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In this issue...
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By Rev. Mark Hiehle
As you look at our country today and see a culture that has grown accustomed to murder, violence, homosexuality, abortion-on-demand, and see the national acceptance of removing all references to God from public life, have you ever asked the question: "How did we get here?" As a nation founded upon Christian principles, how did we stray so far from our beginnings? It happened over a period of time during which people tolerated greater and greater wrongdoing.
Think back over our recent history. In the 1950s, there was a clear distinction between right and wrong. Abortion was illegal, homosexuality was offensive, teen pregnancy was scandalous, and divorce was tragic. The majority of Americans believed in the authority of the Bible and referred to our nation as a Christian nation. The church preached holiness and purity, but the majority of those inside and outside the church did not want to be seen as either too religious or too irreligious. They stood somewhere in the middle. In the middle, people felt comfortable.
In the 1960s, the sexual revolution and social unrest exploded, leaving a broad crevice that separated generations. The young rebelled and cast away the teachings of their parents. Confusion swept over our nation. Social mores were refashioned. The distance between righteousness and defined evil widened, leaving a broader band of gray. How did the church respond? Again, the majority preferred the comfortable middle to the radical right, so they moved to the left, where they could be seen as moderate and normal.
In the 1970s, our culture moved again farther away from the standard of purity. Public profanity was tolerated and even accepted as entertainment. Comedian George Carlin popularized vulgarity with a recording of a skit entitled: "The Seven Forbidden Words." Movies became more violent. Popular music became increasingly suggestive. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion, and the value of life cheapened. How did people respond? Choosing not to make waves, they sought the middle ground and moved a step or two to the left.
In the 1980s, it seemed as though we pulled out all the stops. Within popular music, sexual prurience reached new levels. George Michael's chart- breaking music video "I Want Your Sex" flaunted the culture's obsession. Meanwhile, a dark and violent style of music emerged into the mainstream via heavy metal groups such as KISS, Mega Death, and Motley Crew. Again, the defining point of recognized sin moved to the left, farther away from the standard of holiness. Marriage was viewed as unnecessary. The breakup of the family as the normal unit became more pervasive and alarming. Divorce became commonplace. Once again, people, wanting to be accepted, gravitated to the middle and remained mostly silent.
During the 1990s, the gap widened even more as personal responsibility no longer mattered. The sanctity of human life lost more ground as the harvesting of fetal organs for experimentation was permitted and partial birth abortions were protected by political maneuvers in Congress. Scandalous behavior in the Oval Office was swept under the rug, and our children were taught the lesson that immorality has no consequences. Musical lyrics became even more obscene and violent. Once more, the people moved to the middle, thinking that tolerance was in its best interest.
Where are we now? The "middle ground" is now that which used to be loathsome. Abortion (which ends the lives of 1,300 babies every day) is seen as a right. Public high schools have daycare centers in order to accommodate teen mothers. "Safer Sex" is taught to middle school children. Homosexuality is now a protected alternative lifestyle with social status. Divorce strikes every other marriage. The majority of America's children struggle in single-parent or blended homes. That which used to be seen as wrong is now accepted as normal. What is still deemed "evil" is now more depraved than ever, and new lows are sure to come.
Despite society's continual redefining of wickedness, one thing has remained constant: God's truth. God's standard of holiness, righteousness, and purity has never wavered. The truth of Scripture has never faltered or moved. God's love and mercy have remained as a lighthouse in the midst of darkness despite the blurring between right and wrong. The authority of Scripture is still the only foundation to build our lives upon, and the light of God's Word calls people out of darkness.
Even though our past is filled with one compromise after another and the righteous have been silent, we can move from the middle back to God. God is forever faithful! There has been a clarion call for people to come to God and leave the mushy middle ground of powerlessness and compromise. Ministries have been raised up to challenge men to return to God and their families. Crisis pregnancy centers have been established to minister to people who are considering abortion as a solution to their problems. Lives are being saved and changed one heart at a time.
In order to turn the tide, more people need to stand up for righteousness, life, and purity. Our Heavenly Father has already given us the key: If we will humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and pray, God will forgive our sin and heal our land (II Chronicles 7:14). If the Church will stand for what is right, it can be salt and light to the world. As we minister to one person at a time, the truth that Jesus spoke in John 12:32 will be realized, "When I am lifted up ... [I] will draw all men to myself." Not only will our country be changed, but the entire world.
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rev. Mark Hiehle is Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Support Center in Clarksville, Tennessee. He can be reached at markcpsc@clarksville.com. |
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