For over 200 years, we have celebrated our
independence--our own right to do as we please in
governing our own lives. One of those freedoms is
what the Bill of Rights calls—FREEDOM OF RELIGION.
We can believe and worship God without punishment or
threat. Many thousands of
Christians around the world die for that right each
and every year. Yet in America--a country
established for that very right--many will not give
God the time of day, much less their lives.
What has happened is that
millions now celebrate "Freedom from Religion"
instead of the "Freedom of Religion." Some have
succeeded in getting God kicked out of our schools,
sporting events, public places and work places.
Today, much of society
ridicules and mocks those who are serious about
their faith. America’s only respectable form of
bigotry is bigotry against religious people. And the
only reason for hatred of religion is that it forces
us to confront matters many would prefer to ignore.
To a great extent our society
has gotten what it wanted - A society without God.
But what good has it done? Since 1960, while the
gross domestic product has nearly tripled, violent
crime has increased at least 560 percent. Divorces
have sky rocketed. The percentage of children in
single-parent homes has become astronomical.
The United States leads the
industrialized world in murder, rape and violent
crime. At the same time, our elementary-school
students rank at or near the bottom in tests of math
and science skills. Since 1960, average SAT scores
in our high schools have dropped 75 points.
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In 1940, teachers identified the top problems in America’s schools
as: talking out of turn, chewing gum, making noise and running in
the hall. In 2005, teachers listed drugs, alcohol, pregnancy,
suicide, rape and assault.
We have become a people who are losing
their capacity for shock, disgust and outrage. How can we turn this
nation back to God? Can it even be done? Yes! We can make a
difference!
The Bible says, "If my people which are called
by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and
turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will
forgive their sin and heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
Can America return to God? If America wants to - YES. The bigger
question is, “Does God’s people want to?” Christians need to take a
stand for God. But often it is the Christian who remains silent.
Thank goodness our forefathers didn’t choose the same.
[Ron Otto, Lincoln Christian Church] |
