This is posted for Heidi..Thank you for your encouragement.
How did we get in this mess?
There has been a trend of steady decline of the social morality of our society from the 1950s to the present day of 2003. There has been a definite decay in the perception of what was right, good and proper in the 1950s. An uplifting of the bad judgment, inappropriate acts and behaviors, and deviating from the truth which is found in the 2003s.
These exodus from the truth, the known rights and wrongs, and the turning away from family in end times, also known as the latter days, were predicted in the Bible. Let no man deceive (to seduce wholly) you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling (defection from truth; apostasy [total desertion of or departure from one's religion]) away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (ruin or loss physical. spiritual or eternal) (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1). Daniel, the prophet, warns about the 4th beast (which is lucifer, satan, the devil all the same) that shall speak great words against the most High (which is the LORD GOD) and shall wear out the saints of GOD, and try to change times and laws; and his policy shall cause deceiving, fraud and falseness to prosper. lucifer shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many, lucifer shall prosper till the indignation are accomplished, and what is determined shall be done. (Daniel 7:25; 8:25; 11:36). Jesus revealed the son of perdition was Judas Iscariot (during the Last Supper satan entered into him when Judas went to the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus. (John 17:12; 6:70-71; 13:27; Luke 22:3).
The question as to how these deceptions in the trends of society were accomplished is another matter. There has been an unwavering decline, of society to inconspicuous to be noticed by many. Below find a number of observations which could explain the method in which this moral decline has taken place. Effecting not only society but also the decline of the family, and religion as well.
1. Sunday mornings in the 1950s found most families donning their best clothes and heading out together for the neighborhood church to praise and worship our Father GOD. After church the family returns home where the mother prepared a lavish chicken or pot roast dinner for her family to sit down to delight in together.
Sunday mornings in the 2000s found very few family units remotely similar to those of the 1950s, let alone heading to church together. Children went their own ways, doing their own thing, usually heading to the malls to hang out with their gangs (which has surpassed the family unit and claimed the title family). Mothers are to often the head of the household taking full responsibility of earning a living, disciplining, cooking, housekeeping, sports advising and educator. This has left very little time for the role of nurturer, which has in the past been the most important role a mother had. Not only is this an example of the decline of the family unit, it also illustrates the reason why it was easy to corrupt the social behavior of the children.
2. Television began to make its presence felt in homes in the late 1940s. It was only after World War two that the television sets got put on the market. The first mass television audience watched baseballs 1947 World Series. After the airing of the baseball World Series televisions went on sell and was the newest item to save for. There was no daytime television viewing at first, allowing families to continue have dinner together. Neighbors would invite neighbors over to watch Milton Berles Texaco Star Theater, a comedy-variety show. There were a good deal of comedy in the beginning of television that was suitable for family watching. Variety Shows became popular with The Ed Sullivan Show from 1948-1971, and Hollywood Palace from 1964-1970. Who could forget the Westerns like Gunsmoke, 1955-1975, and the Roy Roger show. Police shows started with Dragnet 1952-1970.
2000 television viewing was a different issue. The sit-coms made fun of the families of the 1950s, such as Leave it to Beaver, or Father Knows Best. Portraying children as smart mouthed rude uncontrollable brats. The talk shows became forums for airing dirty laundry and socking decent people into believing what they saw was the norm. Sex and violence and vulgarity ran the air streams. Human vulnerabilities were exploited and demeaned.
3. Remembering the advertisements from the early television days still make me laugh. They were sweet and funny. There was no sex, vulgarity or violence in them. There were talking toothpaste tubes, singing coffee pots, bouncing balls, talking bottles and lots of cartoon personalities selling products.
Advertising on television, billboards, and magazines also can be blamed for this trend of moral decay. Advertising campaigns in the beginning of 2000 launched ads to promote a better relationship with their products that are better than relationships with human beings. Example: A beer campaign advertising; a beautiful seductive woman being asked if she has a more meaningful relationship with a bottle of beer or a human lover. In a raspy sexy voice the woman claimed the beer.
5. In the 1950s every young person wanted to be President of the United States. It was a position of power and goodness, a position where change could take place and people helped, an admirable position to hold.
People in power, the leaders of the society, in the 1900-2000 became polluted in a cesspool of filth and immorally defiled. The scandal of President Clinton and his immoral display in the White House Oval office with the intern, made the United States a laughing stock of the world. His actions depicted the American people as being sexually depraved. Clinton lied to the Federal Grand Jury, the American people, his cabinet, family, and the world. Clinton also made a mockery out of Forgiveness claiming everyone makes mistakes they are ashamed of. So he asked for forgiveness and expected the world to forget his licentious behavior.
Many religious leaders fell into sexual or financial scandals; people like: James Baker, Jimmy Swaggart and Jessie Jackson. These people claimed the power of GOD, carrying the banner of Jesus Christ, judging others for their actions while contaminating the very essence of Christ.
6. The 1950s -1970s found high school and college students doing research in libraries, exercising their minds, talents and disciplining mentality their understanding. Term papers or any research paper, was a learning opportunity to gain knowledge on some given subject, learning the command of the English language, and organizational skills. Young people gathered at the libraries with excitement to choose books to read for the pure enjoyment of reading. People, young and old alike assembled together for social and family gathering hugging, touching, and delighting in each others company.
The age of computers, 1980s -2000s, changed how English in school was taught. There was no need to stress spelling since all computers have a form of spell check. Any research paper could be down loaded off the Internet. The learning opportunities were non-existent, due to the vast amount of information. The information that was acquired over the Internet was not tested for accuracy and could be very misleading. There was a lot of information, but no means to process it all, thus becoming vanity and good for nothing. Chat rooms replaced the family and social gatherings, allowing more vulgarity to be demonstrated to the faceless community. The Internet became a pit of vipers, taking it so far as to people selling their soul on e-Bay, Web sites carry more nudity and porn than can be found anywhere else. Babies were even sold over the Internet only as a joke, something cute to do. There is no humor in selling precious children, especially since there are so many babies being left on door steps, garbage cans and just plain left behind.
7. 1950s view of life and death was still left in the hand of GOD. People went to doctor for illnesses to be treated and improvements to be made in their bodies. Doctors even did house visits to treat the shut in patients or the elderly. There was always the question of why, when death occurred, but there was a trust and faith in GOD as the giver of life. Doctors did their best to treat but would never suggest terminating a life, or creating a life artificially.
1968 saw the first heart transplant which was the start of the mental change of life and death. Man took things out of GODS hands and put them in the hand of man. After the first effective heart transplant was accomplished the heart, lung, liver followed. Then the hand transplant. If it could be cut off then it could be transplanted. This acceptance allowed the door to be opened for cloning and genetics research. Everything sounds perfectly innocent but take a deeper look into the moral issues and ramifications which insured and how everything is being taken out of the hands of GOD and put into the hand of man.
8. This look at the subtle changes of the decline of this generation wouldnt be complete without first mentioning how abortion became such an accepted practice. In the 1950s -1960s there was little sex before marriage. It was against the laws of GOD and the social norm. Dating was monitored and guidelines were established. Always to high for the young persons liking, but that in itself was a safe guard for the young to say no. Making the parents the heavy gave the young person a way of saving face.
The mentality of the 1970-2000s was if it feels good do it. 1973 the U.S. supreme Court ruled legal abortions with Roe vs. Wade. Not only is abortion the norm it is a practice that is taught as a choice for any pregnant lady of the 2000s. It would surprise me if anyone under the age of 25 has not had at least one abortion. Parents were to busy trying to look and act young, they forgot to give the much needed guidelines for their children. Parents allowed their children to make their own decisions on sexual activities, and curfews, because their parents were to strict with them.
MY CONCLUSION IS:
The world went from living together in harmony and recognition of others, to a world of one. Children became a show piece, or aggravation instead of an heirs to nurture and teach. There is really no difference between the ancient practice of sacrificing children and what is going on today. The Ammonites had an idol god named moloch, young children were offered in sacrifice to it. It was a brazen figure, with the head of an ox and outstretched human arms. The young children were placed in the arms of moloc to be burned to death slowly. The priests beat drums to mask the children cries and prevent the parents from hearing their childrens cries. What is being used today to mask the cries of our children and grandchildren from being heard? Ignorance and the fear of rejection are types of drums that society are using today. It is heart breaking to see our children and grandchildren so mistreated and soul damaged.
The old has became an annoyance instead of a valuable wealth of knowledge. Instead of turning to those who have walked the road with Christ and emulated His actions and teachings, the young follow after the latest trends or listen to the murmurs of the wicked.
We live in an age where mans needs and desires superseded the will of GOD. These are just observations from old eyes that has caught a glimpse of the decline of our society crumbling. The helplessness and hopelessness is so over whelming at times. However, the Word of GOD is still strong and swinging its mighty arms to protect and bring back those precious souls that belong to Him.
Paul in (Ephesians 6:11-20) reminds us to put on the whole armor of the LORD GOD (includes shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate). It appears we are to equip ourselves with protection, the defense, as well as the battlement. This is so we might be able to stand against the wiles (cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery ) of the devil. This is what I am talking about. How deceitful, crafty and cunning the enemy has been in order to trick those we love. If we were just wrestling against flesh and blood it would be easier. We are battling ignorance, deafness, blindness (spiritual), drugs, alcohol, the societys norm, against the darkness of this world, including spiritual wickedness even in high places.
I am assuming we have all done everything within our power to help the ones we love who may be fighting against the wiles of the devil. Now all we can do is stand, and watch and hurt. This is the time we need to be girded with the power of Truth from the LORD GOD, and our precious Jesus, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and bound with the gospel of peace. The shield of faith is what we will use to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The protection of our soul, which consists in the hope of salvation and the Word of GOD is our mighty sword. Pray always and keep in the Spirit, and continually for all things holy, good and righteous.
Paul spoke of himself as being an ambassador in bonds, yet he spoke boldly. We also are ambassador in the bonds of our old age, yet we still can speak boldly. Dont worry about the words to say, they will be given to you by the LORD GOD. We still have the hope of winning one person at a time back to the Lord and away from the wiles of the devil. GOD Bless you in your continuing journey through life.
How did we get in this mess?
There has been a trend of steady decline of the social morality of our society from the 1950s to the present day of 2003. There has been a definite decay in the perception of what was right, good and proper in the 1950s. An uplifting of the bad judgment, inappropriate acts and behaviors, and deviating from the truth which is found in the 2003s.
These exodus from the truth, the known rights and wrongs, and the turning away from family in end times, also known as the latter days, were predicted in the Bible. Let no man deceive (to seduce wholly) you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling (defection from truth; apostasy [total desertion of or departure from one's religion]) away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (ruin or loss physical. spiritual or eternal) (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1). Daniel, the prophet, warns about the 4th beast (which is lucifer, satan, the devil all the same) that shall speak great words against the most High (which is the LORD GOD) and shall wear out the saints of GOD, and try to change times and laws; and his policy shall cause deceiving, fraud and falseness to prosper. lucifer shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many, lucifer shall prosper till the indignation are accomplished, and what is determined shall be done. (Daniel 7:25; 8:25; 11:36). Jesus revealed the son of perdition was Judas Iscariot (during the Last Supper satan entered into him when Judas went to the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus. (John 17:12; 6:70-71; 13:27; Luke 22:3).
The question as to how these deceptions in the trends of society were accomplished is another matter. There has been an unwavering decline, of society to inconspicuous to be noticed by many. Below find a number of observations which could explain the method in which this moral decline has taken place. Effecting not only society but also the decline of the family, and religion as well.
1. Sunday mornings in the 1950s found most families donning their best clothes and heading out together for the neighborhood church to praise and worship our Father GOD. After church the family returns home where the mother prepared a lavish chicken or pot roast dinner for her family to sit down to delight in together.
Sunday mornings in the 2000s found very few family units remotely similar to those of the 1950s, let alone heading to church together. Children went their own ways, doing their own thing, usually heading to the malls to hang out with their gangs (which has surpassed the family unit and claimed the title family). Mothers are to often the head of the household taking full responsibility of earning a living, disciplining, cooking, housekeeping, sports advising and educator. This has left very little time for the role of nurturer, which has in the past been the most important role a mother had. Not only is this an example of the decline of the family unit, it also illustrates the reason why it was easy to corrupt the social behavior of the children.
2. Television began to make its presence felt in homes in the late 1940s. It was only after World War two that the television sets got put on the market. The first mass television audience watched baseballs 1947 World Series. After the airing of the baseball World Series televisions went on sell and was the newest item to save for. There was no daytime television viewing at first, allowing families to continue have dinner together. Neighbors would invite neighbors over to watch Milton Berles Texaco Star Theater, a comedy-variety show. There were a good deal of comedy in the beginning of television that was suitable for family watching. Variety Shows became popular with The Ed Sullivan Show from 1948-1971, and Hollywood Palace from 1964-1970. Who could forget the Westerns like Gunsmoke, 1955-1975, and the Roy Roger show. Police shows started with Dragnet 1952-1970.
2000 television viewing was a different issue. The sit-coms made fun of the families of the 1950s, such as Leave it to Beaver, or Father Knows Best. Portraying children as smart mouthed rude uncontrollable brats. The talk shows became forums for airing dirty laundry and socking decent people into believing what they saw was the norm. Sex and violence and vulgarity ran the air streams. Human vulnerabilities were exploited and demeaned.
3. Remembering the advertisements from the early television days still make me laugh. They were sweet and funny. There was no sex, vulgarity or violence in them. There were talking toothpaste tubes, singing coffee pots, bouncing balls, talking bottles and lots of cartoon personalities selling products.
Advertising on television, billboards, and magazines also can be blamed for this trend of moral decay. Advertising campaigns in the beginning of 2000 launched ads to promote a better relationship with their products that are better than relationships with human beings. Example: A beer campaign advertising; a beautiful seductive woman being asked if she has a more meaningful relationship with a bottle of beer or a human lover. In a raspy sexy voice the woman claimed the beer.
5. In the 1950s every young person wanted to be President of the United States. It was a position of power and goodness, a position where change could take place and people helped, an admirable position to hold.
People in power, the leaders of the society, in the 1900-2000 became polluted in a cesspool of filth and immorally defiled. The scandal of President Clinton and his immoral display in the White House Oval office with the intern, made the United States a laughing stock of the world. His actions depicted the American people as being sexually depraved. Clinton lied to the Federal Grand Jury, the American people, his cabinet, family, and the world. Clinton also made a mockery out of Forgiveness claiming everyone makes mistakes they are ashamed of. So he asked for forgiveness and expected the world to forget his licentious behavior.
Many religious leaders fell into sexual or financial scandals; people like: James Baker, Jimmy Swaggart and Jessie Jackson. These people claimed the power of GOD, carrying the banner of Jesus Christ, judging others for their actions while contaminating the very essence of Christ.
6. The 1950s -1970s found high school and college students doing research in libraries, exercising their minds, talents and disciplining mentality their understanding. Term papers or any research paper, was a learning opportunity to gain knowledge on some given subject, learning the command of the English language, and organizational skills. Young people gathered at the libraries with excitement to choose books to read for the pure enjoyment of reading. People, young and old alike assembled together for social and family gathering hugging, touching, and delighting in each others company.
The age of computers, 1980s -2000s, changed how English in school was taught. There was no need to stress spelling since all computers have a form of spell check. Any research paper could be down loaded off the Internet. The learning opportunities were non-existent, due to the vast amount of information. The information that was acquired over the Internet was not tested for accuracy and could be very misleading. There was a lot of information, but no means to process it all, thus becoming vanity and good for nothing. Chat rooms replaced the family and social gatherings, allowing more vulgarity to be demonstrated to the faceless community. The Internet became a pit of vipers, taking it so far as to people selling their soul on e-Bay, Web sites carry more nudity and porn than can be found anywhere else. Babies were even sold over the Internet only as a joke, something cute to do. There is no humor in selling precious children, especially since there are so many babies being left on door steps, garbage cans and just plain left behind.
7. 1950s view of life and death was still left in the hand of GOD. People went to doctor for illnesses to be treated and improvements to be made in their bodies. Doctors even did house visits to treat the shut in patients or the elderly. There was always the question of why, when death occurred, but there was a trust and faith in GOD as the giver of life. Doctors did their best to treat but would never suggest terminating a life, or creating a life artificially.
1968 saw the first heart transplant which was the start of the mental change of life and death. Man took things out of GODS hands and put them in the hand of man. After the first effective heart transplant was accomplished the heart, lung, liver followed. Then the hand transplant. If it could be cut off then it could be transplanted. This acceptance allowed the door to be opened for cloning and genetics research. Everything sounds perfectly innocent but take a deeper look into the moral issues and ramifications which insured and how everything is being taken out of the hands of GOD and put into the hand of man.
8. This look at the subtle changes of the decline of this generation wouldnt be complete without first mentioning how abortion became such an accepted practice. In the 1950s -1960s there was little sex before marriage. It was against the laws of GOD and the social norm. Dating was monitored and guidelines were established. Always to high for the young persons liking, but that in itself was a safe guard for the young to say no. Making the parents the heavy gave the young person a way of saving face.
The mentality of the 1970-2000s was if it feels good do it. 1973 the U.S. supreme Court ruled legal abortions with Roe vs. Wade. Not only is abortion the norm it is a practice that is taught as a choice for any pregnant lady of the 2000s. It would surprise me if anyone under the age of 25 has not had at least one abortion. Parents were to busy trying to look and act young, they forgot to give the much needed guidelines for their children. Parents allowed their children to make their own decisions on sexual activities, and curfews, because their parents were to strict with them.
MY CONCLUSION IS:
The world went from living together in harmony and recognition of others, to a world of one. Children became a show piece, or aggravation instead of an heirs to nurture and teach. There is really no difference between the ancient practice of sacrificing children and what is going on today. The Ammonites had an idol god named moloch, young children were offered in sacrifice to it. It was a brazen figure, with the head of an ox and outstretched human arms. The young children were placed in the arms of moloc to be burned to death slowly. The priests beat drums to mask the children cries and prevent the parents from hearing their childrens cries. What is being used today to mask the cries of our children and grandchildren from being heard? Ignorance and the fear of rejection are types of drums that society are using today. It is heart breaking to see our children and grandchildren so mistreated and soul damaged.
The old has became an annoyance instead of a valuable wealth of knowledge. Instead of turning to those who have walked the road with Christ and emulated His actions and teachings, the young follow after the latest trends or listen to the murmurs of the wicked.
We live in an age where mans needs and desires superseded the will of GOD. These are just observations from old eyes that has caught a glimpse of the decline of our society crumbling. The helplessness and hopelessness is so over whelming at times. However, the Word of GOD is still strong and swinging its mighty arms to protect and bring back those precious souls that belong to Him.
Paul in (Ephesians 6:11-20) reminds us to put on the whole armor of the LORD GOD (includes shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate). It appears we are to equip ourselves with protection, the defense, as well as the battlement. This is so we might be able to stand against the wiles (cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery ) of the devil. This is what I am talking about. How deceitful, crafty and cunning the enemy has been in order to trick those we love. If we were just wrestling against flesh and blood it would be easier. We are battling ignorance, deafness, blindness (spiritual), drugs, alcohol, the societys norm, against the darkness of this world, including spiritual wickedness even in high places.
I am assuming we have all done everything within our power to help the ones we love who may be fighting against the wiles of the devil. Now all we can do is stand, and watch and hurt. This is the time we need to be girded with the power of Truth from the LORD GOD, and our precious Jesus, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and bound with the gospel of peace. The shield of faith is what we will use to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The protection of our soul, which consists in the hope of salvation and the Word of GOD is our mighty sword. Pray always and keep in the Spirit, and continually for all things holy, good and righteous.
Paul spoke of himself as being an ambassador in bonds, yet he spoke boldly. We also are ambassador in the bonds of our old age, yet we still can speak boldly. Dont worry about the words to say, they will be given to you by the LORD GOD. We still have the hope of winning one person at a time back to the Lord and away from the wiles of the devil. GOD Bless you in your continuing journey through life.
