More than a third of the population bled Norwegian blood and four out of ten people were Lutheran in Minnesota. It seemed to embody the Lutheran virtues of faith, family, and work along with the character of perseverance. Today, however, Minnesota is not what it was. The urban area of Minneapolis is not only diverse and typical of the liberal and progressive values of the rest of urban America, it has become “Little Mogadishu.” The resettlement of refugees has turned this stronghold of Norwegian Lutheran Christianity into the largest Somali and Muslim population in America. In fact, it elected one of the first Muslim members of congress.
The pictures of the Ingalls family and the Muslim population there are very different. Demographics do change. I saw it in the architecture of New York City and Queens as the earlier immigrant populations which had built the structures moved to the suburbs and left the Germanic icons to be inhabited by another changing landscape of peoples and cultures. Some insist this is not only the story of America but its soul. However, the difference lies in the willingness of the new populations to embrace and embody the American ideals of democracy, personal responsibility, work, decency, and community. Herein lies the difference. Some of the newer populations are not looking to fit in or even find their place in Minnesota as much as to replicate the lives and social structures left behind in their homelands. I do not say this to be mean or to racist but to acknowledge a difference within the immigrants now in Minnesota and those who preceded them.
Minnesota is being transformed — especially in its cities. The old heritage of Northern Europe is being replaced not simply by immigration but by the decline of the birth rates of its former native sons and daughters and the soaring immigrant birth rates of those who have come later. According to the statistics, some 130,000 arrivals have showed up from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other places. The birth rates of these migrant populations soar while the birth rates of those who were there tank. Along with the ordinary tensions between newer and older populations, crime, welfare rolls, and Islamic influence explodes. Minneapolis has the largest Somali population in the U.S. — with it a push for Sharia laws and order. Omar Fateh — a Somali-American Muslim and Democratic Socialist — will take over City Hall as the next mayor of Minneapolis. Yes, in Minnesota.
I do not blame the immigrants from Africa. They have come for their dreams as did those who went before them from other lands. I do point out that what happens in the Upper Midwest today in a heartland once known as Norwegian Lutherland will continue to happen across America and at least in part due to the choice of some not to marry or have children. I will hand it to the immigrants now calling Minnesota home that they value family and children in a way that the rest of America has not and has not for a very long time. We alone are responsible for our own marginalization when we choose to give up the values of faith and family once so central to our identity. We alone are responsible for the political changes when we vote in those who have values in conflict with American ideals. While we might be inclined to understand when this happens in New York City, when it happens in Minneapolis it ought to awaken in us responsibility and repentance for what we have done to ourselves.
2 comments:
Unfortunately, both Minneapolis and New York City have one thing in common, besides urban troubles, crime, and decaying infrastructure; both have been under Democratic Party hegemony for decades. As you point out, elections count because there are values which must be considered when political leaders are running for office. Values of secular humanism, socialism, abortion for convenience, lenient criminal laws and enforcement, malfeasance, fiscal irresponsibility, and promotion of inclusiveness without regard to merit, all these have been part of the Democratic Party’s so called progressive agenda, and continue to be promoted. And sadly, millions of Christian voters place their faith on the shelf and vote for the same scoundrels of the Left, for pro-abortion candidates, for even a socialist communist. Why? Because their faith has absolutely no effect on their politics. For sure, the social decline of American morals and spirituality were key, and the political, social, and entertainment institutions ensured that generations would reject the Judeo-Christian foundations of our Republic to create a more permissive society. We might say the deconstruction of family values and religious views were a precursor to what we see today. An open, pluralistic society without guardrails eventually self destructs. As you said, many new immigrants do not want to assimilate, but instead desire to replicate the religious values of their former lands here. To be fair, a significant number do want to become American citizens, but in all honesty, there are American values today never practiced by our forefathers, and therefore unworthy of emulation. The Christian in today’s America must still walk the lonely path, as pilgrim and stranger in a fallen world. Sure, we can be patriotic, and want the best for our land and people, but our first love is to serve Christ, because this is the kingdom we are called to be a part. Once we embrace this idea with our hearts and minds, the terrors and struggles of the world will no longer be our chief concern. We will actually live and be guided by our faith and the promises and assurances of Our Savior. That requires a change of heart, and even among Christian voters, some will choose not to do the right thing. Soli Deo Gloria
The late 19th century German, Swedish, and Norwegian Lutherans who came to Minnesota aligned with the Republican Party. However, in the 20th century, many became members of or supported the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, especially into the later half of the 20th century.
Church leaders gave no warning to them that the DFL Party (aligned with the Demonicrat Party) was more deceptive, dangerous, and satanic than the Masonic Lodge.
Leadership from the LCMS and the XXXA participated and encouraged their organizations' support of legislation and organization like LIaRS, which aided in bringing into Minnesota and other states foreigners. The Islamic immigrants' religion and culture was and is incompatible with and promoted the elimination of the Christian religion and culture of the United States.
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