Cultural Civil War
Most of us are aware of the tragic civil wars taking place in countries like the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. These conflicts have split apart whole nations, and have resulted in much needless death and destruction. In countries like Australia and America, we rejoice in the fact that we are at peace, both with ourselves and with our neighbours.
But can I suggest that we in Australia and America are involved in another kind of war: a war of ideas, a clash of values and cultures. Moral civil war is waging in these countries over a whole range of related issues; issues like child care, sex education, pornography, abortion, euthanasia, and homosexuality.
As in all conflicts, there are two competing sides, seeking dominance and victory. On the one side, there are those who hold to the Judeao-Christian world view. On the other side are those who can best be described as secular humanists. The former side upholds values like marriage, sexual fidelity, the work ethic, honesty, discipline, self-control, moral absolutes, a transcendent set of rights and wrongs.
The other side more or less rejects those values, and instead preaches a gospel of selfishness, hedonism, permissiveness, narcissism, irresponsibility, instant gratification of desire and moral relativity. The latter side tends to predominate in the centres of power: the media, academia, the entertainment industry, the political bureaucracy, and so on.
There are really only two institutions left that are not under the control of the secular humanists: the family, and the church. Mind you, inroads are being made, but they still have some life left in them. It becomes clear then why the church and the family are under such severe pressure and such concerted attack: they represent the last strongholds of defence against a secular culture which has in a few short decades turned upside down most of western culture.
The transformation will be complete when the last two institutions are captured.
Now in all conflicts, ultimately one side will prevail, and the other will fade. And to the victor will go the spoils. The prize being fought over is our children. The way our children grow up and the framework of values they adopt will largely be determined by how this struggle plays itself out.
I am concerned about this struggle for many reasons, but the main reasons are my wife, my 7 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old sons. And their children. It is because of my children and future grand children, that I am committed to this struggle. I am committed to fighting the good fight. My side may not ultimately prevail, at least in this world, but I am not going to give up without a fight.
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Your words are very compelling and I see the truth in them. We must defend the Church and the family. Thanks for writing this and illuminating the truth.
Bronwyn Collins