It’s recognized that some Godly nations have a variety of cultures. In this mix, there are identifiable characteristics in languages, ethnicity, social classes, status, and rank. But a commonality with these cultures is that they worship the same God, although not necessarily Christian, like those in the West. They are also diverse groups in cultures which share common characteristics. These aren’t homogeneous and may not be in the United States.

John Thune (b. 1961), U.S. senior senator from South Dakota and member of the Republican Party, observes,” I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.” Although America is a predominantly Christian nation with diverse groups – some of which live in distinct ethnic areas, viz, Jewish, Italian, Irish, Hispanic, or Black, citizens still rally under its flag.

A Culture of Different Faces

American culture is exported around the world and global experts see it reaching a community of nations. One way it’s exported is through the mass media which not only present news and information 24/7, but sports, and Christian programs. These are via print, viz, books, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters – electronically, viz, satellite, radio, TV, cable, and the Internet.

With these media, America is able to share and exchange values about serving God, with other countries. Because of this phenomenon, tourism is flourishing, and citizens are able to communicate globally. Some visit religious and historic sites, worship in churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, walk on beaches, play sports, and give thanks to their God.

Leslie Jamison (b. 1983), American novelist and essayist, feels, “Armchair poverty tourism has been around as long as authors have written about class. As an author, I have struggled myself with the nuances of writing about poverty without reducing any community to a catalog of its difficulties.” It’s true that some may see poverty stricken communities as problematic, while others rattle off statistics as though they know about poverty first hand. Poor people have going for them an important attribute, their love of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Travel and People

Saint Augustine (354 – 430 AD), early Christian theologian and philosopher, whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity, stated, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” It’s also true that if a person lives in one place he or she dwells in all places. Some monks, nuns, and hermits live austere lives locked away in monasteries and convents, worshiping, and serving their God. With the Holy Spirit, these blessed individuals are still enjoying fully their God-given lives on earth. Such devoutness are mystical experiences in a broken world.

In industrialized nations, travel is encouraged, and citizens take advantage of it, because it’s affordable. There are constraints on most of the more than 7.3 billion people worldwide, who live in villages, shanty towns, ghettos, rundown communities, and blighted urban areas. These poor people are concerned about the basics, like food to eat, clean water to drink, and in having homes. Some of the fortunate ones who are aware of these needs, may even decide to curtail their travels, and contribute their talent and treasure, to help the less fortunate.

Transportation and the Poor

It’s true that by adequate transportation, citizens are able to move from one place to another. In our modern world and even in America, some persons lack having adequate transportation, and aren’t able to pay the fare. Corrine Brown (b. 1946), U.S. Representative for Florida’s 5^th congressional district, remarks, “States get to improve transportation infrastructure; that creates economic development, puts people back to work and, most importantly, enhances safety and improves local communities.” Everyone benefits from good infrastructure. Adequate public transportation especially, will go a long way in helping poor people and the unemployed. These improvements may well mean that they will be able to have work opportunities some distance away from their neighborhoods where they live.