Sunday, February 5, 2006

My apologies (AKA Cultures Behaving Badly Part 2)

My sister pointed out that the article I posted yesterday there is a time line. It shows that a Norwegian newspaper was the first to reprint the article. It does not surprise me. The problem with the attempt of an egalitarian society, like in the Scandinavian culture, racism often occurs. They embrace equality but reject what is different.

I know I normally don't talked about things like this but this situation really bugs me:
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4 (New International Version)

What we say and do is a reflection of what is inside of us (or our attitude). Jesus uses this analogy that if the fruit is diseased then the tree must be diseased. We need to change our attitudes before our words and actions will change.

The Vine and the Branches
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:1-8 (NIV)

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