Will America Ever Come Back?

Will America Ever Come Back?

            To witness first hand the decline of our beloved America over the past 50 years has been heart-rending. Never a perfect nation, for sure, but certainly the greatest experiment of human ingenuity and political freedom ever conceived in the Western world. The Founding Fathers, again mortal men, were wise enough to base our civilization on Biblical principles. Law and order, representative government, religious liberty, personal integrity, and moral discipline were basic tenets.

            Despite a history of struggle and warfare, an honorable nation emerged, sharing its wealth and good will readily with others in need. Although a semblance of that quality still exists, we face a horrendous and unprecedented crisis of anti-American terrorism. Since the “9/11” attack in New York, the tension and threats have multiplied; there’s a fear and hopelessness setting in among our populace; a “heart-failure” that has no obvious remedy despite all the political clap-trap, and advances in medicine and technology. Even the religious community has failed to quell the coming “storm.” 

            What’s going on? The media, for the most part, seems sold-out to the liberal, left-winged philosophy propagated by the present White House. Even conservative pundants are hard pressed to offer concrete suggestions to turn our nation around politically, even with the new Republican majority in Congress. It’s ironic how “blinded” we are in identifying the real cause for our demise.

            Much could be said here to illustrate the myriad of things and events that have contributed to our failure. It’s been said that within the establishment of every organization are the seeds of its corruption. Those “seeds” have really been germinating in America, particularly over the past five decades. Growing up in that “doo-wop” era of the 1950s was an exciting and wholesome experience. The World War II vets had returned and established good homes, spawning many “baby-boomers.”  Regardless of nationality, race, or economic status, life was basically good. We were proud to be Americans, and there was a preeminence of morality and personal integrity. But something happened during the ‘60s.

            I remember when the Beatles took the States by storm! These “mop-headed” fellows opened a whole new era of music, which was mild when compared to full-bloomed “Rock and Roll.” Significantly during this time, Madelyn Murray O’Hare, a Texas atheist, was instrumental in removing prayer and the Bible from our class rooms. The Ten Commandments” became an ongoing issue with the ACLU, who were (and are still) determined to obliterate anything Biblical from our public life. We have paid an awful price in following the “lead” of left-winged, anti-Christ forces in our beloved country.

            As a ten-year old boy in a Newark, NJ public school, our teacher read the Bible and prayed each morning. To this day, I remember Scripture passages which have served me well to this present day. No, it wasn’t a “cure-all,” but it gave me insight and direction which supplemented my home upbringing. It helped to develop conscience and restrain immorality among young people. Today, this has all been “thrown to the wind,” and we wonder why moral ignorance, rebellion, and crime are epidemic in our nation! 

            The Woodstock Era, the “hippy rebellion” of the late ‘60s in Upper New York, fostered a tremendous movement of anti-establishment upheaval. Grievances, many justified, over the Vietnam War, played a great part in the anti-American sentiment, leading to a “make love, not war” mentality. It proved to be a demoralizing disaster for our country, from which we’ve yet to recover.

            Add to the mix the profound “rebel” influence of “heavy-metal” music; the sexual revolution of the ‘70s and the Disco of the ‘80s; then the seeming total “freedom” to say anything vulgar and immoral by singing and strumming a guitar. Uncouth Rap music dominates the air-ways in many forms, influencing millions by its ungodly lyrics; not to mention the world-wide access to the Internet.

            The most serious of all is the utter sell-out of the liberal religious community that has set aside the Bible for “pop psychology” and civil rights. The Church, not government, has the mandate to preach the Gospel of Christ to all people (sinners), producing changed lives. Communities will never be changed until the individuals in that community are changed. In reality, “the enemy is us.”         

            Could it be that the God of our Fathers has lifted His restraint of protection from our beloved land? Judgment does not always come as “fire from Heaven;” like a vacant house, a man left to himself will eventually self-destruct. Facing our personal and national sins with repentance is paramount. Only a merciful God can “bring us back” again to “America the Beautiful.”

Does 'Legal' Always Mean 'Moral'?

Does ‘Legal’ Always Mean ‘Moral?’

           

            Because something is “legal” does that make it right? We all must make responsible choices daily, regardless of how we “feel” about it. When the alarm goes off for school or work, we know it’s time to get up even though we’d “love” to lie in bed. We get up because it’s right to get up; to ignore that responsibility has corresponding consequences. So it is in every aspect of life on this planet.

            Laws are intended to regulate and guide human behavior. Driving on the right side of the road grants me freedom to use the highway. To drive down the left side violates the law and not only “robs” my freedom, but jeopardizes the safety of those coming the other way.

            The Ten Commandments given to Moses (Exodus 20) have been the basic Moral Code throughout civilization. They are still etched on government walls around the country. “Thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not kill (murder); thou shalt not commit adultery,” etc. are also “etched” in the human conscience. Yes, these laws are constantly violated, but not without an inner witness of that violation or failure. To disregard these absolutes is to welcome anarchy.

            The other side of the coin is the “legalization” of man-made laws that violate God’s laws. For instance, the notorious Roe vs. Wade Decision in 1973 making abortion “legal” has created an ongoing battleground in our nation. In fact, it has divided us down the middle, and has become a primary litmus test in identifying the stance of political candidates. To be “pro-life” (anti-abortion) has been equated with a lack of concern for “women’s rights.” But the greater issue is: Does a living fetus (baby) have a “right” to be born?

            Snuffing out the life of an unborn baby is a violation of God’s law, causing the consciences of God-fearing people to “scream.” O, yes, it’s “legal” to get an abortion, and it can be rationalized in many ways; but when all is said and done, is it right??

            Many things that are “legal” are not necessarily right or profitable. It’s “legal” to drink alcohol, smoke, watch pornography, gamble, etc., etc. but is it good or beneficial? Rather than asking “what’s wrong” with something, we might ask “what’s right with it?” Homes have been utterly destroyed by engagement in “legal” activities taken to extreme. Legality doesn’t make everything right.

            Significantly, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Evidently true love has a standard; it’s not nebulous. It’s right for children to obey the moral instruction of parents; this is an expression of “love” from both sides. Loving instruction (law) and loving submission go together, resulting in healthy family development.

            Unfortunately, “love” has been relegated to sheer emotion and selfish desire. It’s been confused with “lust”; being interpreted as, “If it feels good, do it.” But we all know  that there are things that we “feel” like doing at times that would end us up in jail!

            Love has the other person’s highest good in mind, while lust is about me. The opposite of “love” is not hatred per/se, but selfishness! While lust can’t wait to get, “love” can wait to give. Lust is selfish, but love is selfless. This applies to the present epidemic of pre-marital sex and babies born out of wedlock. Young ladies looking for “love” and a secure relationship are duped by young men with raging hormones who only have sex in mind! That’s why sex is a gift from God reserved for marriage, where it becomes productive and practiced without guilt. “Marriage is honorable…and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Heb. 13:4)

            In closing, I can only touch the ongoing debate regarding so-called “same-sex marriage.” The argument centers on the “right” to “marry” anyone that you “love,” regardless of gender. But suppose that “right” is wrong? Same-sex intimacy defies God’s law and even nature itself. It crosses the proverbial line! That’s why there’s such a furor among God-fearing people. There’s that witness within, like the abortion issue, which says “that’s wrong.” Plus, how far will it go? Are we opening the door for polygamy, bestiality and incest? I think so.

            Why should it be wrong for a father to have sex with a daughter or a son as long as they “love” each other? Yes, there’s still some indignation left toward pedophiles, who molest young children; but not for long. After all, what’s the big deal, if a clergyman, for instance, can gain the “consensual love” of an innocent boy before committing his perverted act?

            The sobering truth is that we are now “legalizing” immorality, making the moral law “obsolete.” In other words, the rules have changed, whereby the embracing of God’s absolute law now becomes “immoral” and/or “unloving.”Talk about perversion! The Supreme Court better think this through. The future of America is not looking good.

Forgiveness and Mental Health

FORGIVENESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

            Does a forgiving spirit have anything to do with our sanity? Evidently it does, according to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology. The researchers “suggested that teaching forgiveness may be a valuable mental health early intervention strategy.”

            A team of California psychologists conducted a survey among 148 college students to find how being “forgiving” to others affected their own emotional well-being. Their finding “showed for the first time that forgivingness is a strong, independent predictor of mental and physical health.” Moreover, they found that the greater the forgiveness applied, the “fewer negative mental health symptoms” were present.

            Interestingly, the researchers did not delve into the reasons behind this correlation, but took the findings at face value. They suggested that “forgiveness training can promote a more forgiving coping style.” My first response was “how can that be done?” Is granting forgiveness just a matter of “training” or flipping a mental switch? If we are simply physical creatures with no inner soul, then why would there be any need for forgiveness?

            The truth is that we are more than “a hunk of protoplasm with arms and legs;” rather we were created with a soul, including a consciousness of right and wrong. That forgiveness is linked to one’s mental and spiritual well-being is nothing new. In fact, since the Fall of Adam, sin has been a major issue in man’s relationship to God and others. We are all imperfect and self-centered, which often creates offenses calling for apology and forgiveness.

            In my early days, the difference between right and wrong was clear. Basically, homes were strong and proper discipline was maintained, supported by the church and school. Parents and teachers were on the same “team,” desiring the best training for the children. When rules were broken, the offense was addressed with loving correction and penalty. Bad conduct was not ignored, condoned or relegated as “mental illness.” We confessed our wrongdoing to those involved, asking their forgiveness. That settled the issue, resulting in reconciliation and emotional healing.  

            It is significant that there’s such an increase of depression and suicide in our day of “relativity,” where absolutes are being denied. There is confusion as to what is right or wrong. Since the Ten Commandments have been all but cast aside, every one is doing what’s right in his own eyes. That promotes disillusionment and anarchy, not to mention the effect on mental stability.

            Just as 2x2 still equals 4, so God’s moral law remains undaunted. Laws on the highway make traffic flow freely, so the moral law facilitates humans to live in harmony. That’s why we have “law enforcement,” which serves to promote penalty, apology and “forgiveness” to law-breakers.

            The above study has indirectly uncovered a vital issue dealing with “guilt”—that conviction of conscience when we’ve done wrong. Society at large suffers from the burden of sin and guilt, not knowing how to handle it. Obviously, this has a profound effect on one’s emotional and spiritual state. Undoubtedly, this dilemma accounts for the increasing number of those who mask the problem with drugs (legal and/or illegal), alcohol, and other substances. Such an approach is understandable when you “hurt” and have no lasting remedy.

            Where do we go for help? Forgiveness is the bottom-rung need of mankind, and yet only God forgives sin. That takes this whole discussion to another level, beyond psychology per/se. The premise of this study is correct, that forgiveness does enhance mental health, but the basis of “forgiveness” goes far deeper.    

            Would it not be wise to approach this whole subject in light of the sinless One who came on that first Christmas day to die for sinners, making forgiveness possible? Yes, this Biblical message has been ignored and considered outmoded; but just maybe the psychological community needs to take another look at the basis of true forgiveness and its relationship to mental health.

           

Reflections on Robin William’s Suicide

            How shocking it was to hear of the self-inflicted death of Robin Williams, a comedian par excellence. To say that he was uniquely gifted, is an understatement. The genius of his performances has become a legend, taking comedy to a new level. His perpetual style of humor mesmerized audiences world-wide, almost placing him in some “saintly” category. Sadly, the mighty fall just like the rest of us. Why?

            Maybe the following anecdote will help. A man went to a psychiatrist seeking a cure for his depression. Well into the session, the psychiatrist recommended that the man attend the Barnum & Bailey Circus playing in town. He said, “Be sure to watch the lead clown who is extremely funny. If he doesn’t help cure your depression, nothing will.” With a perplexed look, the patient answered, “Doctor, I am that clown.”

            No one would deny that a sense of humor is a great gift, especially in a depressed and frightful world. How good it is to be able to laugh, even when it’s so easy to cry! It’s a tough world out there, and people like Robin Williams have made things a bit more bearable. But humor cannot live in a vacuum; i.e. it must be anchored to reality and hope.        Significantly, Robin was not only a funny man, but a dead serious actor. Humor is often used to cover up deep inner problems. One may readily mask insecurity and emptiness by making others laugh or turning everything into a joke. This is what makes someone like Robin an enigma---how could someone so funny be depressed to the point of suicide?

            Think about it; actors make a living trying to be someone other than themselves. Is it possible that they never find out who they really are? I have one favorite actor who is so believable on screen; yet, when I heard him on a talk show he came off as an “air-head” in an empty suit! How can that be? It’s simple, because he’s an “actor” by trade. And yet the world bows at his feet in “adoration,” expecting great platitudes regarding life and politics.

            What other factors were involved in Robin’s suicide? As some asked, was he “broke” after having made millions? Was he failing physically? Was his career beginning to “slide,” which would eventually remove him from the spotlight? When you’re at the “top”, where can you go but downward. It’s the same issue that we all face to one degree or another—a sense of hopelessness. No one can rightly face the past or the present without having hope in the future. No amount of wealth, education, or political power can produce hope. “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die,” is a common philosophy of life; but no one is ready to enjoy this life until he’s prepared to die.

            The Bible offers that Hope in the person of Jesus Christ. He came to die in behalf of sinners, to pay the sin debt, that forgiveness and hope might be provided. He arose to place that salvation in force and personally becomes the believer’s Hope. If this life is all we have, we are miserable creatures at best. Christ is the “Hope of Glory,” i.e. a secured future and eternal life in Heaven. What a thought!

            “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul,” asked Jesus? Whatever Robin Williams possessed in this life, he lost his way. This is not to be critical, but only to promote a moment of truth for the rest of us. Jesus said, “I am the Way…” and that’s no joke! Laughter is a precious, God-given emotion, but must not become an end in itself. This life is serious business and we cannot simply “laugh off” our responsibilities or treat lightly the certainty of our future destination. In a day of shallowness and frivolity, may this sad event sober our thinking.

             

Are We a Couch Potato Nation?

            According to a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, exercise data reveals that America has become “a couch potato nation.” Edward C. Archer, a nutrition researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, states that “we’ve engineered physical activity out of our daily lives; and that’s causing the health disparities that we have in this country.” He goes on to say, “How you spend your day determines whether you store your food as fat, or store your food in your muscles, healthfully.”

            The results of the study were discouraging. Obese women “averaged about 11 seconds a day at vigorous exercise, while men and women of normal weight exercised vigorously (e.g. as a jog or uphill hike) for less than two minutes a day.” If moderate exercise, like yoga or golf, were included, the non-obese logged about 2-4 hours weekly; this, in part, is “good news” since it fits the recommended average workout.        

            Still, the fact remains that too many folks are spending long hours and days in sedentary behavior, especially those who are overweight or obese. As I look back to the 50s era, in my college days, heavy and inactive people were sparse. Ambition and hard work were the order of the day. Something has happened to us as a culture, where people are getting bigger, while cars are getting smaller. We used to blame malfunctioning “hormones” and “metabolism” for obesity, but the present problem is more complex. While not discounting genuine medical conditions, other contributing factors need to be addressed.

            Compared to third world nations, our country has been so abundantly blessed with resources. Some folks in Africa, for instance, live next to the city dump, just waiting for the next garbage delivery containing some morsel of food. These folks don’t have need of a gym or spa, for they’re in survival mode. The average American has abundance, even those on Welfare. While the economy may be floundering, there are still jobs for those willing to work. Creating more “jobs” is no guarantee that folks will “get off the couch” to fill them.

            The study confirms that the obese “are stuck in a ‘vicious cycle’ of inactivity and weight gain.” The welfare entitlement system doesn’t help the situation, for it further promotes laziness and lack of personal ambition. This in turn may facilitate food addiction, attempting to “comfort” and ease personal pain. After all, over-eating is one of the more acceptable “addictions.”

But we are talking about more than a physical malady or weight problem. I believe there’s a deeper sense of hopelessness that triggers obsession with food, as in any other addiction. Working with drug addicts has verified this fact. One overcome with any substance abuse, including food, feels hopeless, with no way out of the dark. Thus, the “couch” becomes a personal “refuge” or escape from reality. Instead of normal eating and rest, these become an end in themselves, leading to over-indulgence.

            It’s only fair to say that our modern food processing has contributed to this major problem. The whole food production industry has changed drastically over the years, and eating “healthy” is not as easy as it was. Even with “food stamps”, it’s still possible to avoid fatty and sugar-laden foods, but that would take self-discipline. Obesity is a symptom of a lack of self-control, as in any addiction. But the liberating hope comes by seeking a relationship with the One who made us, thus finding out who we are and why we’re here.

Eating and sleeping are essential to our vocation, but never an end in themselves. The spiritual, mental and emotional component cannot be ignored. We must find that God-given balance in life. Work is part of the plan, which ultimately justifies eating. Although easier said than done, its time to face the issue; let’s get “off the couch” and start moving in the right direction! 

Of Rats and Men

Of Rats and Men

Do rats have “regrets?” I was taken back that anyone would even propose such a question, but they have. Some now believe that rats are capable of “feeling regret about their own actions,” an “emotion” previously attributed only to humans.

Researchers have set up a test called “Restaurant Row” where rats had to choose how long they would wait for food. “It’s like waiting in line at the restaurant,” said Professor David Redish, of Minnesota University. “If the line is too long at the Chinese restaurant, then you give up and go to the Indian restaurant across the street.” Some rats “decided” to move on from one “restaurant” that offered good food, but the wait was too long; however, the second restaurant offered “a less popular dish,” which caused the rats to “look back” at the previous place with a renewed desire to “wait longer for something nice.”

Professor Redish was careful to monitor “signs of regret and not just disappointment.” He admitted that the two were difficult to distinguish, defining the latter as “when things aren’t as good as you hoped.” Regret, however, “is the recognition that you made a mistake.” Now this is really “revolutionary,” seeing that choices border on moral precepts of conscience. This has always been relegated to humans alone, not animals. While animals operate on instinct, people have “the law” written in their hearts.

Significantly, the evolutionary theorem continues to rub out the line between animals and humans. We are not, as they say, the highest form of the animal kingdom, but human beings, created in God’s image. Our outward similarities simply point to a common Creator. Our inner soul grants us self-consciousness and the ability to sense God, which uniquely sets us apart from animals---yes, even rats!

I think it safe to say that animals have a limited thinking process; I believe they “think”, but never “think about what they think.” That’s why they don’t generally suffer from “ulcers” and colitis, etc., like humans do. We in turn possess a sophisticated thinking process, making constant choices, right or wrong. This capability often results in negative “emotions” like worry and depression. Mental disorders abound among humans and the consumption of psychiatric medication is off the charts!  That’s not the case with our pets, wild animals, and even the “rats!”

I think it’s really a disservice to the rats to attempt to place them in the human category. They’re rats, doing what rats do---let them alone! The same God who made us human, to reflect His image, made them rats. Don’t lay the “moral imperative” on creatures that operate on instinct and simply do what they were created to do. Without a conscience, they will die in peace with no “regrets,” and thus no judgment. Man, on the other hand, will one day answer for his sinful choices before God. Unlike animals, this judgment is sure. The Christmas story of Christ’s coming to eventually die on the Cross was God’s remedy for man’s sin. This scenario pertains only to “man” (humans), not animals.

Let’s stop pushing the evolution “button,” and leave the rats to do their thing. Significantly, animals are basically content in their arena of life since they carry out God’s function for them. Fish, for example, are happy in water—their habitat. A “fish out of water” dies! Man seems to be the only “rebel” in creation, refusing to line up with God’s purpose; thus he needs a Savior. In fact, theoretically it would be much better to die as a rat, than die as a man without God. The latter would be “regretful” indeed.

MONEY TALKS

            Tell me how a man spends his money, and I’ll tell you what kind of person he is. Thankfully, money is not the “root of all evil,” but its use reflects the inner character of its possessor. Most people who “love” money don’t have it; that’s why gambling and the lottery craze are so popular. There’s such a thing as having money and not “loving” it; i.e. to utilize it as a vehicle to help others; to invest it in things that really benefit humanity. What a serious responsibility it is to be financially wealthy; for when standing before God one day, the issue will not be how much we made, but what we did with what we had.

            I was recently drawn to an article by Dan Gainor regarding Warren Buffett, the famous liberal billionaire icon. He’s a likeable chap indeed and one whose approachableness has been impressive to me. That impression was soiled when I read that he has donated “more than $1.2 billion to abortion organizations from 2001 to 2012!” This revelation comes on the heels of the year-old murder conviction of Dr. Kermit Gosnell “in the deaths of three babies…delivered alive and then killed with scissors at his grimy, ‘house of horrors’ clinic” in Philadelphia.

            It must be said that, unlike Gosnell, Buffett’s actions have been entirely legal; but like abortion itself, it may be “legal” but that doesn’t make it moral or right. Furthermore, one’s character and philosophy of life is revealed by his philanthropy; the treasure of one’s heart is reflected in one’s giving. Money talks-- whether it takes the form of a political bribe, a gift to charity, or an enablement to those who snuff the life out of pre-born children.

Mr. Gainor brings out the fact that like Gosnell’s fiasco, Buffett’s story has likewise been “largely unreported.” His own charity, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, is named after his first wife who was an abortion advocate, closely linked to Planned Parenthood. While the Foundation’s website includes information regarding college scholarships, etc., there’s not even a “hint at the darker direction of the massive charity.”

It’s no wonder, for what liberal journalist would want to besmirch Warren Buffett’s “incredible media profile” by trying to explain to half of prolife America that this man has given “$289,811,421 to Planned Parenthood since 2001?”  That’s not the way to win friends and influence other liberals.

Money certainly sends with it a message, good or bad. It’s a shame that this “grandfatherly” and brilliant investor, Mr. Buffett, has shown such a lack of moral integrity. No, he hasn’t committed a crime personally, yet his monetary support of abortion has enabled others to perform their dastardly deeds. I’d call that being an accomplice to the crime. People heartily invest in that which is close to their hearts. It’s ironic and disturbing that Mr. Buffett has such clout among journalists, who bow at his feet, waiting for his latest “commentary” on world affairs.

In contrast, Mr. Gainor, points out that a person giving $1,000 to a ballot initiative to defend traditional marriage, would be considered “controversial.” Yet, $1.25 billion given to promote abortion is no seeming problem to those enamored by the pro-abortion agenda!

Indeed, money talks! In itself it is neutral; but in the hand of a person it takes wings for good or evil, depending on the heart attached to the hand.