Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I've Been Thinking . . . dangerous, I know.


The other day hubby looked at me and said, "Why are you on this politics kick all of a sudden?"  I looked at him as if he'd lost his marbles, then I tried to explain:  "It's . . . it's like every four years, America stands up and takes a look at her values, and then looks at her candidates, and tries to match them up.  And every four years I'm amazed at how far values are slipping." 

Maybe it's because I'm unemployed at the moment and I have more time to think.  I prefer to believe, though, that the Lord is bringing a lot of thought-provoking stimuli into my life at once.  There's the election, of course.  And the fact that the major candidates are hanging out in my backyard.  And this past weekend Netflix happened to send me EXPELLED, Ben Stein's documentary about the lack of scientific freedom in this country (you mention Intelligent Design in scientific research, and you're likely to find yourself blacklisted and out of a job.)  

 The hubby, who volunteers in the public schools, keeps coming home and telling me that so many teachers are horrified by the lack of respect the kids show--they're undisciplined and vulgar and so unruly that a lot of good teachers are ready to quit.  And I've been reading a book by a young man who once called himself a Christian, but now is a convert to atheism via Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and believes that religion is the solace of irrational fools. 

And it occurs to me that the big picture behind all of this is that our country--indeed, the "intelligentsia" of the world--is slipping from agnosticism into atheism.  What really concerns me is that I see many people who should know better riding that liberal train--supporting pro-abortion candidates, claiming a belief in macro-evolution, disdaining the validity of the Scriptures, and reserving their "religious activities" for weekends.  If we Christians don't cling to the Truth, who will? 

Why are the kids in school so undisciplined and disrespectful today?  Could it be because we took God out of the classroom and the curriculum, thus taking away the chief object of human respect?  

Why is marriage considered a temporary state? Could it be because we no longer obey the vows we took, and we no longer believe in the God who witnessed those vows?  Could it be that marriage is no longer a sacred union between a man and a woman, but between any two willing parties?  How long before people start wanting to marry their pets?  

Why do we find ourselves hopeless?  Could it be because we no longer believe in a divine purpose for life and an afterlife to come? 

Why do we no longer weep for aborted babies?  Could it be because life has been cheapened and we no longer see the image of God in every tiny beating heart? 

Why do scientists seriously find it easier to believe that life began with "piggybacking crystals" or aliens who "seeded" the planet than with God who authored life and gave us his word? 

When asked what he would say to God after death (and delusion), Richard Dawkins quoted another atheist (and I'm paraphrasing):  "I would ask him why he made himself so hard to find." 

But evidence of God is not hard to find. Remember when your Mom used to come into the room, look around, and say, "Who made this mess?"  Deterioration may cause a mess, but it takes an intelligent being to create ORDER.  

People "know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Though everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.  Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools"  (Romans 1:19-22). 

I have a feeling that some of the books I'll be writing in the future will contain very simple and basic truths:  we have eternal souls.  Supernatural powers exist. Even the animal kingdom bears witness to the Creator.  

The world has so turned its back on truths that used to be self-evident that I'll need to reintroduce those truths one step at a time. 

~~Angie 




16 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I have a feeling that some of the books I'll be writing in the future will contain very simple and basic truths: we have eternal souls. Supernatural powers exist. Even the animal kingdom bears witness to the Creator.

The world has so turned its back on truths that used to be self-evident that I'll need to reintroduce those truths one step at a time."

Angie
-----

And you're just the writer who can do it. Excellent post.

BJ

Anonymous said...

Hm. I must not have formatted my comment right, because it looks as if I'm the one responsible for that quote. No, no. That's yours! I just wrote the comment below.

BJ again

Mocha with Linda said...

Preach it, sister!

Love those verses in Romans! They are among my favorites/

Mocha with Linda said...

BTW, I just read a great article by John Piper thanks to my blog friend The Preacher's Wife! I am totally in agreement with you, Angie, but I'm thankful (as I know you are) that our hope is not found in politics!

Holly said...

I know that whatever you write, Angie, you will do it with intention and well. I'm praying for you, as you do.

I think you have a unique audience, too. I believe that with your style of writing and the intelligence that you indeed show in your writing, that you have an inroad with said "intelligentsia." Your writings are the kind that always make me think. I know several college friends (athiests and agnostics), who'd read your books and be challenged. Praying for just that!

Anonymous said...

That's what God has been saying to me, over and over again as I pray about the manuscript i'm putting together:

TELL THE TRUTH.

So i'm trying.


Susan

Kay Day said...

I have been feeling overwhelmed by the same thoughts, Angie. We've lost a lot of ground in a lot of ways.
I'm thinking that maybe God is getting ready to recapture our hearts. I hope so, honestly. Let the trials come, if it will re-align our priorities, values, and faith.

And you should get started on those books!

Kay Day said...

speaking of animals bearing witness, I blogged about that the other day. It was really more about the stars. Have you heard the recording of the star music? Amazing.

Anonymous said...

Well said, Angie. Maybe your next book ought to be non-fiction.

Unknown said...

AMEN to this!!!!

Unknown said...

Also I wanted to add this quote.. " The more conterfeits that are made the more the orginal or real one is devalued"

Marla Taviano said...

Wow, Angie. Thank you for this. So much. I'm going to link to your post on my blog tomorrow.

I'm giving away a copy of Expelled this week if anyone's interested.

http://www.xanga.com/mtaviano/679973642/bloggy-give-aways-carnival.html

Anonymous said...

Excellent and Amen. You go, Girl. Preach it, Sister. Let your voice ring out.

Anonymous said...

angie,
you have been given a gift to write, and you are able to put into words what the world needs to hear! keep writing! our prayers are always with you!
jan

Anonymous said...

Just need to add my voice to those above ... they have responded so well to your eloquent post today. I have nothing to add but encouragement. Awaiting arrival of "The Face" - maybe in today's mail. Clyde

Pamela J said...

Any of you authors out there that support what Angela said? I'm "just" a reader at this point in my life but you can be sure of one thing from me, if I know you will be following suit with what Angela just said, I WILL seek your books out and cheer you on more than any others I come across!
Way to go, Angela. THREE CHEERS!
YES.
Pam Williams