Five Lies Of The 20th Century
By Dennis Gulledge
The last ten decades have produced subtle changes in the bedrock of American culture. These changes have not all been good. In our government, courts, media, schools and homes, dangerous lies have been planted that have proved ruinous to our country. Unless these lies are recognized and uprooted, our society will continue its moral decline. Let us observe five lies of the 20th century.*
Freedom Of Religion Means Freedom From Religion
The establishment clause of the First Amendment to our Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It means that the federal government shall not establish any particular faith as the nation’s official religion. But, it has been interpreted by the humanists of the American Civil Liberties Union as a restriction on religion period, or a strict separation of church and state. In 1947 the U.S. Supreme Court declared, “The wall of separation between church and state must be kept high and impregnable” (Everson v. Board of Education). In later years came the Supreme Court rulings that we knew must follow in the wake of such a philosophy: no prayer in public schools (Engle v. Vitale, 1962); no Bible reading in public schools (Abington v. Schempp, 1963); and religious speech among students was pronounced unconstitutional (Stein v. Oshinsky, 1965).Alexis de Tocqueville said, “America is great because America is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” America can be called good only insofar as she respects God’s will for humanity. David said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalms 33:12). Solomon added, “Righteousness exalteh a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Again, David wrote, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3).
The Traditional Family Is Irrelevant
At the end of the 20th century the traditional family has suffered many battle scars. Today the average marriage lasts for only seven years and nearly half of those dissolve within the first three years. According to some, America ranks highest among nations in the word in divorces granted. We are told that it matters not whether mom or somebody else nurtures the children. We are also told that dad is not even needed at home. We are left asking, “Whatever happened to mom, dad and the kids?” In 1885 the U.S. Supreme Court defined the family “. . . as consisting in and springing from the union for life of one man and one woman in the holy estate of matrimony . . .” (Murphy v. Ramsey). Such is, and always has been, consistent with God’s ideal for the family. God approves of the institution of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). God approves of the husband and wife team [provided it is a scriptural union] (Matthew 19:1-9). God approves of children that may bless that union (Titus 2:4-5). Some sociologists are saying, more and more, that two parent homes are important in the development of children. Imagine that!Evolution Is A Fact Of Science
Somewhere along the way, evolution went from being a theory to a so-called fact of science. For one hundred and fifty years, evolution has been in the limelight. In 1959 Julian Huxley said, “The first point to make about Darwin’s theory is that it is no longer a theory, but a fact.” Why do people believe this lie of science? First, it may be because they have been taught it since the first grade. Second, pride may enter into the picture. We are told that evolution is unquestioned by “thinking” people. Third, some simply reject God and discount the idea of creation (Romans 1:28).Both evolution and creation require faith. No one has ever observed either evolution or creation taking place. Many, however, who believe in creation do so because the evidence points to a Creator. When you hear a song you know that it had a composer. When you read a book you know that it had a writer. When you view a house you know that it had a builder. The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalms 19:1). “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).
The Sexual Revolution Has Set Us Free
In 1970 our government entered the sex education business, and since then, has put billions of tax dollars into promoting “safe sex” in public schools. Here are some of the myths widely propagated by the “safe sex” advocates: First, “Young people are going to be sexually active anyway, so we might as well teach them to be responsible.” Second, “Sex education in our schools is value neutral.” Third, “Abstinence is not realistic.” What are some of the fruits of this lie? First, the aborting of America. Destroy the egg of a bald eagle (or any other endangered species) and the government will fine you thousands of dollars. Destroy an unborn child and the government will foot the bill. Second, “alternative lifestyles” are gaining acceptance. Homosexuality is “out” and proud and in your face!What does the Bible say? God made male and female, therefore, homosexuality is against nature (Matthew 19:4; Romans 1:26-27). God blessed the marriage relationship, not cohabitation (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:5-6). God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). All life is precious (Genesis 1:26-27). We are free to live within the bounds that God has set for the family. Other courses God will judge (Hebrews 13:4).
Entertainment Is Harmless
Entertainment is that which is interesting, diverting and amusing. Much of what is called entertainment these days delves into the forbidden realms of a contempt for God and all things sacred (Exodus 20:7), a saturation of sensuality and a predisposition for violence. It all sounds somewhat like the situation in Genesis 6:5-6 when God was grieved with the moral depravity of the early races of man. The lies of the entertainment industry run like this: First, “The First Amendment guarantees our right to produce any kind of material we want to.” Second, “We don’t create culture, we merely reflect it.” Third, “Violence in entertainment doesn’t affect anybody. It’s only a movie.” The truth is that what we see and hear does affect us in ways both good and bad. The Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23); “For as he thinketh in his heart so is he . . .” (Proverbs 23:7); “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).We live in a world of lies and the 20th century has seen some notable ones. Lyndon B. Johnson said, “Men cannot live with a lie and not be stained by it.” How much have we been stained by the lies of the 20th century? Only the truth of God’s Word can repair the damage done by Satan’s lies and wash the stains away (John 8:32).
*Many of the thoughts expressed in this article are taken from the book, Five Lies of the Century (Tyndale House Publishers, 1995), by David T. Moore. I have borrowed his main points, with the exception of the first one. Mr. Moore gives an excellent and thorough analysis of the thoughts covered in this article.