America: Renewal or Ruin Will America Survive the 21st Century?
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
There is a sculpture outside the United Nations headquarters in New York of a man beating his sword into a plowshare. Entitled “Swords into Plowshares”, this piece of artwork, was a gift from Soviet Russia in 1959. Made by Evgeniy Vuchetich, the bronze statue symbolizes man’s desire to put an end to war by converting the means of destruction into creative tools for the benefit of mankind. The inspiration comes, no doubt, from the scripture in Isaiah 2:4 “He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The topic of war and peace is very much on the minds of people today
but few take the time to relate these events to cause and effect. Is there a way that produces peace
and prosperity? Are there predictors of
war and suffering? Are we destined to
go the way of past civilizations after their rise to domination and
influence? Is it mandated that nations
fall from prestige and power? America
has been a blessed nation and done much good for humanity. The generous, caring spirit of Americans is
not always appreciated, or so it would seem, with enemies stalking us at every
turn--.
Chapter One
Coming to America
May I now enter here? Will He within open to sorry me, though I
have been an undeserving rebel? Then
shall I not fail to send His lasting praise on high. –John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress
Coming to America they did--in droves. Most wanted a new start and a chance to improve their futures and their fortunes. The same is true today for many who see America as the place to make dreams come true. A trip through a modern supermarket or Wal-Mart Super Center would overwhelm most immigrants with the abundance and variety. Fresh produce offered in showcases of controlled temperature would seem extravagant beyond belief. The freedoms and bounty often taken for granted are treasures to those from poor and repressed countries. In less than a few hundred years, the United States of America has blossomed into a powerful, benevolent country - the envy of most of the world. Will the wealth, power and prestige last forever? Can we sustain the momentum of previous generations and build a more secure world for others and ourselves? As our population grows and new forces bend and toy with the psyche of the average American, we see that average isn’t so easy to identify.
Before the new states became united and the Stars and Stripes waved
over a national capital, America was just a virgin wilderness that beckoned the
adventurous spirit. Most settlers who
came to America in the 17th century were English or Anglo-Saxon decent seeking
religious renewal and the pursuit of a better life.
Chapter Seven
Call to Action
Blest with victory
and peace, may the heav'n rescued land praise the Power that hath made and
preserved us a nation.
--Words from the
last stanza of The Star Spangled Banner
---
Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes time.
Vision with action can change the world.
--Joel Barker, Futurist
Apocalypse – or Glory?
Many prognosticators have looked ahead and see trouble brewing in our
American culture. Morris Berman calls
it the twilight, others like author Jim Nelson Black, talk about when a
nation dies, and demonstrates the many parallels between past failing cultures
and America. What are we to do with
such dire warnings? Whether we fail as
a nation or survive another millennia, the important issue is the quality
of our own personal life. In the end it is all about character. It isn’t about what you have but what
you are.
This chapter deals with renewal – a renewal of the body, mind and
spirit. Character or the lack thereof,
is often tested in times of trials and many experts see difficult times
ahead. America has rallied many times
in history and the collective sense of urgency is again on the horizon. Perhaps
seeing how other nations have challenged the decision to liberate Iraq from a
despot leader has helped many to reflect on the heart and good intentions of
our nation. American and Americans had a sense of fairness and desire for
others to have the opportunity, unencumbered by terror and fear to live their
lives as they see fit. For our allies to question our motives and hinder our
efforts has stirred, and perhaps angered many.
Will this lead to a more conservative, patriotic worldview? America has often been reluctant to lead,
but when it does its efforts have been firm and determined. President George W. Bush seemed to
understand this.
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About the Book
At the height of its power, with the world watching,
some in envy, others waiting to see the downfall, America is at a crossroads.
Will the United States of America dominate the world scene for another hundred
years or will internal decay and lack of a common course take it the way of
other great empires in the past? Rome,
Carthage, Greece, the Soviet Union, and many others who stepped onto the world
stage have exited - some in infamy, others in ruin. Greider shows the rich history of America from those who left
Europe to find opportunity and religious freedom, and were blessed in their
efforts as long as they served God and revered the principles found in the Holy
Scriptures. The Founding Fathers were
deeply religious men who sought inspiration and received divine guidance. Forces at work today, including the
pluralistic mix of our citizenry and the trend toward a post-Christian culture,
are reshaping the American Ideal. In his
book, America, Renewal or Ruin, Greider sees the potential for American
youth to find and promote renewal in their quest for moral stability if guided
by visionary leaders in a conflicted world.
History has shown that reawakenings are possible. Now is the time, according to Greider, to
call upon those whose roots are embedded in their Christian heritage to wake up
and take back their country, resisting the forces of ruin.
Perhaps our nation has gone too far in jettisoning
the values upon which it was founded.
If any culture is to survive, it must stand for something. If not, citizens will fall for anything that
is served up in titillating packaging and played to the base appetites of the
flesh. Our country needs a revival of spirit and a clear sense of morality and
propriety. Greider shows in his book America:
Renewal or Ruin that there is a cause for every effect and the cause of
America greatness lay in the goodness of her people. The Founding Fathers were deeply religious men who claimed to owe
their dependence and guidance on God and his Word. America is rapidly moving
away from its Christian roots and the ominous signs of moral, social and
cultural decay are ever present.
About the Author
Lawrence William Greider (MA-PSY), educator,
counselor and writer. Greider also
works with adventure/challenger camps for teens, and teaches college
students. A father of four, happily
married for three decades, Greider has an interest in promoting family values.
Author of articles on youth and family, Greider has
been published internationally and has a keen interest in American History.
An avid adventurer, his interest also includes
tennis, woodworking and gourmet cooking.
Greider’s book is designed to challenge Americans to
learn lessons from history and recapture true values. Renewal of our country must begin with each individual and spread
throughout the homes, communities and cities of our vast nation. At stake is the quality of our lives and the
preservation of the American Ideal that has made this nation the envy of
many. History shows that great nations
decay from within rather than fall by external forces. We need a return to values that once made
America great and a personal, individual commitment made by parents, teachers,
leaders everywhere to seek virtue and integrity.