Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Have you noticed that the Canadian flags festooning the vehicles of so-called patriots are fading and becoming tattered? These are often the folks who supported the noxious Freedom Convoy which invaded Ottawa earlier this year and are still desparately searching for reasons to be angry about...everything. While I'm not a big fan of Prime Minister Trudeau for a number of reasons, including not addressing climate change, if you follow the stats Canada's GDP surpasses that of any other developed nation this year and a recent international study found that fewer Canadians died of COVID, per capita, than any of those nations other than Japan.
Then I saw the chart above and have also seen similar outcomes for 2021. Why then, is there such noisy discontent among a segment of Canadians, and why are a significant number of them right-wing Christians? It is probably no accident that while we rank near the top of most lists Canada is a lowly 15th on the international Happiness Index.
Yes, there is a disturbing inequality between the richest and poorest in this country. Yes, there is systemic racism which we are reluctant to admit to or address. Yes, we continue to treat First Nations and other Indigenous peoples as second-class citizens, despite repeated promises to do better. . But these inequities are not the concerns of the whiners and complainers. There seems to be a toxic self-absorption and sense of entitlement which is not based in reality. Could it be that the "gospel" of a lot of these folks doesn't have much to do with the New Testament or Jesus or the practice of gratitude and contentment?
Am I patriot? I've long been uncomfortable as a Christian with that concept. Still, I thank God that I live in this country, with its flaws. I will endeavour to be a Canadian with respect for all, even --sigh - those I don't like. And I will continue to be a "democratic socialist", wanting the best for all, because I figure this is the message of the prophets and of Jesus. Let's leave the whining to the mosquitoes.
Bye the way, the Government of Canada website includes instructions regarding honouring the flag which include:
- Replace a faded or torn flag with a new one. When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.
- The National Flag of Canada should be treated with respect.
Without trashing the U.S. because obviously there are many, many wonderful Americans, I have never been prouder to be Canadian.
ReplyDeleteI look at the disturbing number of mass shootings down south, seemingly committed on a daily basis, and the fact that they can go from electing a smart, articulate and compassionate leader to....Trump. And the fact that even after admitting he committed sexual assaults, millions still voted for him, completely puzzles me.
I agree that we are far from perfect. And I do find our PM to have been disappointing on several fronts. But I'll take it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a timely subject for your blog. To add to the good ratings for Canada, here is another criteria: "Best Countries to Raise Children." Canada is right up there with the Scandinavian nations. That makes me both proud and hopeful. - KB