From My Perspective - - -

The term “social engineering” became a leading news item recently when an announced Presidential candidate evaluated the Congressional Budget Proposal, especially a part dealing with Medicare, as being “right wing social engineering.” The candidate made his reference on Meet The Press when he said: “…replacing Medicare with a voucher system was too radical an approach…I don't think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering…calling the plan too big a jump for the country. I don't think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate."

Social Engineering is a term that is applied in many aspects of society. Even though it is most prominent in terms of the physical needs of society – hunger, housing, health care, etc., there are other applications as well. There is a sound argument that the long-standing debate on Abortion and Zero-Population goals for this nation is classic social engineering. It is difficult to attach a definition for Social Engineering because it can vary widely. It is a case of it depends on who you ask. One possible answer is: “Social engineering is a discipline in political science that refers to efforts to influence popular attitudes and social behaviors on a large scale, whether by governments or private groups…virtually all law and governance has the effect of changing behavior and can be considered social engineering to some extent. Prohibitions on murder, rape, suicide, and littering are all policies aimed at discouraging undesirable behaviors.” The goal may be worthy but how does one go about enforcing the “Prohibitions on murder, rape, suicide, and littering…”? One would hope there would be ways found that would prohibit all (or most) of these negative behaviors. However, that resolve and solution has not yet been discovered and/or enforced.

In a more recent study, released early in 2010, the reasons for Teen Deaths were listed. The top six causes are: First is Unintentional Injury (traffic accidents; drowning; fire; falling); Second is Malignant Neoplasm (a new, often uncontrolled growth of abnormal tissue; tumor); Third is Suicide (the intentional taking of one's own life); Fourth is Congenital Anomalies (a condition that is present at birth); Fifth is Homicide; and Sixth is Heart Disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicates that an observant parent or other caring person should be able to discern a changed behavior in an teen that is a sign of something dramatic occurring inside of that him/her. “According to the AAP, signs that a depressed teenager might be suicidal include: A dramatic change in personality; Relationship problems, especially with a romantic partner; A drop in grades or quality of schoolwork; Alcohol or drug abuse; A change in eating or sleeping habits; Having trouble concentrating; Giving away prized possessions; Writing notes or poems about death; Talking about suicide, even jokingly…”

Peer Pressure is considerable in teen years. In addition to it, there is the Bullying Tactic that in many places is being employed to either (a) exclude a person from a group, or (b) to bring them to a point where they submit to the pressure just so they can survive. Part of the insulation and reinforcement of self-worth for the young person is a good solid home, and a solid Biblically based Church home. The lessons flowing from the home are basic and foundational. The first is Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The second is Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” The third is Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” The young person also needs to learn to talk with God each day. One suggestion by Focus on the Family is: “Prayer goes hand in hand with turning away from wrong and doing right. We can't just say the right things; we've got to follow them with action.” All of this requires diligent effort by the home, the church and the individual. It is well-worth the effort. Consider these things with me!