CULTURAL MALAISE

From My Perspective - - -

One can observe various trends in our nation and world with which there is disagreement – but also – a sense of helplessness. Many of the traditions and foundational observances have been under scrutiny, challenge and opposition in and escalating and increasing way. In more recent times, Christmas is one observance that has been attacked in both subtle and direct ways. The idea of wishing one a “Merry Christmas” has been challenged and the political correct influence began to gain foothold as merchants changed their greeting to Happy Holidays.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation challenged the Crèche Display in the Atrium of Warren, Michigan. If the Manger Scene was going to be displayed, the FFRF wanted the right to display a sandwich board sign in the Atrium that stated: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world, Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” To his credit, the Mayor denied the request of FFRF and said: “I felt that to allow them to put their sandwich board sign up was an offense act against religion, and it wasn’t exercising freedom of religion or freedom of speech. It was exercising the desecration and destruction of religion.” That is a bold assertion and clearly defines what the FFRF and other groups have as their goal, namely, “the destruction of religion.” This Mayor should be applauded and commended for his boldness, courage and forthrightness.

Many larger cities bowed to the secular pressure and disallow any “Christian” displays or celebration, even to preventing the singing of Christmas Carols by school children. As was pointed out in yesterday’s Blog – “Long Day…”, a city such as Chicago may minimize the traditional Christmas or Easter celebrations and allow for a more secular and inclusive seasonal observance – however – they allow for a hundred vacant lots to display partial heads of Buddha as a means to curtain violence in the city. Their hope is that people will become more contemplative and peaceful, thereby curtailing violent acts. The twisted irony here is that there is an outright dismissal of any representations regarding The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ – but – allowing for a replacement, namely, Buddha in the city square and streets of the city.

It is very sad that the Cultural Malaise maintains a populace that is ill-informed and/or otherwise ignorant regarding what is occurring in the secularization of the nation. The day is rapidly approaching when people will be wondering what happened to the nation and why didn’t anyone do something about it. The humorous story about life goes something like this: “There were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.” Does that sound familiar?

How should you approach your culture? How bold should you be in terms of addressing the errors within your culture? There is an important and fascinating statement in Hebrews 10:35-39, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For - Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” A key phrase is “shrinks back.” It comes from an old verb that means: “to draw oneself under or back, to withdraw,” Too often, the “christian” community chooses not to be involved. Such behavior has serious repercussions. The walk and life of faith has no place for one to lack “confidence” or “to shrink back.” Be strong in the Lord. Be courageous for Him. Consider these things with me.