Disrespect for important things.
He had a rough run of luck. His every fault had been exposed over the past several weeks. A political candidate running for office faces these things and it is to be expected. What struck me about this was this particular politico's response to the venom that had been hurled his way.
"If we had talked this way about somebody when we were kids, our mammas would have whipped us."
Wow. Really, I mean it, wow! Rarely in the information age, filled with meaningless soundbites and disinformation does someone break through all the noise and make the valid point. Wow.
Why is it we have such a variation from past generations to the past few? Why have we fallen into such disrespect for people, positions, and institutions that at one time were held in high esteem?
I believe this is due to the de-mystification to which we as a culture have subjected all things. Being a father is easy look how Bill Cosby, Bob Saggett, and every other TV parent solve problems. Every childhood and marital difficulty solved in thirty minutes, with laughs and a group hug as the credits role.
We no longer respect the elders or preacher because in this information age we have heard so many true reports of those that have let others down.
We no longer respect elected officials because their every infraction is detailed on the evening news whether it is real or imagined.
We no longer idolize atheletes as role models for we know they will break our hearts. Some do however, want their noteriety and money.
If you notice I give no answers in this article, they seem to evade me.
posted by Neal Stanley | 1:37 PM
2 Comments:
Good points. I read these thoughts together with your thoughts on Pope John Paul II's death - and it made me think about your statement:
"Why is it we have such a variation from past generations to the past few? Why have we fallen into such disrespect for people, positions, and institutions that at one time were held in high esteem? I believe this is due to the de-mystification to which we as a culture have subjected all things."
I think a Catholic believer might ask the same of you in regards to the Pope. Its the age old question of tradition vs. written word, interpretation of Catholic Church vs. interpretation of individual.
Anyway - reading those 2 things together on your blog made me associate them. I have a problem as well with teachings that seem alien to the Bible. The diefication of Mary and the intercession of the saints is a little hard to stomach.
"So this begs the question, will God judge John Paul II and Jonathan Neal Stanley Sr. by the same standard or will he judge me according to the Bible the standard I look to and then judge John Paul by the teaching of the Roman church, or his teachings."
Great question. The Bible is what I go by - and not Catholic church doctrine. Still I think of grace transcending some of our differences. I often wonder why that if Bible knowledge is so critical to my salvation - why was the Bible not available to the common man for so long? Do I owe my salvation to the invention of the printing press as well as to Jesus? What about those illiterate who are so dependent on leadership? Was the Catholic church chosen by God to lead so many of them?
If you notice I give no answers in this article, they seem to evade me.
I think we must remember that just because we have a written history it doesn't mean with have either a complete history or a completely accurate history.
I do not know how God will judge those who did/do not have the word available to them either now or in times pasts I do however know that I am responsible for me. If I have access and availablity of the Bible and choose not read it study it and understand it then I am to be blamed. I knew that I could learn more what God would have me do and just ignore it then I have disobeyed God. James 4:17 -- Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin.
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