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Cultural Commentary for February 12, 2012
A couple of things really hit the screen this last week, about atheism and apathy. Why are people so uncomfortable about religious faith? Apathy and confrontation both are a big deal. Academics, in particular, have a phobia against religious faith, and I’ve found a descriptive few reasons to share with you.
- [a] Personal matter is not able to be subjected to rationalism & so has no place in higher learning.
- [b] If religious faith is allowed into academic discourse, it will intrude on all other domains of instruction.
- [c] Faith implies there is something else in the universe that is not “natural”, but “supernatural”, and it deserves my attention, allegiance or honor.
- [d] Religious faith supports violence and tyranny and should be ignored and opposed.
Finally, in “The Last Word”, the author admits, “he just doesn’t want the universe to be like that”. In other words, if the personal God that Christianity describes really exists; just saying God is real is not enough. He really does want an intimate relationship with His people; and that’s too scary, because we would have to let Him become Lord of our lives.. be in charge, and in control. When Christian athletes, or members of churches publicly demonstrate that Jesus has changed their lives, people get really uncomfortable, and then either run like blazes, or get in our faces. Just plain truth… it is easier for them to criticize our commitment to Christ, that for them to emulate it or copy it. Paul said he was a pattern for believers… so should you and I be. Make ‘em uncomfortable!
What do Jacksonville, Fl, and the State of Ark., have in common? What happened in the Prop 8 decision in California? (9th Circuit Court overrules voters of California!) Why would I be upset about First Baptist Church, Wake Forest, N.C.? Do you know what each of these have been in the news for lately? You certainly should.
Many people in our country have become “apatheists“.. apathetic or atheists. They just say, “So What” when faith is discussed. It’s another way of saying.. “it don’t mean nothing”. Too many people are now saying they don’t spend time seeking eternal wisdom, or that it’s useless to do that. Over 40% are saying that finding a deeper purpose in life is not a priority, and scoff at the idea God has a purpose for every life.
On the other hand, I believe my God is real and that He has delivered on every word of “all His good promise”. I believe Biblical ethics and mores should be the foundation of a culture, and that God’s people need to be on the move. Whaddyathink?
Tags: believer, faith in Christ
From Starbucks To Sex Ed
Cultural Commentary for February 19, 2012
If a Congresswoman calls pregnancy a “disease”, what does that make the result of a pregnancy, herself among others? A cancer, a tumor or what? Indeed this is the political silly season, and ALL candidates and office holders need to watch their tongues. The rest of us should too, as it can cause us more trouble than we can get out of. (See what James had to say on the subject.)
The National Education Association, and three other groups have released sex education “standards”, which are non-binding, (then why call them standards?) as the first ever sex education national standards for sex education in schools. For conservative parents, educators and the general public, nearly every standard or page is controversial. Here are a few for 2nd grade… know proper names for all body parts, including male-female anatomy. For 5th graders… know that sexual orientation is the romantic attraction to someone of the same or different gender. Be able to define sexual harassment, and sexual abuse, plus, identify medically accurate information about female and male reproductive anatomy. There are other standards for every age and grade. (You probably don’t want me to print them here.) Bob Stith, an SBC strategist for gender issues, says this would put parents and children in conflict and opposition over biblical values vs. school-taught values, and is not a healthy approach. I agree, and have other comments on the subject, as well. Just for your information, the other organizations are: American Association of Health Education, the American School Health Association and the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education. A great bunch of folks to set standards for our children?
I know folks who won’t drink anything but Starbucks, don’t you? That’s OK, if you want to support some of Starbucks agendas, but in their quest for market share and cultural relevancy; Starbucks is now going to offer beer and wine in some of their stores, “where customers transitioning from work to home may be looking for a warm and inviting place to unwind and connect with people they care about”, can get a little wine or beer. (New spot for cops to write tickets, after getting their lattes) One customer said… “I bring my grandkids here. I don’t want to have to deal with a drunk when I’m having coffee. Starbucks has 10,000 US locations and plans to add another 400 this year. Bumper Sticker: Friends don’t let friends go to Starbucks. The more places, the more problems.
Everyone wants to set a standard, and forgets Jehovah God established standards for the human race long ago, AND explained how to live by them. Companies continue to pursue market share and bottom line cash profit, without considering the impact their corporate actions have on the culture in which they operate. (Bet Starbucks won’t try it in their international stores in China or Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.) Whaddyathink?
Tags: Christ-first, honor God