Repentance
I'm watching a PBS program I recorded a while ago on Andrew Jackson. What a complicated man! I think he exemplifies some of the paradoxes that make up our country. He was strong and idealistic; definitely a man of action. He was determined and always certain he was right, whether he was or not.
He also fought for the rights of the common man on the one hand, but the definition of the common man did not include women, blacks or Indians. He presided over much of the Indian removal, including the Trail of Tears. He broke countless treaties with Indian chiefs and tribes in order to provide farmland for the common white man.
I think the broken treaties and the removal of the Indians from their land is still a sin that affects our nation. Almost anyone who owns property in the United States is benefiting from land that was taken from its rightful owners. A sin on that scale cannot go un-repented.
Interested in reading more about racial reconciliation? Check out Living in Color, by Randy Woodley. He challenges us to get out of our bubbles and live the church like God created the world: with great variety! I studied with Randy at Seminary. He and his wife have a great vision for ministry among Indians. Learn more about Eagle's Wings Ministry here. Click on the link labeled "Ministry". Plus they have a farm for sale in Kentucky, if you are interested!
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Just a random insert: my adoptive father is related in some way, shape or form to Andrew Jackson and little known story is that when Jackson won the election and went to the White House he threw this huge party with all of his family, friends, and just about anyone who would come (of course he was sort of a redneck) and they tore up some expensive furniture and caused quite a commotion. Later.
Interesting perspective! About a year ago I toured the "US Wars" exhibit at the American History Museum in Washington DC, and was surprised to see the campaign against Native Americans classified as a war. Certainly a different view from public schools in the 70's!
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