trade. The Ministry of Gender Equality estimates about a half-million work in the domestic sex industry, which drives at least 4 percent of the nation’s GDP (and critics say that’s a grossly conservative number. The Korean Institute of Criminology says South Korean male tourists are the “number one source of demand for child sex trafficking” in Southeast Asia. South Korea also produces the highest-per-capita revenue for pornography, $526.76 (compared to $44.67 in the United States).
” “Family” is traditionally the most important part of Korean life, but families are now falling apart. The national divorce rate has tripled from 2013 to 2014. South Korea has had the highest suicide rate among developed countries for eight consecutive years. In 2012, 39 people per day killed themselves. Suicide is the leading cause of death for 10- to 30-year-old South Koreans and those above 65 as well, whose suicide rates have tripled within the past decade. For people in their 40s, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.”
http://www.worldmag.com/2014/08/plastic_facade
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rickyweaver,
I just have a problem with a Texan saying Russia is better than the USA.
One of my sisters graduated A&M. I like Texans. I graduated Ft. Bliss and Ft. Sam Houston. What more can I say? Texas Has the best roads in the country. The people are as nice as Oklahomans, and Okies are very nice. I have a picture of one of the nicest Rest Areas (East Texas) I have even seen. 3 nephews and two nieces were born in Texas. Now if only UT would just barely lose (so it really hurts!) every game to A&M my joy would be complete!
Don’t keep bad mouthing the USA. Remember, Texas wanted to join the USA! We like having you here. Tonto liked the Lone Ranger and who doesn’t like Tonto?
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Many modern Hollywood movies and American TV “comedies” would be considered pornography in Russia just as they would have been in the US in the 1950s.
This is Russian entertainment:
Compare that to the tributes to Satan and Sodom at this year’s Emmy Awards.
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Bob, I appreciate the kind words about Texas and I appreciate your affinity for A&M. My initial question was: Should Christians feel sad that Russia is getting stronger and that The US and the West are getting weaker?
Buchanan’s point was that it is fairly clear that Russia is supporting Christian values more than the US.
http://townhall.com/columnists/patbuchanan/2014/04/04/whose-side-is-god-on-now-n1818499/page/full
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Karen O, I had heard a similar report recently from a South Korean Christian, and the increase in the divorce rate is troubling, but at this point South Korea is probably the most Christian nation among relatively wealthy nations although you could certainly make an argument for Chile or Poland.
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You know, God calls us to live in the place–time, location, community–where he puts us. It’s no coincidence to God that I live in pagan Sonoma County at this time in history. It may be uncomfortable spiritually and water-wise, it’s certainly expensive and snooty, but this is where we’ve been called to live.
Throughout history, God’s people have lived in the midst of chaos and temptation. There was no perfect community where Christianity or Judaism could be practiced in sweet harmony with one another. That’s because sin exists in the world. There are no perfect churches because sinful people like me–arrogant, proud, judgmental, weak and a host of other problems–inhabit the churches.
I also happen to live in the United States.
Sure, we can try to find utopia, but I don’t believe there is a “Christian” nation anywhere. The US at one time may have been led by devout individuals who crossed the ocean in search of a place to worship God in peace (see Plymouth, 1621), but they brought their own problems and sinfulness with them. (See what the Pilgrims did to those natives of what is now Rhode Island and Cape Cod). They may have started out as Godly men and women with high ideals about worshipping God, but once they were inconvenienced by circumstances, they fell back into sinful ways.
They slaughtered the natives in shameful acts.
That “they” includes my personal ancestors, though one was slain in the King Philip Wars.
All we can do as believers is try to live our lives before God as best we can–clinging to his forgiveness, recognizing our own sinful ways and striving to be God’s hands and feet to the very sad, lonely and broken world around us.
That’s what I believe Jesus calls me to do–and he gave me to this community to that in.
I don’t know enough about any country in the world to say it is better or worse than my own. I may be able to gauge relative freedoms, but really, the grass always seems greener someone else when we examine the flaws of our own society.
Let’s be thankful heaven is our home and because of Jesus, we’ll be allowed in–to live happily ever after without pain, tears or sin.
Thanks be to God.
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Well said, Michelle.
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Amen, michelle
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It may be prudent for Christians to monitor the regimes under which they live, in case they may want to leave for greener pastures–which could, conceivably, be a perfectly reasonable act–but the relative differences between Russian, American, Chilean, Korean, governments, etc., are infinitesimal compared to the form and function of government God calls for in Scripture; and that Scriptural form of govt is something God expects *in this world,* not only in the *world to come.* The glorious eschatology in Scripture is meant to be realized, in part, in THIS age. That’s why, IMO, we Christians should only seek, support, and accept godly men for political office.
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solarpancake,
I am not sure just what form of government is called for in the Bible. God warned the people of Israel about wanting a king. Should we be looking for a prophet? Moses? A Judge?
When I think about what form of government is called for in the Bible I pretty much come up with a blank for anything beyond the family.
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BobBuckles, but Scripture frequently distinguishes between good and bad rulers, characteristics of both, and commands both the rulers themselves how they should govern, and the people whom they should support. It (Scripture) also describes (or prescribes) good law. There is much about government to be gleaned from the Bible.
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solar,
Yes, the Bible describes good and bad rulers, but it is strangely quiet about what form government should be. Could it be that there is no best form of government? Could it be that many forms of government can be good? As with everything else, people are the problem, not the organization or business.
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That could be the case, BobBuckles, but I’m not sure how much variation there really is among world governments, or what form(s) Scripture calls for. They all seem to include some version of executive, legislative, judiciary–along with some kind of representation of the people. The forms by which those things can be manifested wouldn’t be all that significant, I don’t think.
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I should say the *differences between* the forms such a govt could take wouldn’t be all that much, IMO.
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And I should also clarify that when I say “form” of govt, I’m referring more to the principle that a govt formally recognize Christ as King, and manifest that by employing godly men in office who primarily consult Scripture as their direction for how to govern wisely.
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On the restricting pornography in Russia – I am reminded of a scene in Brother Andrew’s autobiography, God’s Smuggler, when he meets up with a Russian Christian to smuggle Bibles in the USSR:
‘”But a hundred Bibles! That’s worth ten thousand rubles here in Moscow, more in the provinces. Ten thousand rubles worth of pornographic literature! Why a man could…”
“Pornography?” said both Hans and I together. “What does that have to do with us?”
“Nothing” said Ivanoff. “Except that if you’re caught, that’s what they’ll accuse you of selling.”‘
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Buchanan is right. One of the current ideological battles is between the Debauched West and those who support traditional morality. The President of the US is and will be the de facto leader of the Debauched West. Putin has positioned himself to be the leader of the traditionalists. I have not noticed anyone else with the courage to take on the American/European hedonists and perverts and their sycophants.
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Mr. Solzhenitsyn was a favorite of mine and a favorite of Ronald Reagan’s. Before the rest of us he saw the moral collapse of the West. He lived long enough to offer praise for Putin.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2008/08/05/toward_end_solzhenitsyn_embraced_putins_russia/
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Here’s another observation on whether we should remain separate or join the culture:
http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/2014/08/jeremiah.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jeremiah
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Little Bush trusted the advice of Saudi Prince Bandar, Obama relied on terrorist Bill Ayers, and Hillary was trained by communist Sol Alinsky. Meanwhile, Putin sought advice from Solzhenitsyn.
http://www.ibtimes.com/russian-revelations-putting-putin-perspective-1561224
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Haven’t seen it, but apparently someone’s published side-by-side photos of Putin looking at a globe and Obama … playing golf.
That, along with the film footage today of militants diving into the pool at our deserted and now overrun embassy in Libya, kind of says it all I think. 😦
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The militant Muslims will be a challenge to Russia, China, Germany, India and the other countries that will soon assume leadership roles. Their job will be made easier if US leaders will get out of the way and spend all of their fighting racist cops, heterosexuality, Global Warming, lack of diversity, bullying and the War on Women.
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ricky,
We have to remember that our present day leaders and the people that voted them in believe that all those things are real problems. You and I may not but they do.
Meanwhile, I am stuck with a house in Southern California that might sell for $500,000 that I owe $528,000 on. It costs us about $1,000 a month.
Oh, the woes of being middle class.
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Bob, At least you and I got to be a part of the old United States which was a great country. I enjoyed every day of Reagan’s eight years. I’m afraid the future United States isn’t going to have much of a middle class.
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The middle class will be renters.
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