Citizenship
I have been teaching citizenship for two years. It has been a privilege to get to know migrants from many countries.
Better still to present the good things that Australia has for them. Finding
out their backgrounds has been eye opening. More and more I see the good things
of Australia being based on Bible principles.
Let me explain from the titles in “Common Bond “ book, Values:
1. Rule of law.
The options operating in other countries are various – payback, law of
the jungle, dictatorships, military rule etc. It was the LORD God who through
Moses implemented the ‘rule of law’. Instead of warriors seeking to suppress
others, God gave His law and Moses and the elders were to guide and judge by
that law. The ten commandments plus 613 others provide protection for the
vulnerable, justice for those harmed, and had room for pardon and restoration as
well as compassion and care. It included care of refugees. God was the final
judge and His justice and mercy brought hope for all.
2. Freedom - freedom to do good.
In so many cultures freedom is crushed
in an effort to control any threat to
the ruling junta or government. Religious control is so destructive in many
countries. It was Jesus who said “If the
Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.” And so it is because of Him we have freedom
of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, freedom to progress.
Jesus came into the world to give grace and truth and with it the freedom to
choose. Some choose to abuse freedom, and so laws are made to control such.
3. Equality – this
is so rare in non Christian societies! It was Paul the Apostle who wrote “there
is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free, male or female, you are all one in
Christ Jesus”. He was put in jail for teaching such equality. All being made in
the image of God gives equality of value, different ones having different roles
in life. It was Jesus who elevated the place of women. He so often affirmed
their devotion, and accepted their contribution. He also took time to bless the insignificant
children as well as the disabled and sick. And so He encourages all to go forward, to learn, to study, to
work , to care as in the language of the
“Common Bond” – give all a fair go.
4. Respect. Most migrants seem to understand and
appreciate this concept. – Mainly because in their country of origin it is
missing. Some are discriminated because of religion. Women are put down as
chattels of little value. Low caste people are despised. As mentioned before,
God made humans ‘in the image of God’ and each was given an integral part to
play in God’s world.. Without that sense of responsibility to God, humans
descend to the law of the jungle where it is survival of the strongest. (I
found it interesting that at two recent citizenship ceremonies I attended, 90%
of the new citizens chose the pledge that included the words “under God”.). It
is when we see each other as humans in the purpose of God that life has value ,
the opinions of other are valid, and diversity has value. Then respect works!
5. Community. It is quite natural for birds of a feather to flock together – community connected
by language, religion, culture, employment, education etc. But in Australia we
seek to follow the teaching of Paul the Apostle – the middle wall of racism is
broken down. As an Aboriginal elder said to me “this is only really possible
when the Bible verse is in place ‘ together in one body Christ reconciled both
groups to God’” But as it stands we teach respect for each other no matter what background, language,
religion, ability etc. We need to integrate all as one Australian community .
Volunteering is a good bonding feature in Australia.
6. Compassion – it
has been part of Australian culture to care for those in need. Jesus
exemplified this in His counter cultural service. Many considered sickness and disability
the direct result of sin or failure. As such they were despised. Jesus stopped
the procession for a blind beggar, welcomed the plea of lepers, sought out the
sick and oppressed. So in Australia the disabled, the disadvantaged, the
refugees, are given special priority. Was it Florence Nightingale that put in
place the care of those wounded by a world in turmoil?
7. English
language: How can it be that the
language of such a small country as England has so much impacted the world? A
confusing language to teach I know! I know it is a trade language expanded by
the British Empire. It is an educational language promoted by Oxford
university. I rather think it is the impact of the English Bible. This book
communicates good values more than many other languages. Words such as love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self
control shine through as gems in a dark world. This language creates cohesion
rather than the confusion of Babal.
8. Safety This value is special to many refugees. They
have come from war, genocide, strife, and uncertainty. And so we welcome them
to the land of peace. But emphasizing
that peace and safety only holds good when we all contribute. As taught in the New
Testament Bible, racism, gangs, corruption, robbery, , domestic violence, elder abuse etc must be
prevented. The “common bond” book emphasizes that Australian law must be obeyed
above over and above all cultural or religious laws. So what makes Australian
Law so good? -the voice of the people? Rather, that its foundations in right
behaviour as taught in the Bible.
9. Loyalty.
Increasingly, loyalty across the world is being driven by ideology. Sometimes
by money, sometimes by religion, sometimes by nationality. In Australia we
welcome many flags, but it is the law that the Australian National flag must
fly higher than all others. A citizen here has many benefits, but must needs
honour the source and the people among
whom they live. Have you ever noticed that the Flag has four crosses. So
Australia will be great when we are true to the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord
- the Son of God, the Saviour of all mankind, uniter of all races, lover of the
lost and broken, Shepherd to all who trust Him.
He does not rule by an unbending law, but rather claiming the loyalty of
love – love to Him and from Him to others.
johnmckee@internode.on.net
reBible references available on request
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