I had the misfortune to catch part of "The Maury Povich" show yesterday – only part of it, because it made me sick to my stomach. Also, it was time for me to run some of my Monday errands (having Mondays off is so cool). The show was about teen-agers who were doing all they could to get pregnant because they wanted babies so so so much. They forgot that they are still babies in so many ways, or that parenthood is not to be used to fill voids in your life; it is best pursued by those who are already complete people (or couples).
The specific topic is beside the point. We as a society, nation and world can attack a variety of problems in an effort to make the world a better place. I'd buy the world a Coke if it helped, but sadly, the problem is more widespread and more entrenched than that of the really young engaging in unprotected sex with dozens of skeezy partners. The real problem runs deeper, and it affects every part of life ... from immoral behavior to murder to theft to whatever.
The problem? (insert loud trumpet noise here, or a gong if you like) ...
The majority of people today lack a moral compass.
Not only do they not know right from wrong, many don't know that there is a right from wrong. No solution is permanent or worthwhile unless it addresses that fact. Now, I must also say I don't have the answers when it comes to re-establishing direction. I won't blankly say that religion is the answer, because much of religion has become bastardized by human frailty (another post entirely). The fruit has been bruised.
The very fabric of our unraveling quilt can also be attributed to this:
The majority of people today seem to not believe there is an absolute truth.
Basically, there is a right and wrong that applies to everyone on Earth. Yes, there is. Just because we believe something, does not make it so. Just because we don't believe in something, that doesn't make it not so. Once again, it's an entire other post altogether, but this also means that there are religions that are not valid – and one that is. Those who do not believe in an all-powerful Creator are free to do whatever they feel is right for them – but the road to hell is paved with feelings (and probably Sour Cream 'N Onion Pringles).
"If it feels good, do it" still seems to rule much of our behavior. Hey, without anyone to answer to, why not? Why not? Because of this: what if our time on Earth is temporary, just a practice, a preparation, and that we are eternal beings who will spend the remainder of forever either in heaven or hell? Are you willing to take the risks? Wouldn't having moral direction also enhance life on Earth? It's not a popular notion to tell others they are wrong; nobody is perfect, and pointing out others' shortcomings causes resentment, because the accusers are in no way perfect or superior. However, embracing absolute truth is humbling, and recognizes we are but players in a grander scheme. Submitting to it is freeing because it acknowledges the power and control of an omnipotent force that rules the universe.
In summary:
• Life is getting harder because as a group we have lost our moral direction.
• There is one absolute truth – right and wrong – that applies equally to everyone.
• Our beliefs don't really matter: our personal preference does not shape the absolute truth. It remains constant; it never changes.
• With one absolute truth, that means all else is wrong.
• Nobody is perfect; we all stumble on our journey.
• There's a chance we are eternal beings – choose wisely now.
• Religion is not necessarily the answer, unless it's the "right" religion.
• Nobody likes to be told they are wrong.
• Submitting to absolute truth is humbling and freeing.
• Pringles=hell.
You don't have to agree with me – I could be wrong. That absolute truth thing applies to me as well, of course. I didn't write this to spawn arguments; just to cook up a little food for thought. This is important (maybe that's something we can agree on). Go ahead, let me have it ... I can take it! In the end, one of us – and it doesn't really matter who – is right, and the other is wrong.
If you're not in the mood to argue this weighty matter, let's discuss the fact that the theory of evolution not only did not happen, it could not happen. How about that?
T-bone, you and I could agree or disagree in so many ways on these points, it's frightening.
Who's to say that the "moral decay" in this country doesn't have to do with parents expecting everyone else on the planet to raise their kids?
If the belief and foundation of an absolute truth is the reason why kids and others go astray, then one could say that my children are doomed to a life of inability to cope as adults and this strange disease of stupidity that seems to inflict so many in this country.
In other countries of the world, where the Absolute Truth does or does not take other forms, they don't have this problem. The USA is pretty much alone in the "entitlement to whatever we want because we want it" mentality.
I'm strong in my faith and I am a good person. I'm not a good Christian, becuase I'm not a Christian. My faith is not made up of absolute truth - as a matter of fact it is made on the knowledge that whatever we DO do, affects more than just ourselves. Do what you want to, if it feels good for you - but know that if you harm others through the same process, it's going to come back to you.
Does having no fear of Hell or no longing for Heaven make me a worse person? Does it make me a bad person, with no concept of right and wrong, and no redeeming qualities?
Common sense of right and wrong, and the belief in an Absolute Truth, are not mutually inclusive. Some of the finest individuals I have ever known in my life, the most giving, caring, centered, well-meaning, wonderful people, are atheist, or agnostic, or of faiths like mine that do not encompass an absolute truth.
Religion might not be the answer, but the only place you find an absolute truth is in religion.
Regarding evolution, it is a religion-based perspective that allows one to misconstrue facts and figures, and allows you to believe that it did not happen. Unfortunately, facts and faith are often mutually exclusive.
This subject has shocked me for years. I have a friend who teaches in a lower SES school district. FOURTEEN year old girls are getting pregnant and are congratulating each other!! The world has gone insane.
Hahahahahaha Boy T-bone, you stir a mean pot! Whew! I'll say it again we're shoulder to shoulder man!
No time for deep convo; I'm off to Costco! Isn't it "New Release Tuesday"? hehe
T-Bone for President!
When my 20 yo sister told me she was pregnant, she did it with fear and nervousness. Mainly because she knows the type of person I am. The strong type. But I surprised her and my Mom both. I didn't preach, nor did I congratulate. I decided that neither of those options was appropriate. I asked what her plans were. How I could help if she needed it. If she thought a lot about her options.
I'm the very proud Aunt of a gorgeous 8 day old nephew. Our family loves them both so much and will be their "village". Unfortunately, that's not always the case in this society. My sister's very lucky. My nephew will not want for anything.
I believe in my family and myself, that's the best I can do.
For now..
:)
If there is a "perfect religion" it hasn't been invented yet because none of the ones practiced today are even close. In fact, I'd have to say that most of the worlds problems are because of religion and the it is practiced.
I could rant all day about religion (and have come close at times on my blog), but that is not what I should use your comments for, so I'm gonna stop now.
Amen, brother T-Bone! Thanks for the post!
Thank you for such a thoughtful post.
good post.
what i think is lacking is not a moral compass but an ethical compass. the former, i think, is too caught up in its own ego to cope with our contemporary mish-mash of a world and not end up in polarization.
"right" and "wrong" would be considerations of the greater good rather than those of any chosen people (from any variety of religions). a truly spiritualized self-sacrifice, i think, comes without an agenda.
what is missing that should be taught? i think it comes down with learning how to communicate effectively with others. it's all been said before, but how many people really try to do it? if we recognize that there are failings in religion today (the bruises of which you speak), then we must also recognize that there are holes in doctrinal interpretations, and that religion should not settle into smug complacencies of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, absolute truths.
the quest for truth should never end.