A subtle undermining of the foundations
There is a subtle undermining of the foundations of our society. Well, at least it is subtle to the vast majority of our population. We have allowed humor and “the arts” to bend our way of thinking, of perceiving the world around us. When I listen to music or “comedy” or watch a movie or read a book or article, I attempt to have filters activated, to seek out things that are subtle and yet dangerous, much like a viper crawling through the grass. You may not pay much attention, but it can kill you.
Last night we watched a movie. I think the title in English is “License to Wed”. It stars Robin Williams as a “cool reverend”, a warm hearted guy who would NEVER do something unconscionable like confront people about the sin in their lives. Bit by bit he is given the place that Christ should have – but without the uncomfortable issue of “Go and sin no more” – after all, there’s barely a mention of sin at all except in a “humorous” way via a catechism class in which the kids learn paraphrased versions of the Ten Commandments via a knock off of a game show. Early on in the movie one learns that “Father Frank is everywhere” – another usurpation of Christ’s position, this is mentioned at least once or twice more, in an attempt to knock home the idea that “Father Frank’s” ideas are an updated and modern and wholly healthy new approach to life in our modern world with none of that old fashioned sin problem to hinder a happy life.
Throughout the movie one is told time after time in various ways that living together prior to marriage is a normal and logical part of the whole marriage process. The movie starts out with Father Frank’s voice narrating the “logical progression” in a “humorous” way, leading from a chance encounter to a first date, a first kiss, a first “I love you”, a first AUDIBLE “I love you” (insinuating that such a declaration logically leads to sexual intercourse) to living together. Only after some time of living together does the guy even consider proposing.
Now, the movie DOES have some good points. It shows the importance of communication. What it DOESN’T show is how early physical involvement pretty much sounds the death knell to genuine communication. It is assumed that early physical involvement is natural and inevitable and is part of life, so there. One can only wonder what would have happened if the couple had actually gotten to know each other prior to getting “to know” each other. What if they’d spent time in conversation about matters of importance? What if they’d actually had their spiritual lives in order and had put Christ first on their agenda?
Another disturbing part of this movie was the idea that horrible conflict is normal and natural in a relationship. In a role playing skit the young couple of soon to be newly weds is asked to act out a scene in which they have to respond to a flat tire while out of cell phone range (can’t call AAA) and basically lost on a back road in a down pour. It is assumed that such a situation will lead to conflict. Their calm acting out of a caring interchange between caring people is said to be fake. Such a situation MUST bring conflict and so another couple is called into play to “do it right” – resulting in an abusive interchange of demeaning comments. Their performance is applauded. Why? Why is it assumed that a couple must abuse each other? There is only ONE example of a semi good relationship between married people – the girl’s parents who’ve been married for 30 years – and yet who also seem to have some issues. I can attest that severe problems on a back road do NOT have to result in mutual abuse. Our years working in Brazil with everything from clutch plates to brake lines breaking while in the middle of no where never once resulted in a relationship melt down. In fact, working together we were able to overcome time after time.
One of the greatest problems in our society today is the use of “humor” to degrade the foundations of s strong society. The shows that cast dads in the light of incompetent idiots who’s only redeeming qualities are the wonderful spouse they somehow managed to entrap subtly tell us that men are idiots no matter what. The kids who precociously solve problems that the stupid adults around them cause show us that kids don’t need parents, they can get along well on their own. The “humorous” allusions to deviant lifestyles as perfectly normal, even desirable, tell us that God’s ideas are dead.
So, why do we allow this things to go unchallenged? Why do we allow this filth to permeate our society? Do we teach our kids what is right? Do we ask them to analyze, to think? If we don’t change the way we think, if we conform ourselves to the current age, then we will NOT be the holy sacrifice that God wants and asks us to be. Only through a renewal of our thoughts and minds can we become again a strong and thriving society.
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Why do we allow ourselves to become unchallenged? You seem to have a lot of knowledge of weapons. I believe we should not conform to society…and I agree
we should not live as the world lives.
You write a lot about guns, the laws of, and why we should have them. Have you ever thought why we should not have them? Have you ever actually had to kill someone…or been in a situation where you might have to? Have you ever thought what that does to change a person?
I had a friend who was a cop. This person had a lot of the same ideals you seem to have. Until she killed a person in the line of duty. It changed her. Completely changed her. Not only did it effect her, it effected the comunity, the dead persons family. and her family. This person will never be the same.
Weapons are a deep and serious responsibility…and not everyone has the
aptitude for it. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and healed a soliders ear. King David could not build a place for god because he was a warrior and had blood on his hands. Please be careful with this love of weapons you seem to have.
Actually, yes. I HAVE thought about it – a lot. Not everyone is apt to carry or properly utilize a weapon, that is for sure. The recent incident at the church building in Colorado Springs confirms that fact. The person who confronted and brought the murderer down was not the only person present who was armed, but was the only person present who responded appropriately in the face of evil. Her prayer as she moved forward in the face of grave personal danger was “Holy Spirit, guide me.” To not be able to defend the weak against the evil would affect me terribly, it would be more traumatic to be forced to observe as evil unfolded than to put an end to an evil act. Charl van Wyck wrote a book, “Shooting Back” about his experience in bringing the carnage to a halt during the Saint James massacre in South Africa back in the 1990’s. He presents a well reasoned and thought out apology for Christian defense. Yes, Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, but He did not tell him to get rid of it. The time was not right for the use of defense – and that is something that a Christian must be aware of – there’s a time and a place for everything, and not all times are the time to use deadly force. Peter Hammond has demonstrated time and again the ability to know the difference. I’d suggest you look up some of his writing on Frontline Fellowship’s website.
I thank God that I’ve never had to use deadly force against anyone. And if I never have to that’s what I pray for. But I also pray that I’ll have no vehicle problems when travelling – and yet carry tools and common repair parts with me. If something DOES happen than I’m prepared. Folks who say that you should “Just trust God” in matters of personal defense do not tend to be consistent – most of them have medical and vehicle and home insurance, they carry spare tires and perhaps even have fire extinguishers. Where is their faith in regards to flat tires, accidents, illness and other such unpleasantness? It’s kind of like the anti-hunters who decry the “senseless, inhuman, cruel treatment of the poor furry animals” – while dining on steak, pork chops and chicken. Such an attitude is hypocritical, to say the least.
One must carefully analyze one’s thoughts and actions. To lightly pick up a weapon and take a human life is a great crime and sin. However, to stand by and allow evil to be committed is also a great crime and sin. With God’s help and guidance I will never have to take another human’s life. However, should a situation arise in which deadly force must be used, then the person who’s life is taken will have suffered the results of their own actions. A wise man once said “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” And the apostle Paul wrote, “if you do not provide for your family, you are worse than an unbeliever.” Provision is not just food and clothing. It implies shelter and protection, like men of old who would take strangers in and provide for them – including protection from the evil people around them.
So, yes I have thought this out carefully. And I don’t expect you to take my thoughts as “gospel” – you must think through things for yourself. If you feel that you will never be faced with a need to defend yourself or anyone else from harm and thus have no need to know how to properly use a weapon – you just may face the day when unspeakable evil stands before you and you’ll have no where to turn and no one to blame but yourself for not preparing properly.
A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. The hireling merely flees at the sight of danger. The good shepherd is willing even to lay down his life for the sheep. Jesus gave us the ultimate example, and yet He also set up some of us as shepherds – for defense of the flock, both spiritually and physically. Are you shepherd or sheep? The Lord has set me as a shepherd, and as such He will judge me on that final day. To that end I strive to lead and feed the flock He has given me to the best of my ability as He grants me knowledge and strength.
Paul,
I am glad you have thought about this long and hard. The only thing I disagree
with is your statement on the “good shepherd.” A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. A good shepherd also knows there is a time to flee.
Case in point. I knew of a lady who’s door was being knocked down and she took her children and ran. It was not time to fight. In another instance this same lady had a pistol pointed at the door ready to shoot if she needed to. The lady had no other options left for her. Thankfully the guy was apprehended by the police before anything happened.
Just trust in God…this has its advantages. As far as” being prepared” …be careful -trust me when I say nothing can prepare you for circumstances such as these except faith and the trust in the Lord. I am glad you are a shepherd. I will pray for you. As for me I am just a child of God..and will hold on to my trust in Him that He will give me the wisdom to know what to do, in what ever circumstance I find myself in.