Has A Post-Christian America Rediscovered its Moral Compass?

Photo by Garrett Sears on Unsplash

Has A Post-Christian America rediscovered its moral compass?

The recent landslide of exposures, resignations, and coming forth of the "formerly silent majority of the abused" makes me wonder, has America rediscovered its moral compass? 

I do not think so. 

Make no mistake any dose of moral awareness is welcome in a culture that exchanged truth and wrong for moral relativism. 

Former Fox News Host, Gretchen Carlson, taught America to believe the victims who spoke the truth. Those who chose silence, because of possible shame, Gretchen Carlson helped them find their voice. I think Gretchen Carlson broke open the wall allowing women to discover courage and find the strength to speak against abusers and their abuses. Her recent book, "Be Fierce" gave a platform for women to be heard and believed. 

When it comes to any abuse, there is no context where that behavior is acceptable. Real people get hurt when perpetrators swell with pride and abuse others with words and deeds. 

No person may be exempt:

• If the abuser led our nation, a state, or political district, they must be held accountable. 
• If the abuser is one who read us the news, they must be held accountable. 
• If the abuser stood in our pulpits or taught or led a church ministry, they must be held accountable. 
• If they taught or led in a college or our schools, they must be held accountable. 
• If they led a missions agency or were a missionary, they must be held accountable. 
• If they are a relative, they must be held accountable. 
• There is no excuse for abuse. 

If a corporate or religious culture protects the abuser, it is reprehensible. If the same entities ignore the victim, it is wicked and inexcusable. 

If someone makes an accusation which is demonstrably false, it is wrong and should be held accountable. [edited to add and “should be held accountable”]

If you or you know any who can use the hashtag #MeToo, please help by listening without judgment when the abused want to speak. Express they are safe, and you believe them when they share the truth. Then assist them in prosecuting the perpetrators.

I fear, the culture I know best, the church culture fosters an environment where abuse occurs by those who serve from the pulpit to the parking lots. I challenge all spiritual and secular leaders to put policies in place which prevents abuse. 

I believe:

• Abuse of any kind is wrong. 
• Abuse is a crime against God. 
• Abuse is a sin. 
• Abuse is often criminal. 
• We must prosecute abuse.
• There is no excuse for abuse. 
• Has America found it's moral compass? No. 

This is a time to give help to victims. We must provide a safe space to those who speak the truth. It is the time to do what the Christian community should do well, lead and listen with grace. 

The only moral compass for any people is the word of God. 

A Pastor learned he was dying. He made these 4 promises. Will you?

"When the well-known British Methodist preacher William Sangster learned that he had progressive muscular atrophy and could not get well, he made four resolutions and kept them to the end:

(1) I will never complain;

(2) I will keep the home bright;

(3) I will count my blessings;

(4) I will try to turn it to gain."

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Satisfied. “Be” Commentary Series. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.

Know His Word and Voice

The disciples received the news from Mary. The news affected them deeply. They were already in a turmoil about the death of Jesus and what would be the next step. Now, their upside down world began to tailspin. The news was simple. Jesus’ body was missing.

Peter and John make a pre-dawn run to the sepulcher. John’s run halted at the entrance and peering within. Peter’s boldness took him inside. Alas, both saw and confirmed that the grave clothes were there. The headpiece was separate from the other garments. Yet, the body was missing. They returned home.

Mary could not leave. She wept, stooped and looked. Inside she saw two angels seated where the body should have been. One Angel sat at the area of the head the other sat where the feet would go.

The questions of the angels came from the look on her face. They were there as messengers of rejoicing, she was there as a messenger filled with remorse and regret. They asked, “Why are you weeping?” The implication of their question was this was not a moment for regret and remorse. Nor was it a moment for disappointment and discouragement. This was a moment for rejoicing! Jesus is ALIVE.

Jesus approaches. Mary did not recognize Jesus. She presumed He was the Gardener. He stood near her; he spoke to her and she heard Him without knowing Him. He asked, why are you weeping and for whom are you seeking? She spoke to Him. She said tell me where He is and I will care for Him. 

This moment was earth shattering for her. She heard His words but did not hear His voice. It was not until she heard her name spoken by Him that she knew Him. His voice speaking her name was all it took. She exclaimed, Rabboni - Master! 

The citizens of Heaven saw things different from earth’s citizens. Earth’s residents saw the upheaval of emotions. Heaven’s perspective saw it as the conclusion of sin’s grasp on humanity. The visitors to the grave saw it as a place of negative remembrance. The right perspective makes all the difference. 

Oh, to always see things from heaven’s view. Heaven’s perspective should not differ from ours. However, it often does. I look at this account and see our lives and realize there are two things we should keep in mind when our world undergoes an upheaval. 

What are the two things we should keep in mind when in life’s upheaval? The two thoughts come from John 20:9,15.

“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” John 20:9, 15

Know His Word.
Know His Voice.