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Philosophy Lite: World cultures slide into deterioration

Raymond Smith
  • Originally published August 20, 2010 at midnight, updated August 20, 2010 at midnight

By Raymond SmithFrom Baker's Dictionary of Christian Ethics: "The Depravity of Man is a doctrine that speaks to man's sinful nature. It describes the inherent flaw in man's nature, which renders him incapable of complete obedience to God's law or of attaining holiness by his own effort."

"The evidence of this depravity is manifested in the moral history of the human race. The initial formation of any ethnic group may begin with high motives and a code of just laws, but ultimately declension begins which inevitably leads to moral decay." We see this in ourselves, our country and throughout the world. Many empires have been built through the leadership of one man, but when he dies, the country decays and may never recover; witness the Hittite, Macedonian, Egyptian and Roman empires.

It is the same with individuals. For a time, strong leadership may keep a person or a country on a high plane, but when the leadership is gone, man degrades to a low level. We even see it taking place in our own country.

Over time, we have strayed from the high ideals of our founders and our God.

Gross materialism has taken a toll, an overemphasis on personal freedom, lack of enforcement of the moral law and the lack of a strong leader. There is a lack of discipline throughout our society. Countries and people must have a noble purpose to maintain a high standard. Many a man has denied himself certain pleasures for the future of his family or the building of a business. Self gratification is the natural outcome without self discipline.

In our country as Christianity seems to be losing its influence, there is a deterioration of the culture. Families are falling apart as sexual, marriage and moral standards degrade. Music and art have degraded, as well as standards of dress and manners. Even the language is degrading as more and more slang words are added to the dictionary.

There are many today who are leading disciplined and moral lives according to the teachings of Jesus. If they should start living like the rest of the world our country would be thrown into chaos. The atheists are reaping the benefits of a Christian society, but they would never admit it.

The moral code preached by Jesus and the apostles is not an oppressive code. It will bring any country to its highest plane, if followed. It built us a great country, and now we are casting it off.

Lee Iococca recently wrote a book titled "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" Now is the time for strong Christian leadership. That leader must inspire the people to rise to their highest and noblest abilities. Who has ever said, "I didn't do this or that because nobody ever asked me?" I am afraid our perception of freedom is working against us. Remember the words of Frederick Schiller, "Freedom does not mean that everyone can do as he likes, but that he can become what he should."

Raymond F. Smith is a deacon at Fellowship Bible Church in Victoria and President of Strong Families of Victoria