Ron Writes
Recently, a writer in a secular magazine commented on his obsession with two questions. One, Why have Americans become so sad? And, Why have Americans become so mean? Both questions were looked at with statistics and antidotes. He noted that over the past several years there has been a rise of hatred, anxiety, and despair.
The article looked at many contributing factors. Technology is driving us crazy. Socially, we’ve become more isolated and participate in fewer community organizations. Economic pressures have left many feeling alienated and pessimistic. Then he concludes with what he feels is the main cause for our decline. We are no longer trained in how to treat others with kindness and consideration. He believes that selfishness and a lack of morals is at the root of society’s problems. The rest of the article basically bemoans that morals are no longer taught and building character is no longer the goal of education and politics has become void of morals.
There’s nothing in the article that is objectionable. His conclusion, if I might summarize, is that we need to get back to teaching morals that aim at teaching us to be nice to others. The main weakness of his article is also the answer to the questions he’s trying to address: There is no mention of God. He gives a nod to religion, but like all atheistic philosophers he has removed any reason to be moral. Morality without God is an oxymoron.
Paul gave the answer to his questions years ago: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image [of His creation]” (Rom. 1:21-23). We have become a secular society that no longer acknowledges God nor gives Him thanks. Fewer are living their lives to glorify God. When you teach kids that we are mere animals, why are we surprised when they start acting that way?
