Unfortunately, rather than confront the issues that present the greatest threats to the institution of the family, too many Christians focus on shiny objects - scapegoats as the reasons for the decline of the family in modern society. They point to things like homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, pornography, and the like as posing the greatest threats to the family and society more generally speaking. This allows folks to blame others for their problems and ignore the serious consequences of their own personal failures.
This state of affairs brings to mind a prophecy which the Apostle Paul is said to have written in his second letter to his young protégé Timothy. He wrote: "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (II Timothy 4:3-4, NLT) Thus, we are reminded that the truth is sometimes uncomfortable or even hurts at times!
In terms of a reality check, I have composed a list of the things which clearly cause the greatest damage to our families (HINT: it is NOT gay parents, drag queens, or transgender athletes):
1. Alcohol and Drug Abuse
2. Domestic Violence (mental and physical)
3. Familial Sexual Perversion (incest/pedophilia/rape)
4. Economic Realities (2 incomes needed, affordable housing, health care, inflation)
5. Divorce and Alienation
6. No Time Allocated for Family Activities (dining, recreation, talking)
7. Ignoring Grand Parents and Extended Family
8. Paternalism/Misogyny
9. Decline in Church Attendance/Religious Belief
10. Computer Games and I Phones (time consumption)
These all are REAL problems which confront families (and too often damage or destroy them) here and around the world. Think about it! How do they compare to those phony ones which the "defenders" of family values usually point to? What do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment