America's failing moral compass
Reuters and CNN made public the April 13 Pew poll findings. The survey questioned 2002 U.S. adults between Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent. Overall the survey showed 72 percent of Americans say religion's influence is waning in public life. And that this trend is a bad thing. Up 5 points from 2010. The belief that the Obama administration is unfriendly to religion rose by 19 percent since 2009.
This survey flies in the face of the liberal media bias which touts religion as a hindrance to sound public policy. Nihilism is defined as the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. In other words, if there is no "ought," no absolute truth, then what I think is truth. Abortion then becomes the practical option for a woman's inconvenience. No "ought" naturally allows a redefining of marriage and the constitutional bulwark of religious liberty is within their sights.
The rioting which has taken place in Maryland is just the consequences of no "ought." Anarchy is defined as, "A situation of confusion and wild behavior in which the people in a country, group, organization, etc. are not controlled by rules or law." Peaceful demonstration is a right according to law. Rioting is lawlessness. Whether rioting in Maryland, killing the innocent unborn, or redefining marriage - our culture makes up the rules, and we have suffered for it.
Chuck Colson said, "Without God everything is permissible, crime is inevitable." Colson admitted for the first 41 years of his life, he had no moral compass - which the Watergate Scandal made clear. After his conversion to Christ he was a changed man and against his lawyer's advice, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison. After prison he started Prison Fellowship International, a ministry to prisoners around the world. The good which he accomplished he attributed to his relationship with Christ. Few people will impact the world for good like Chuck Colson. He wrote much about how his life was changed and how duty and gratitude to God was his inspiration to serve others. I challenge those who might portray Mr. Colson as a hypocrite to research his life after conversion - it is revealing. One person with a moral compass.
He also wrote about how tyranny, like that which our founders experienced and were forced to oppose an oppressive government, is the next step for a nation without a moral conscience. People without law or ought, end up needing to be policed, the more the lawlessness the more policemen are needed. Grateful people don't need to be policed; they are conformed to the duty of serving others, not taking from them.
The Pew survey reveals our country is running cross grain with God's ordering of the universe and has led us near to moral bankruptcy. Lift up your heads, you who understand ought and duty - followers of Christ. A vocal minority has corrupted truth and 72 percent of Americans are sensing the loss and want change. Let your life reveal the love of God and the duty for which you were called. In love and peaceful assembly, vote, speak out and let Christ permeate the entire landscape of American life. Let ought reign in America.
By its own description, the Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan "fact tank" that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. They do not take policy position.
Bob Holliday is a resident of Blanchard.