Is a Third World Mentality Pervasive in the USA?

Dr. Miller, I do have a problem with what some of the church/religions have done in the past and in many instances the present and not having to answer for it except to pay off those misused. I am speaking of the Catholic in particular. There recent history and much of their past history does give me reason to pause. Although I don't blame the entire Catholic community, a portion of it were responsible for much abuse and this was covered up by the church and those in charge. I find that a difficult situation to come to terms with. I would much rather see other groups, that those pushing religion, to help out.

''Where moral values are taught''...That is open to debate Dr. Miller. I would not call some of what they have done teaching moral values.

Certainly much needs to be done to give young people direction and purpose. Preaching the word of God is one of mny things tht may help. By itself it isn't enough, but when well recieved is a powerful force in people's lives.

When my own kids were in catholic school there was this wonderful tradition that each teacher chose a 'class charitable trust' (instead of a class pet - usually) - each teacher had their favorite thing to support and would bring the kids into the project, explaining what the particular org. did for people and sometimes (when possible) bringing the kids there for a visit or having someone come in.

It was great because the kids got exposed to a lot of different types of community charitable org. and because the teacher got to choose their favorite they were often so much more animated about it that the kids got more excited.

By the time they would graduate they had been exposed to at least 8 different community organizations and these org. particular works & needs . . .sometimes people want to volunteer but don't even know where to begin so our kids all had a leg up on volunteer options.

Over the years we supported the Ywca, Pythian House, a women/children/family shelter called Share home (that one was awesome - the kids got a lot out of it - and probably the Pythina too, lots of kids kept going back to visit the 'friends' they had made later), A Seaman's Center, CCS. Police dogs/Service dogs and their training needs, Winter shelter needs, etc.

I really loved it -

Good morning Dr. Miller!

I wish I had the time to respond, but I understand the foundation of what you are saying and would love to have a discussion on this. (I'll give you the short version)

It has been my understanding and perspective that too many churches .... catholic,anglican or evangelical, have put Jesus in this middle class box. What I mean is that they are content to drive to church in their suburbans or tahoes on Sunday, pray and worship then go home and back to a daily grind of work during the week. During the non church times, they grunt and grumble about how bad society is, but overall, God is just a sunday mega church thing.

Not every church, not every church goer .... I need to make that clear.

Jesus was a radical passionate voice for the poor and for the outcast, the sick and the 'third world' people you discuss. It is too bad we don't do more to help and rid our nation of this poverty.

I believe you have happened upon one of the biggest problems we face in this nation. I see the same things. What bothers me is the fact that most people don't. Even worse is most that do see these things turn a blind eye to them.