Jean,+Sarah,+Alex,+and+Shana+Conclusions

=Conclusions: What We Have Learned About America and Ourselves=

**Alex Glenn**
When asked the question “who are we?” my mind goes many places. Our nation has multiple cultures and races that make up its core. America’s history is stemmed from a belief to create a new world, a haven of sorts. The men and women that initially came to the new world had ideas to make it a nation of God’s people. America is rich in Christian history; although, our morals and values as a whole, in the modern day, would say otherwise. Our nation is also founded on a creed. We are democratic. We want to follow through with the very things are nation was founded on, working hard, honesty, and integrity. Our culture has been driven by the “American Dream,” a dream to work hard and earn a living and thrive from that. The beautiful thing about America is we have freedom. I take that for granted so often. I believe many other people do, as well.

Overall, the United States of America serves as a haven to many people around the world. Our culture is rich in diversity. I think this is positive. It helps us learn from one another and it helps us validate things about ourselves and our own beliefs. America is like a fruit platter. It is diverse, yet organized. There are lots of flavors and colors. Beliefs from person to person vary and this makes it such an interesting place to live.

If our nation were to change, so would our lives. Right now, we need to appreciate what we have. I am an American. I am a 19 year old female. I am an athlete. I am a sister. I am a Christian. All of these statements carry weight. They say, in a nut shell, what is important to me. I do not want these things to change or be molded into something different. These characteristics make up who I am and I am proud to claim them.

**Jean Snyder**
I believe that our country was founded upon the central Christian belief of God. As the years have gone by, it seems to me that our nation has become less focused on religion in our everyday lives, yet the general values have carried on in society. It makes me sad that more people don’t take their faith in God more seriously. It seems that religion has become another word to many people that doesn’t hold significant meaning. It is often not followed up with actions, but instead is exemplified by the least amount of commitment possible, for many people. Being aware of this, it makes me want to spread the word of God to everyone. This will change my life because it is another motivation to minister God’s word. It makes me that much more sad to know that people know about the word, but don’t follow it. It is another incentive to travel to different cultures and even within our own nation, on mission trips for example, to spread God’s word so that everyone can experience the love and joy of knowing Christ. I want to help others so that they aren’t just talking the talk, but actually walking the walk.

Shana Crouch
I believe that America is a country that was founded on Christian beliefs, but we are not a Christian nation: we are a nation of people that have several different religious views. Because of immigration, several new religions and diversities are coming into America. America is a nation of both diverse people and diverse religions. Many of the people in America have never heard that they can be in a relationship with Jesus, and many people may not have even heard of Jesus before. It is hard for me to think of what my life would be like if I had never heard about my Savoir or how to be saved. I would imagine I would be very lonely feeling and not know if there was hope for me to go to heaven or not. I do not want others to have to struggle with that loneliness or uncertainty, but to know the Truth. With this thought, I want to go out and get to know people of different cultures and religions than me. As I get to know them, I want to shine God’s light on them, and show them how they can be saved by my wonderful Savior.

Sarah Macfadyen
The United States of America is just that: states that have united together under the values of democracy, freedom, and justice. The act of union between the states was founded up on Christianity and Anglo-Protestant Religion, and while the roots of this continue to be found at the core of American values, multiculturalism and acceptance of many religions within the country have allowed for diversity to flourish and redefine the less central aspects of American culture. America is defined by the people of the country, a people who are devoted to democracy, a people who value family, a people who are demand freedom, and also a people who are imperfect. All of these aspects of citizens define America as the country that it is. It is a country that thrives through it's citizens instead of demanding that the citizens thrive through the country. Although America has not always gotten it right, it continues to be a country that stands for freedom, equality, and justice, a country that is admired by much of the world, and a country that I am honored to be able to spend a part of my life in.

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