Group guilt

[Kevin throwe]

With the anniversary of Auschwitz having just past and the stories of the sins committed by the Germans and seeing America starting down that same path, I cannot help but wonder where the divide between salvation and damnation was and is. The spectrum is between those actively committing the sins , those supporting the actions, those knowing of the actions but remaining silent , those with a clue but working hard to ignore the sins they know in there hearts their government is committing thru those pointing out the wrongs to those actively and dangerously working to stop the sins. At some point in a nation becoming completely sinful there must be a collective guilt? We know Jesus instructed us to be aware of the suffering of others.

 

[stevevw]

Yes and I think this is beginning to come out due to recent events. There is a sense of change, of reflection and even fear of what is happening. This has caused some Christians to step back and rethink things and reprove their faith.

At the same time I think it is the current generation of young Christians and even non Christians that are looking at all the chaos and evil and are leading the way and getting back to being more Christlike.

I think this is the only solution. Getting back to being exactly how Christ taught Christians should be. Like Paul taught. Sacrificing self and not engaging in the same culture wars. Seperating themselves and setting an example that cannot be corrupted or charged with indiscretions.

I think this is taking on Christs guilt in that Christians are sacrificing themselves for others. They are becoming servants to the lost by becoming the ones who forgoing the world and showing a different way. That not only exposes the sin and evil in the world. But points people to God by exampling Christ. By giving of self for others.

 

[com7fy8]

Yes, speaking out is not the same as showing how.

 

[RamiC]

At some point in a nation becoming completely sinful there must be a collective guilt? We know Jesus instructed us to be aware of the suffering of others.

What exactly is the point at which a nation has become "completely sinful"? Nation's are not individual people, and in a democracy leaders can only be voted out when there is an election available to do it, in a dictatorship it takes more than a willingness to bring down the leader, a viable opportunity is required as well.

It is all very well thinking the state of affairs is deeply regrettable, but when we start wishing things had been prevented we might tend to assume that they could have been prevented without any realistic grounds.

 

[Kevin throwe]

What exactly is the point at which a nation has become "completely sinful"? Nation's are not individual people, and in a democracy leaders can only be voted out when there is an election available to do it, in a dictatorship it takes more than a willingness to bring down the leader, a viable opportunity is required as well.

It is all very well thinking the state of affairs is deeply regrettable, but when we start wishing things had been prevented we might tend to assume that they could have been prevented without any realistic grounds.

You think Nazi Germany was not completely sinful? As I saw the report of the guards pushing naked prisoners into gas chambers, I thought about their guilt and their salvation. Seeing America following this path , as Germany did in the 30’s, I wondered for the souls of Americans. No need to go to a singular personal level.

 

[iarwain]

With the anniversary of Auschwitz having just past and the stories of the sins committed by the Germans and seeing America starting down that same path

Sorry, that's a ridiculous assertion.

 

[Kevin throwe]

Sorry, that's a ridiculous assertion.

So you don’t see this America following the path of hate and bigotry?

 

[RamiC]

You think Nazi Germany was not completely sinful?

At what point do you think Germany became something you can call a completely sinful country?

As I saw the report of the guards pushing naked prisoners into gas chambers, I thought about their guilt and their salvation.

What did you think about their guilt and salvation?

Seeing America following this path, as Germany did in the 30’s, I wondered for the souls of Americans.

I am not in the USA, but I can see why you think there are some similarities.

No need to go to a singular personal level.

That is the level at which people can be guilty of sin, that is the level at which they can be forgiven for sin.

A country can decide it should change (as Germany and Japan both indeed did after WW2). As far as I am aware Americans are free to consider changes to their country and make the ones they see fit to make.