Portfolio File 4: Political and spiritual movements in the Netherlands

1. Interview
1. What are the most important political and spiritual movements in the Netherlands?
-- Political, at this moment, the “SP”. Spiritual, I don’t have a clue.
-- Political, that our national government currently includes a Christian party. Spiritual, that there is more unity in the churches now, walls between some churches are disappearing.
-- Politcal, health care, school, immigration...
-- I think the "christen unie" is a very important movement at the moment because they are in the cabinet so they are leading our country now, and you've got the PKN which is a movement thats leading most of the Christian churches. I don't like it because I voted VVD, which is more right, and our goverment now is more left.
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2. Why are these movements the most important, in your opinion?
-- The “SP” is the fastest growing political group.
-- Im curious how the new government is going to influence Holland. Secondly, because I think that Christians are a minority and we shouldn't argue with each other, rather we should focus on what we have in common so that we can become a true testamony in our society.
-- Because people are scared and the immigrants are taking away a lot of our juobs.
-- They are in the cabinet. They lead the country.
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3. What are the most actual changes in political and spiritual movements?
-- I don't have a clue.
-- Politically, the new government was just installed. We have a party now for family affairs so that may influence the Netherlands. When it comes to spiritual, a lot of young people are touched by God and the Holy Spirit. A lot of organizations are started for and by young Christian adults.
-- Everybody before seven years ago had a Dutch nationality/residence permit, but now there are many immigrants.
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4. In what way do you judge these changes?
-- Sorry.
-- I'm happy with the inclusion of the Christian view in the government. I see it as very possitive, although some will not because it effects their norms and values. They have to cooperate with these different views, but I'm glad that this worldview is seen now in our country. As for the young adults, they can influence the world now and in the future. Having the youth inspired by God is crucial to getting the Word of God recognized in generations to come.
-- Not good!
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5. List your motives and arguments.
-- I'm really not into politics.
-- I'm just happy that people who have a heart for God are now seen in society so that they can feel more open to reach out to others. Having the government instigate Christian views helps encourage the spread of Christianity.
-- Well, fear for our country becoming over populated with immigrants. We are losing our Dutch culture to foreign cultures living in our country.
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2. Interview2
History of the Movement:
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Ideology:
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Mission/Goals:
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Stucture of Organization:
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Number of Members:
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Criteria for Membership:
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Span of Influence on the Netherlands:
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Specific Christian Elements:
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3. Judgement and Conclusion
a. I have bad luck with these interview things. Everybody I talked to seemed to be Christian or supporting the Christian parties. It's rediculous!

4. Mental Model
-- I learned that I have a lot of homework to do before I can ever understand the politics of a country. If I cannot grasp a two-party system of a country I was born and raised in, how can I even begin to understand a multi-party system of a land foreign to me?

5. Reflection of Studytrips and Excursions
The trip to paliament was long and tiring. Sitting in the counsel room with one of the spokespersons from the CDA was interesting. I enjoyed listening to her story, mostly because she is a lot like us. She is just as Dutch as we are, in the sense of nationality. It was interesting and comforting to hear her say that she also cannot truly define the Netherlands. The constitution of the Netherlands is all that can really define the country. With all the minorities and pillarized political system, it's hard to say what the Netherlands stands for exactly, accept for what is accounted for in the constitution, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, etc. The freedoms, the liberal-ness is what best outlines the Dutch identity in respect to its political system.
The library was impressive. The Chinese influence is rather astonishing. I love the beauty of the Chinese art and architecture. It is rare and cultural and resembles something you'd expect to see in the movies. Beautiful!

6. Personal Plan of Development
-- Personally, this file makes me feel 50% stupider than I did coming on this trip. I wouldn't know how to answer these questions about my own countries politics and spiritual movements. Perhaps there isn't one way to answer these questions. As for my personal plan of development, I do not care to be more engaged in politics than I already am, so it really is not an interest of mine to develop a better understanding of something that I hold very little interst in. I'm sure I should take politics seriously, but I do not feel as though I am being governed unjustly under the current government. Nobody is controlling my worldview and choice making process. Why should I bother about the fundamentals? I don't know. Sure, I vote. And I use my personal convictions in doing so, but that is not going to change the world. There will always be black markets and murders as long as the devil
... the devil. sometimes christianity throws me off. it's not really the devil that is working against my favor. this world is somewhat a devil. this world is full of temptations. it is my choice to be a part of it, or to resist it. hmmm... i fear my own convictions sometimes. i don't want to believe the things that my mind devises. i am afraid that if i believe something of my own mind, that does not agree with the church, that i am signing myself away to the devil. i think perhaps everyone is afraid of their own mind's convictions...that may be why we are told to follow our hearts. but can those be so poisoned by our minds? they inevitably dwell together, thus influence each other greatly, yes? so...where do we go, but to God?
God is here. even in this secular country, i can see God's handywork. de land hier is iets anders dan amerika en ik vind het heel erg mooi. de mensen, de bomen, de zee, ik vind alles leuk.
as for that development plan, i feel isolated. how can i grow without peer pressure? i have somewhat of a social life -- once a week -- but still then, i do not feel challenged to grow. i know that i am still weak spirited, but i also know that i've become much stronger. it's learning to be ok -- more than just ok -- with who i chose to be and who God has created me as. even in the confusion of desires, i know that all i need to do is keep my eyes on God and his will for my life.
every vote counts. i vote for what may be considerably best for the people of this WORLD (not just America)!

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