The 'No Fear' Mentality

            It wasn’t too many years ago that the logo “No Fear” was plastered on clothes items everywhere. It was considered “cool” to let folks know that we were not afraid of anything—that nothing could deter us from doing what we wanted. In the 60’s, LSD was the popular psychedelic drug of choice for many college students. Young people were known to jump out of windows intending to fly, with no fear of the consequences. In reality, a healthy “fear” would have saved their lives. LSD is not as popular today, but the “no fear” mentality still exists at epidemic proportion. I’m talking about the lack of respect for authority on every level of society.

            It was alarming to read the account of a six- year old in the Atlanta area who pitched a fit in Kindergarten, and had to be handcuffed by the police and taken to jail. Could it be that the teacher and principal were afraid to physically restrain her because of a “brutality” law suit? Of course, the mother was upset with the police, when she should have been angry and grieved with her child’s wicked behavior.

            It’s time to take a close look at this situation, because I would not be surprised to hear of a similar scenario right here in Warren. I have reason to believe that similar “tantrums” occur all too often in our school system, leaving teachers and administrators in frustration and helplessness. The problem is exacerbated by parents who literally “cuss out” the teachers, instead of clobbering their little rebel! The philosophy of “kids will be kids,” without restraining their actions, will eventually destroy our educational system.

            What’s a teacher to do with no backing or cooperation from parents? Moreover, fearful and ineffective administrators only enhance the dilemma. This illustrates the ongoing dilemma confronting public education---but it has not always been that way.

            In the “old days,” parents and teachers were on the same team. Child brutality was minimal, because children were put in their place quickly and effectively. When words failed, the paddle was used sparingly, preventing the parent and teacher from losing their tempers, and thus hurting the child. Security guards were not needed, because children were trained to “fear” and respect authority.

            Sure, there were problems in school back then---I was one of them. But when we stepped out of line, we were met with “fair justice!” There was freedom for teachers and principals to administer discipline (including spanking) without repercussion from the parents and the ACLU. Home and school were geared up together to make children all that they could be. That produced a mutual liberty to accomplish great things, without a thought of police intervention.  Somehow that’s been lost, with teachers fearing to reprimand a student in any way. The age of “delinquency” is getting younger all the time, because of the growing delinquency of parents.

            Remember those days not long ago, when students threatened teachers with: “Don’t touch me, or I’ll sue you?” Then they pulled the same thing with their parents. Now they thrive on a “no fear” mentality, which can easily lead to bullying and the use of weapons to deal with their rebellious insecurity. Indeed, the harvest has come in, and the results are frightening.

            Parents have the God-given responsibility to educate their children, using schools and other means to accomplish it. The battle is won or lost at home. No teacher at school, no mater how gifted and dedicated, can rise about the student’s parental support. Without such backing, we will continue to lose many choice teachers, who refuse to take anymore “abuse.” Our new superintendent in Warren needs to address this serious problem, providing an example of personal integrity and courage. Let’s not be afraid to deal effectively with students who spoil much good because of a “no fear” mentality. 

Creation or Evolution---Which is It?

             I just read about the recent Biologos “Theology of Celebration” conference held in New York City, Mar. 20-22, where Barna Research presented findings on what U.S. Protestant pastors believe about creation. More than half of those attending hold to “a 6-day, 24-hour creation of life.” One in five, however, follows the Biologos group, a community of so-called evangelical Christians who adhere to “an evolutionary process as God’s method of creation.” Simply put, God created the materials to get the ball rolling, using evolution to develop the “ball” over millions of years.

            Such information should be shocking, but what else is really new? It’s insidious how the so-called Christian church continues its toboggan slide to apostasy, denying its very Source of existence; namely the Word of God, and the Sovereign God of the Word! Doesn’t the Scripture say that “in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day…?” (Ex. 20:11) What’s the problem, if you believe the Word of God as the Word of God? But that’s the underlying issue, isn’t it?

            The two previous meetings of Biologos had focused on the “scientific evidence for the evolutionary process, and on interpretations of the biblical Adam.” This year’s program was primarily concerned for “young people who feel torn between science and the Bible.” Ironically, the Church has been so concerned about its “youth” over recent decades, when the biggest problem has been its “adults” who lack a child-like faith in God’s Word.

            Doesn’t Gen. 2:7 clearly state that “the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul?” How long did that event take in the process of evolution? No evolutionary theory can explain Adam’s creation, because it was a direct act of God Himself!

            Satan’s subtil attack leveled at the first two “adults” continues its dastardly effect and damage to the present time. “Hath God said…?” still remains the bottom rung issue. Does the Bible say what it means, and mean what it says? Does it really contradict science?

            Some of the greatest scientists, like Isaac Newton, emerged after the Reformation, when they embraced the light of Scripture, dispelling the myths of the Dark Ages. The Bible was not intended to be a science textbook, but where science is mentioned, it is always scientifically correct. We can expect atheists to reject this Book, but not the so-called scientific intelligentsia in Christian colleges like Wheaton and Westmont. This is no compromise, but an outright sell-out of the absolute inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible.

            The typical evolutionist believes that we came “from a piece of goo, ending up in the zoo, and now it’s You! I know that’s a simplistic quip, but it describes the ridiculous attempt to explain the essence and uniqueness of Adam’s race. If we “evolved”, whether with or without God’s help, then when did the fall take place? When did man sin, if ever? How do we know right from wrong? If there’s no sin, there’s no judgment; with no judgment there’s no need for Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, and its accompanying forgiveness. Therefore, there’s no Hell to shun, and no need or hope of Heaven, etc., etc.

            The real issue of evolution is not scientific at all---it’s theological. Evolutionists have been challenged time and again regarding the veracity of creationism; however, the idea of a Creator is repugnant to them, since that would demand accountability and submission. Man’s depraved, egotistical heart will not allow such surrender. He must be his own god, at any cost.

            Dr. John Baumgardner, the world-renown Geophysicist, likens evolution to the giant Goliath who demoralized Israel’s camp under King Saul. David, upon hearing Goliath’s threats, said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1Samuel 17:26) So the Church today cowers in the face of Goliath, when its leaders should be stepping forth to cut off his head! It’s time to take a stand, and quit capitulating with the Philistines who mock God’s Word; i.e. in this case, the evolutionists. 

            I have more respect for an atheist who flat-out denies or questions God’s existence, than for professing Christians who try to wed truth with error; this can only produce  “another gospel,” which in turn becomes a damnable heresy! Either God “created the heavens and the earth,” or He didn’t. Which is it? We can’t have it both ways.

            If we can’t trust the Word of God here, then how can we trust God in other areas? Never mind trying to figure it all out. The Word stands alone, and will not compromise with the devil’s concoction of evolution. “Let God be true, and every man a liar!”

Fifty-Five Years of Imperfect Utopia

            Yes, I’m referring to the unique privilege of Holy Matrimony, better known as marriage. Recently, my wife and I took advantage of a beautiful pre-Spring day, and sat together on the front porch. Here we were, two old folks rocking away and reminiscing about the precious relationship we’ve enjoyed for almost 55 years. We could only thank God for His faithfulness through the many experiences which have repeatedly challenged our original vows.

            We remembered well the two “starry-eyed kids” standing at the altar, listening to the minister’s charge: “In sickness and in health; in joy and in sorrow; for richer or for poorer, ‘til death do you part.” Wow, how little did we understand or anticipate what was up ahead.

            Chris and I were married on June15, 1957, and soon were living in Greenville, SC where I attended college. Our first “house” was a beat-up trailer with no bathroom facilities, and a kitchen so small that we could reach the stove, refrigerator, and sink without getting off the chair! The structure wasn’t much, but it was home.

            This experience was a challenge indeed, and set the pace for the course of our relationship. We learned to live on next to nothing, and still be content. It was amazing what Chris could make from canned biscuits. We had no idea that we were “poor” or sub poverty. We were committed to each other and our faith---what else was more important?

            This is not to infer that life was a picnic---not by a long shot. But we decided early on that we would respect each other’s personality, realizing that two different people could work together in harmony. Yes, we are different, for sure; but our personalities have only clashed when our hearts were not on the “same page.” We have learned to “read” each other, and communicate non-verbally. It’s not uncommon to travel for hours with out “verbalizing;” yet, one glance or a hand grasp speaks volumes. This has really expressed our intimacy, conveyed by inner “vibes.”

            Needless to say, we have had those times of tension and disagreement, just short of arguing. What do you do? Well, one or both of us had to come clean and apologize. We became more sensitive to hurting each other, and faced it accordingly. To admit wrong-doing, accompanied by a heart-felt “I’m sorry,” has been vital. Keeping short accounts, and dealing with problems up front, have kept us sane and civil.

            We’ve tried not to “let the sun go down on our wrath,” or go to sleep mad. Personally, I counted many a ceiling block before getting things right. To hold things back only causes resentment and bitterness. Pride is a terrible thing, and probably the root cause of marital separation and divorce. Problems can be solved, if we humble ourselves before God and each other.

            The arena of child-rearing is a history all of its own. We had four children, each one being a unique blessing and challenge. As a minister, the temptation was to get involved with other people’s families, and neglect my own. Maintaining priorities has not been easy. Years ago, someone gave me the plaque saying, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” That challenged me to the core.      

            It’s no secret that we’ve been through deep water and multiple trials along the way. Things have happened that have not only caused us to “climb the wall,” but could have easily taken us “over the edge.” This is where two are better than one. Our togetherness gave us strength to move through tough situations.  We didn’t have to face the “fire” alone. The loss of our 20 year old grandson to Leukemia is a case in point.                  Another vital lesson has been making right choices apart from feelings. We found that love is not primarily a matter of emotion, but a commitment of the will. This in no way is down-playing the necessity of romance in marriage, but eventually the “honeymoon” is over, and reality sets in. I have had to choose to love my wife and children, when my feelings didn’t cooperate. It’s great to “feel” good, for sure, but not at the cost of doing right.

            I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a verse that has steered our 55 year-old journey. It says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33). This motto has been visible in every place we’ve lived. We have never made much income, but these words have brought untold support through the daily hardships of life.

            This journey has been a “blessed battle” for Chris and me. Everyday has been a new challenge, but also a new lease on life. I’m grateful for our mutual love which has filled our hearts with joy and purpose. Even at this sunset stage, we cherish each day as another opportunity to serve others. While the ol’ bodies are aching a bit, we’re thankful for the happy contentment within our hearts.

            In a day when marriage is being attacked and/or redefined, we highly recommend this beautiful institution. What a great “ride” we have enjoyed together, despite the bumps and pot holes along the way. We would do it again, but hopefully with more “gusto” and fewer mistakes.