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E-mail: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

Unbending Realities
It comes to my mind that our self-indulgent culture is teetering on the brink of an important insight: We have been mistaken to reject our common-sense belief in right and wrong. More than a quarter of a century ago now, some of our opinion leaders came up with the idea that tolerance is the single real virtue and that self-esteem is the most important element in child-rearing and education. That misguided notion was established, in turn, on the earlier thesis that there are no fixed moral standards that apply to all people everywhere and at all times. With absolute standards abolished, all that mattered was acting with some degree of consistency with one's culture when possible and always with a view toward personal self-realization and happiness. Everything from sexual behaviour to spelling and grammar to corporate bookkeeping became "just your opinion." And the uniform mantra for child-rearing and education was limitless praise. Well, the truth is, we have paid a very heavy price for traveling that path! Promiscuous sex, drug abuse, unlimited abortion rights, suicide - why not? It's my body, and nobody can tell me what to do! Businesses produce child pornography, music to glamorize violence against women, and television to legitimatize homosexuality - why not? There are groups that value such things, and it's just terrible to be judgmental! Religion has had very little credibility for stemming this tide. It discredited itself long ago with its abuse of power, hairsplitting judgments, and neglect of the very people with whose life circumstances Jesus was most directly involved. That's why, today, every child athlete gets a ribbon; every adult athlete gets a pass for anti-social behaviour. Fifth graders all get smiley faces and A's. Immature children are permitted to throw tantrums as self-expression; employees can't understand why promotions and raises aren't automatic. Could all of these things be connected? Thankfully, many psychologists and educators who blazed the trail of boosting self-esteem and protecting children from failure are now reversing course. The unyielding realities of an adult world that requires showing up, doing real work, and being accountable have combined to burst the bubble of phony praise. Self-esteem really is important, but "Whatever you do is great!" is neither true nor helpful. The answer to our self-indulgent culture isn't cumbersome rules, hypocritical religion, and nitpicking morality. It is mutual respect among persons who see the image of God in one another and who create communities where right and wrong can be distinguished. Now How About You? Would you say your life is happy? Do you feel good about your job, your marriage, your children, and your God? If not, I suggest that you search your life to see if you're "doing right". You see, feeling good comes from doing right. And the good thing is, you can start right now! I hope this is a very good day for you!

Unbending Realities

It comes to my mind that our self-indulgent culture is teetering on the brink of an important insight: We have been mistaken to reject our common-sense belief in right and wrong.

More than a quarter of a century ago now, some of our opinion leaders came up with the idea that tolerance is the single real virtue and that self-esteem is the most important element in child-rearing and education. That misguided notion was established, in turn, on the earlier thesis that there are no fixed moral standards that apply to all people everywhere and at all times.

With absolute standards abolished, all that mattered was acting with some degree of consistency with one's culture when possible and always with a view toward personal self-realization and happiness. Everything from sexual behaviour to spelling and grammar to corporate bookkeeping became "just your opinion." And the uniform mantra for child-rearing and education was limitless praise.

Well, the truth is, we have paid a very heavy price for traveling that path! Promiscuous sex, drug abuse, unlimited abortion rights, suicide - why not? It's my body, and nobody can tell me what to do! Businesses produce child pornography, music to glamorize violence against women, and television to legitimatize homosexuality - why not? There are groups that value such things, and it's just terrible to be judgmental!

Religion has had very little credibility for stemming this tide. It discredited itself long ago with its abuse of power, hairsplitting judgments, and neglect of the very people with whose life circumstances Jesus was most directly involved.

That's why, today, every child athlete gets a ribbon; every adult athlete gets a pass for anti-social behaviour. Fifth graders all get smiley faces and A's. Immature children are permitted to throw tantrums as self-expression; employees can't understand why promotions and raises aren't automatic. Could all of these things be connected?

Thankfully, many psychologists and educators who blazed the trail of boosting self-esteem and protecting children from failure are now reversing course. The unyielding realities of an adult world that requires showing up, doing real work, and being accountable have combined to burst the bubble of phony praise. Self-esteem really is important, but "Whatever you do is great!" is neither true nor helpful. The answer to our self-indulgent culture isn't cumbersome rules, hypocritical religion, and nitpicking morality. It is mutual respect among persons who see the image of God in one another and who create communities where right and wrong can be distinguished.
Now How About You?
Would you say your life is happy? Do you feel good about your job, your marriage, your children, and your God? If not, I suggest that you search your life to see if you're "doing right". You see, feeling good comes from doing right. And the good thing is, you can start right now!

I hope this is a very good day for you!