A very interesting critique by the Archbishop of Canterbury on America’s role in the world:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071125/us_nm/religion_anglicans_usa_dc
It is true this America is hegemonic in a good intentioned way, however, I many times wonder if these is a compensatory mechanism to deflect attention from real issues. Almost like John Candy’s comedy “Canadian Bacon” where they start a war with evil Canada rather than deal with real issues. Oh by the way do pray for Hostage Honey! I many times just want to get my tail out of this place; and wish America in general dealt with domestic issues more frequently and was more provincial. I know what the Archbishop is saying. And my mother an old timer would agree with him. India does utilize much of the infrastructure put in by the British. Furthermore, Indians were doing some questionable things, which the Brits outlawed such as burning the wives alive with their deceased husbands. Yes, this was happening there and the Brits outlawed it. Also they did a lot of missionary work in India and had a “Christianizing” effect. The problem with the Brits, however, was that they were exceedingly patronizing to Indians. Hindus were considered heathens and pagans. In addition, in public places in India the sign would state “No dogs or Indians allowed” This is what Gandhi found so reprehensible. Furthermore the Brits and there converts were not the best of Christians. British men frequently slept around with the local women. And their converts many times marry outside the faith and tend to be the flakiest of Christians. Our group which is a Syrian Orthodox group going all the way back to Saint Thomas does not have much to do with these British converts which we consider nominal Christians, but we tend to like the British. Things were getting a little rough in Kerala after the British left with all the Hindu nationalism. We even had to switch over to the Western Easter because the Hindus questioned the validity of 2 Easters. Under the Brits, we were protected and not in any way undermined in the legitimacy of our faith.
As for America, it is hard to say what this is, like an unsustainable “Canadian Bacon” by some folks who cant deal with their own issues on the behalf of folks who need to get their own house in order.