We Want Ameica Back.

Maybe that is true in your country, but not this one. You obviously did not grow up in Mississippi in the 50's. (and yes, I am Caucasian)

You should have stuck with your original statement in that we are sinners, have always been sinners, and will always be sinners.

Why does everyone think the element of time makes any difference? This entire thread argues about which set of sins is worse for what generation. The fact is, that are all a stench before God, regardless of what anyone thinks of this sin or that sin. Since things are now the way God purposes them, and were then the way God puposes them, then why worry about it? Its the way it is.

 

Hi Saturne, in my first post may I emphasise something:

I am not saying it is just as bad now as it was then, but I hear groups all over saying times are just as bad now as it was then.

I am not saying that I agree with them, but I am saying I have people make such claims.

 

What I find most interesting is that the strength of the Christians seems to vary a lot depending on the adversity they experience with a city or region. It seems that where there are many less churches and more adversity then the Christians major on what really matters. You also find that the evangelical churches work together better for the things that really matter.

What I find interesting is that in a town I lived in which had a church that wanted to reach the city for Christ. They contacted what they considered evangelical Bible believeing churches. The pastor of that large church had been an IFB pastor. The three churches that chose to not participate are doing very poorly today. One has an attendance of about 30% of what it had and does almost nothing to reach anyone. Another church has weeds growing in its parking lot and only a handful of people attending. The other does not exist.

 

I think it is fact, that thing are getting worse. The answer is in Gen.8:21, "the imaginaton of man's heart is evil from his youth."

Again I agree with you.

 

Please forgive my little aside here, but it reminded me of some History Channel films I saw and the verse in Ecclesiastes which says "there is nothing new under the sun."

Archeologists deciphered some hieroglyphics from ancient Egypt and also some ancient writings from Pompeii (destroyed by Mount Vesuvius) in Italy. Both lamented the same sad song of a woman in each location - "I have nothing to wear."

What a hoot!!! Women apparently have not changed much through the millenia. It's the same story when I walk into my closet in 2007.

 

Well, looks like someone needs to buy a new history book

 

Let me guess, none of the churches that matter are SBC.

 

Do you actually think that abortion, homosexuality, pornography, unChristian music and TV did not exist in the 50s and 60s? Read the thread on Sgt Pepper.

 

Yes, with God all things are possible. If God desires that revival breaks out, he will cause it to happen. But the attitude you espouse, "just try and stop us," is exactly the wrong attitude to adopt.

Do you recall that when God called Isaiah to preach and prophesy, he told him exactly what to say, and then he said (Isaiah 6) (to paraphrase), "Isaiah, they won't listen. In fact, I have blinded their eyes, deafened their ears, and clouded their understanding so that they can't believe. Not only will they not listen, they will hate you for your preaching."

How would you like a call like that? In fact, every prophet to Israel and Judah failed. Their preaching failed to bring the two nations back to God, who punished them by sending them into captivity at the hands of pagan nations.

I don't mean to discourage you, my young friend. But you are not responsible for taking this nation back to God. You're call is to preach the gospel of repentance and faith to all who will listen, and leave the results to God. In some parts of the world, as you know, the results of your preaching can get you killed.

You must come to the point where when you preach, or whatever you do, you are totally dependent on God. Then, when God does his work, you will give glory only to him.

 

Of course they all existed. But would you argue that they existed on the scale as today? Would you not agree that all have seen incredible growth and acceptance in society?

 

Actually one of the churches today which is doing very well is a Korean SBC church but the SBC church which it asked for help shunned them and they are the one which is dying. At one time it was about 140 and doing well.

If you would be interested that area is looking for pastors who will not just hang a sign and try to start a church but rather work hard and do a lot of evangelism.

 

"Much misnamed Christianity is merely man domesticated by Christian tradition" Richard Halverson (Former Senate Chaplain)

I believe much of what we think of those golden days of yesteryear is reflected in Halverson's quote.

Instead of trying to "reclaim" a nation, how about working on yer neighborhood and town first?:thumbs:

 

Thanks for clearing that up.

I'm praying that God will send revival to reclaim not only America, but the whited sepulchers of Europe and around the world.

It will be easy to stand for Christ when revival is breaking out. I pray that I'll be able to stand when doing so could get me killed.

 

Saturneptune that is a pretty convoluted post as to what I was saying and in regards to the O.P. and yes I saw the thread on Sgt. Pepper.

My post as with the O.P. deals with the decline of morals and attitudes. I have never said America was a perfect nation, as nor any Christian living is or ever having lived was. I don't see how anyone can really debate this but I will address each of your examples.


1) Please show where abortion was legal and greatly accepted in American history with the murder of 1.5 million children each year, as it is today? That is something which only came about in recent history as America moved from a more Godly nature and with some Liberal Supreme Court judges, self proclaimed in some cases, during the 1960's. As they ruled in fashion contrary to the Founders intent and 150 years of Supreme Court decisions! Such was also contrary to the will of the American people during that time and historically speaking with the banning of Ten Commandments, removal of voluntary school prayer, and eventual abortion ruling etc.

Abortion laws began in the 1820's and abortions were banned all together by the 1900's. There were also moral laws banning contraceptive devices but you would have to check the specific history on that.

In 1965 every State had laws banning abortion, with a few exceptions in saving the mothers life or in cases of rape. However certain groups began pressuring the relaxation or banning of these laws. In 1973 with Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruled most every States abortion laws were unconstitutional. This was a bad ruling as there is nothing in the Constitution which addresses abortion and Amendment 10 specifically states "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people".
They usurped the States/Peoples rights and historical Supreme Court rulings on numerous issues of great importance for which we are still living with. The abortion issue alone speaks enough in regards to the O.P. but in continuing……



2) Please show where homosexuality was historically accepted and blatantly promoted even to children as you find today in American? Where homosexual groups and such openly attack Christianity all the while promoting their agenda's unimpeded. That is something which has only arisen in the last decade or two for which I have witnessed myself.



3) Please show where in American history pornography was so widely prevalent, blatant and accepted as it is today? That is something which really began in the 60's with soft porn as Playboy but grew drastically with the truly hardcore as Hustler and even worse, as found today. This has occurred as moral laws based on Christianity have become relaxed or banned. Laws such as with Sunday closings, pornography, homosexuality, gambling, alcohol etc. See blue laws or as an example the Comstock law(1873) which is specific to this and other issues. "Act for the Suppression of Trade in, and Circulation of, Obscene Literature and Articles for Immoral Use" http://womenshistory.about.com/od/laws/a/comstock_law.htm



4) I did not say “unchristian” music but that is splitting hairs. I have no problem with secular music as many on this forum would refer to it. I think any good song with a good message could have been inspired by God. It doesn't have to necessarily be a Christian song with Christian lyrics to be good, so to say. I was speaking about how some entire genres of music has gone to the extreme with lyrics and promiscuous dance.
I understand each generation typically complains about the newer generations music. When Elvis first came out there was even outcry against his antics and some lyrics. However, at no time did you have F. this and F. that, or G.D. and B. that, as you have in recent history. In defense of Elvis though he matured with his lyrics and presence.
Yes sex and drugs was often, or became, a theme with Rock and Roll but you still have that and even much more today. Which in fact makes my point!

The Beetles is a good example to bring up though in this regards to the O.P. Remember when John Lennon stated they were more popular than Jesus. There was outrage throughout America with that statement which this freelance writer accurately describes

http://www.ronaldbrucemeyer.com/rants/1009a-almanac.htm

BBC radio also gives an account which is applicable to the O.P.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/lennon/jesus.shtml

It is relevant to the O.P. because today there would be little such outrage over these type remarks, which commonly occur in various settings today. The easiest thing to do would be to listen to music from even the 40's, 50's, 60's to today. I don't see how anyone could say there is not a significant difference in attitudes.

I will say this. There does seem to be a change taking place within music as Country still invokes Christ name with lyrics and some other genres are under pressure to tone down the vulgarity.


5) There is no better or obvious example as to the decline in morals or general attitudes than with T.V. One can easily look at the overwhelmingly and good family oriented shows of the past as compared to programming today. It is now common place to have a show with a gay couple or gay theme. You don’t have the family oriented programming or themes today as was so prevalent in decades past.


The divorce rate and out of wedlock births is another example of moral decline and attitudes which is easily traced. http://www.divorcereform.org/ill.html
or
http://www.ncpa.org/pd/social/pd110999c.html

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America is still the greatest nation ever conceived by man but it has drifted from our more Godly and family oriented roots. I can only pray we again will return to something more reminiscent to that.


Take care

 

You forgot to add the source of many problems--slavery. It was the south who claimed it was biblical to steal people. What kind of theology and example was that to present to the following generations?

 

Actually, the British invented slavery - we invented everything! :wavey:

However, I digress. My real thought was as bad as slavery is, the Bible (Old and New Testament) does not actually teach against slavery. It just says to be fair to slaves.

However, I do believe slavery is wrong and Scriptural principles can be easily applied to stop slavery.

Anyway, just wanted to stop in and say hello.

 

The British need to be credited for the first world's fair and the promotion of technology transfer. So many nations benefitted from that time forward.

From what I know there was harsh treatment of slaves in the OT but also that many slaves were allowed to own property and/or took care of the slave owner's property. The slaves were often the result of wars. In America it was the issue of people being bought and sold for the purpose of financial gain. Years ago I read a book about a bicycle racer in Indiana called Major Taylor who raced in the early 1900s. Some countries rolled out the red carpet and in others he was attacked. It was the countries where slavery existed where he was attacked. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like to have been treated like that. He had a lot of money but could not buy a home because black people could not own a home then. So instead a white person bought a home for him with the money Taylor paid him.

I have no proof of it but personally I think there is a deep connection between the attitude then and now. If there was a complacent attiude in that location then over unrighteousness there still is today. I have lived in many parts of the US and see differences in attitudes toward spiritual issues often stemming form some point in time. A friedn of mine who loves history said he believes that if you find out about how an area was settled it will tell you a lot about the people now.

 

Ralph III, don't go confusing this topic with the facts! That would just go and ruin a good discussion.

I wholeheartedly agree with you post up until this point:

At this point it all went horribly wrong. Britain is the greatest nation conceived by man... :thumbs: