WHY THIS IS A DANGEROUS TIME IN HISTORY
Democracy is in danger. We are at a point in history where the gains of the Protestant Reformation may be lost. That historic revival of interest in the Holy Scriptures led to the formation of a whole series of nations founded upon belief in God and commitment to law and freedom of conscience. Out of the maelstrom of change democracy was born and spread from Europe to the New World. While none of the countries formed from Sweden to England to America were purely Christian countries except in name, yet they espoused biblical virtues. These included the dignity and freedom of the individual and the importance of the rule of law based on biblical morality, especially the ten commandments. At this point in history, all those virtues are threatened.
The basic values of democracy have been hard-won. These values have enabled the Church to flourish freely but they are eroding. Why should we care? After all if we are genuine believers, we are citizens of heaven. But we are also citizens of our particular country with responsibilities to love our neighbour, to do good to our community, to pray for and work toward the prospering of society. Under democracy, all citizens have a voice that should be used thoughtfully. Surely, we have a duty to use our voice to foster as much respect for individual rights and freedoms as possible—not just for ourselves but for people in general.
In spite of the perils, there are many good things for us to celebrate. Canada, for example, maintains a concern for universal health care. We have a high standard of living. There is great concern for justice, particularly for minority peoples. And much more. Why then am I concerned?
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We are seeing the breakdown of:
Marriage and the family.The created distinction between two sexes, male and female.A commitment to the law prohibiting murder in the case of easy access to abortion.Civil discourse. Respect for others that leads to rational, informed discussion is being high-jacked by questionable ideologies. Debate has become strident, hateful, angry, and ideology-driven. We see the rise of neo-Marxism in spite of the lessons of recent history. In the white/black debate blanket accusations of oppression are leveled at people based only on skin pigmentation.Personal responsibility. A commitment to hard work, initiative, entrepreneurship, and innovation is being replaced by expectations that the state provide care for all. A universal minimum income is being mooted.Frugality. Our government is leading the way to an erosion of commitment to pay off debts incurred.Valuing diversity. A commitment to value diversity in culture, talent, gifts, abilities, physical strength, etc. is being replaced by a demand that in all things, all be equal. Not only is this unwise, it is impossible. Instead of equality in all things we should strive for equality of opportunity and celebrate and encourage diversity.Love for and respect for the Jewish people. There is an alarming rise in anti-Semitism.Privacy and freedom through the monitoring of individual lives as seen by the demand that bureaucracies monitor movement ostensibly to protect us from Covid-19. Will this control be given up later?Freedom to assemble and worship is being restrictedRespect for democratic capitalism which is being stigmatized by socialism/neo-Marxism.
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WHY THIS IS A DANGEROUS TIME IN HISTORYDraft
Because of this breakdown we need all hands-on-deck to ensure that our freedoms are not lost. John Adams wisely said concerning the US, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the governing of any other.” The importance of maintaining a moral consensus is as important in Canada as it is in any other country. The breakdown of law and of commitment to a Divine Lawgiver heralds the deterioration of society. Without an eternal point of reference popular opinion may re-shape society—as it has.
So what can be done?
First, we need to make sure that as many citizens as possible are aware of what is happening to our democracy. This is not a time for Christians to be complacent but vigilant and aware.
Second, we need to commit ourselves to spiritual growth to counteract the deadening and compromising forces that are arrayed against God’s people.
Third, we should be sure to vote in every election for candidates whose platforms encourage the strengthening of our society in areas where it is eroding. We must realize that in politics we do not have a choice between perfectly good and bad alternatives. We should vote for the best option available. Not voting is not an option.
Fourth, we should consider the biblical story of Queen Esther a precedent. “Like Haman, Satan is mobilizing many of his advocates to make us bow and pay homage to man’s authority and desire to rule rather than even to the King himself, not to mention the King of Kings. The current movements of BLM and defunding authority in the name of fighting racism are all signs of man’s desire to have full autonomy. In such time as this, the Queen [Esther] called for fasting and prayers to be observed by all her people. The focus was not on rebuttal or argumentative discussion but fully surrendering the matter to the one who is able to bring about victory. I believe we are called to do the same today. The battle is too big, too fierce, and too intense to fight it on our own.” (A suggestion from Kamiel Gabriel.)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” ( Eph. 6:12).
In this regard, we need to encourage God’s people to embrace a sustained concert of prayer for our nations that we might continue to enjoy freedom of expression, worship and opportunities for evangelism.
(Let me know your thoughts on this subject. Further articles, books, and stories at: http://www.countrywindow.ca Facebook: Eric E Wright Twitter: @EricEWright1 LinkedIn: Eric Wright ––)
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