The following is from Edward Fudge's email:
"Imagine that the approximately 6.5 billion men, women and children in the world today were shrunk into a village containing 100 people with all present human ratios remaining as they are now. Forty-six people in this prototype human village would enjoy political freedom, 17 would be partially free and 37 would be denied most basic human rights.
Geographically, this village of 100 people would include 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 people from the Americas (North, Central and South) and 8 Africans. Seventy of the 100 villagers would be non-white. Religiously, 66 people would be non-Christian (22 Muslims, 15 Hindus, 14 non-religious, 6 Buddhists, 9 other) and 34 would profess Christianity (18 Roman Catholics, 7 Protestants, 4 Orthodox and 5 other).
In terms of formal education, only one person in this village would have a college education. In the cycle of life, one villager would be near birth and one would be near death. From an economic standpoint, six villagers would possess half the wealth of the total village, all six of them from the United States. Meanwhile, 80 villagers would live in substandard housing, 70 would not be able to read and 50 would suffer from malnutrition."
While information like this makes me very grateful to live in America, it also reminds me that because we are so blessed we have a greater responsibility to bring about change in our world.
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4 comments:
Changing the world is a lot harder than it would seem. I would think if people just saw what we had, they would want change. Yet, there are those who would rather drop a bomb on us (or have it blow up in a plane, etc.) than change and enjoy the freedoms we have.
On the other hand, I'm so comfortable in my freedom that I don't do much to affect change in others.
I think both statements leave me with much to think about regarding how I conduct my life. Through it all though, I give honor to those who have secured my freedom in this country and I give honor, glory and praise to my Creator and my Savior who gives me freedom from the force of evil for eternity.
I was not clear in my parting remarks. I was referring more to meeting the needs of the poor than in promoting political change. I would agree that right now, with the world's current view of America, political change might be difficult.
Very interesting comments. I am putting it in our bulletin this week.
Seems like we Americans are the five talent servant in terms of our blessings. The expectation is that we will use what we have in the Master's service. Rick, you are right on in saying we need to meet the physicial needs of the poor so that we can spiritual needs as well.
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