Is the world getting better or worse

[apothanein kerdos]

To everyone else on the thread, it is people like the above that prompted my question. I am having a difficult time finding anyone around my age that actually holds to a conservative doctrine.

I hold to a conservative doctrine

And just what is your age, exactly?

I'll be 24 in less than a month.

But for Christian youth I would prefer they attend Christian colleges. There are enough out there for parents to help them choose wisely.

Even then I would be careful. There are many psuedo-Christian universities out there (such as Baylor).

[DarkNebulaWelder]

First, I am not a conservative or fundamental Christian; I am a liberal who is going through many faith changes and learning to be more tolerant and compassionate to those who may see the world differently than me---whether it's a religious difference or otherwise.

Second, through my education via school and personal study, I have come to accept and understand different issues in our world. The abortion matter, for example---it is a medical procedure. No, I don't think it's the best option, but I have learned to have compassion on women here. If a woman was raped, and early termination is sought, then I can understand that. Or if it's shown beyond doubt that the fetus was suffering or diseased in some horrible way, then I can understand the compassion of the mother who feels she must terminate. I would be ashamed to call every woman who seeks early termination a murderer. It's not my place to judge what's happening inside of another human being.

HB, it's not about judging people....it's about knowing the difference between right and wrong. You say you are a liberal....do you mean religiously, or politically?

Being a liberal Christian does not remove you from the responsibility of taking a stand for what is ethically sound.

It's good that you have compassion for these girls, but true love and compassion is expressed in sternly showing these women just WHY IT IS that abortion is wrong, so they don't have to suffer the guilt and possible physical consequences of their actions.

Sweetheart, I am a 36-yr. old female who has made some absolutely WRETCHED decisions in my life. I've lived life hard, and have just recently come back to Christ. I made PLENTY of painful mistakes. Sure, I learned from them, but I still wish that some Christian had come to me with a loving heart and pointed out the error of my ways before I had made the mistakes I did.

Your liberalism is not doing anyone any service....I understand the discomfort in "bumping heads," or not wanting to offend someone, but if you have to sacrifice personal integrity for compromise, your efforts are futile.

Edited May 28, 2007 by DarkNebulaWelder

[DarkNebulaWelder]

To everyone else on the thread, it is people like the above that prompted my question. I am having a difficult time finding anyone around my age that actually holds to a conservative doctrine.

I hold to a conservative doctrine

And just what is your age, exactly?

I'll be 24 in less than a month.

But for Christian youth I would prefer they attend Christian colleges. There are enough out there for parents to help them choose wisely.

Even then I would be careful. There are many psuedo-Christian universities out there (such as Baylor).

So true. See my response in the Gene Scott thread.

[Bolts]

I'm probably going to stir the pot here a little, but in my opinion, I do think things are getting worse environmentally, other than that, I believe that we are in a time where those things that were once committed in secret are being brought into the light, nothing will be hidden, everything will be exposed and no deed will escape the attention of our Lord. God is still in control, everything that has been prophecied to happen will happen and the Lord will return at the day, time and hour that our heavenly father commands.

I grew up in a time when everything was swept under the carpet. If a domestic incident was happening, most people would turn a blind eye, shrug and mutter that it's not any of their business or something worse like: oh well, she probably deserved it. Today, there is compassion, support for the abused, mercy and places of safety. This to me is a step forward.

It bothers me that people complain about sex education, because I remember when rape and other such things, were covered up and victims grew up to be broken hearted and broken spirited adults. Sex education, I believe can be a positive tool that teaches the young about making informed quality decisions and gives them skills on how to protect themselves.

But like everyone else, there are many things in this world that I do not understand, things that I could never comprehend, yet I rejoice that we have a God who has the whole world in his hands.

[Guest]

yet I rejoice that we have a God who has the whole world in his hands.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalms 2

Maranatha!

Hallelujah!

Come Quickly Lord Jesus, Come Quickly!

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Numbers 6:24-27

Love, Your Brother Joe

[DarkNebulaWelder]

I'm probably going to stir the pot here a little, but in my opinion, I do think things are getting worse environmentally, other than that, I believe that we are in a time where those things that were once committed in secret are being brought into the light, nothing will be hidden, everything will be exposed and no deed will escape the attention of our Lord. God is still in control, everything that has been prophecied to happen will happen and the Lord will return at the day, time and hour that our heavenly father commands.

I grew up in a time when everything was swept under the carpet. If a domestic incident was happening, most people would turn a blind eye, shrug and mutter that it's not any of their business or something worse like: oh well, she probably deserved it. Today, there is compassion, support for the abused, mercy and places of safety. This to me is a step forward.

It bothers me that people complain about sex education, because I remember when rape and other such things, were covered up and victims grew up to be broken hearted and broken spirited adults. Sex education, I believe can be a positive tool that teaches the young about making informed quality decisions and gives them skills on how to protect themselves.

But like everyone else, there are many things in this world that I do not understand, things that I could never comprehend, yet I rejoice that we have a God who has the whole world in his hands.

Hey, Bolts;

You bring up some interesting points. I have a dear friend who was the victim of domestic abuse, and was forced, along with her child, to go to one of those aforementioned "places of safety." I'm not sure which era you grew up in, but I do know that, back in the 50's, a woman's subservience to her husband more or less superceded her individual rights. Someone, please correct me if I am wrong, but this is just what I have come to understand.

Don't think for a minute, though, that the fact that these places exist points to some sort of "increased compassion" on the part of society. The only reason that they DO exist is because of grass-roots efforts, and there are still plenty of people out there who feel the women "deserve what they get." Without going into detail, just let me say that, at one time, I was on the receiving end of such abuse, and felt little compassion from ANYONE. Even to this day, people don't really want to get involved.

When my friend had the crap beat out of her by her husband, and the police arrived, the officer basically told her that he felt she had probably done something to deserve it, and basically called all women "cheating whores." He then told her that she had probably been cheating on him, and that he was sick of these women calling who deserved to be beat up. Ya, real compassion there!!!!

Another instance....I was in a grocery store one time, and there were 2 women in front of me with a child. The child couldn't have been more than 5 or 6. Anyhow, the little girl had a black eye...looked like someone had slugged her. After they left, I asked the cashier if she knew those people. She said she did, and that they were regular customers. I asked her if she noticed the black eye, and she said "Ya, but I try not to get involved in other people's affairs." I couldn't believe it!!! After a moment, I went outside to try and find them, and as they were drivi9ng away, took down their license plate number. I still don't know if anything ever became of my reporting them, but I do know that seeing this child INFURIATED me!!!

I don't think that society has become more compassionate...I feel that the people who have been victimized probably DO have more rights than they used to, but not because of social compassion....more because victims of days past invested their blood, sweat, and tears to instigate avenues of change.

The world IS getting worse....and the fact that safe havens and a truckload of laws are required just proves it!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 28, 2007 by DarkNebulaWelder

[georgesbluegirl]

Better in many ways - better food production and distribution worldwide (not that we've stymied a global hunger crisis, just reduced its scale a little), better environmental regs in the US and many other countries, more progressive legislation...

BUT still a lot of issues to tackle. Climate change, war, global divides, genocides, education.

So - not good. But maybe getting better.

[hebrews_beauty]

To some of those who responded to my response:

I don't have the time honestly to try and answer each person, because the discussion could go on for awhile and I am a college student, so I am quite busy! Plus I don't spend a whole lot of time on forums, but I may answer a forum topic if it interests me. However, I did want to say a few things.

First, I am not a conservative or fundamental Christian; I am a liberal who is going through many faith changes and learning to be more tolerant and compassionate to those who may see the world differently than me---whether it's a religious difference or otherwise.

Second, through my education via school and personal study, I have come to accept and understand different issues in our world. The abortion matter, for example---it is a medical procedure. No, I don't think it's the best option, but I have learned to have compassion on women here. If a woman was raped, and early termination is sought, then I can understand that. Or if it's shown beyond doubt that the fetus was suffering or diseased in some horrible way, then I can understand the compassion of the mother who feels she must terminate. I would be ashamed to call every woman who seeks early termination a murderer. It's not my place to judge what's happening inside of another human being.

Simply, I have grown to be more open-minded and tolerant as I seek to think outside of what I was taught about the Bible, about Christianity...about religion, about politics...about our world.

First of all, to HebrewsBeauty, when you say you are not a conservative or fundamental Christian, but that you are a liberal who is going through many faith changes, what exactly do you mean? Do you mean you are going through doctrinal changes within the Christian faith, or that you are uncertain about if you even fully accept the Christian faith?

As far as this post goes, I find it very sad, because it is yet another example of the assault taking place against people of faith from what are supposed to be institutions of higher learning. If I had children, the last thing I would want them to do is to attend brain washing lectures at universities. They would be much better off without a college education at all than to allow their faith to be destroyed by these servants of the devil posing as professors.

-I would say that I'm a liberal Christian, who is currently in seeker mode. I'm trying to understand more about what I believe, why I believe it, and what that means for me as a person. Hope that's a little more clear.

-I've never experienced "brain washing" at all in my educational path. I've come across different information, from different points of view, from different instructors and courses. Never has any teacher or class I've been to suggested that anyone abandon their chosen faith, religion, or political view, but rather that they would just try to have an open-mind in order to learn about subjects they may not know, understand, or even believe.

[hebrews_beauty]

First, I am not a conservative or fundamental Christian; I am a liberal who is going through many faith changes and learning to be more tolerant and compassionate to those who may see the world differently than me---whether it's a religious difference or otherwise.

Second, through my education via school and personal study, I have come to accept and understand different issues in our world. The abortion matter, for example---it is a medical procedure. No, I don't think it's the best option, but I have learned to have compassion on women here. If a woman was raped, and early termination is sought, then I can understand that. Or if it's shown beyond doubt that the fetus was suffering or diseased in some horrible way, then I can understand the compassion of the mother who feels she must terminate. I would be ashamed to call every woman who seeks early termination a murderer. It's not my place to judge what's happening inside of another human being.

HB, it's not about judging people....it's about knowing the difference between right and wrong. You say you are a liberal....do you mean religiously, or politically?

Being a liberal Christian does not remove you from the responsibility of taking a stand for what is ethically sound.

It's good that you have compassion for these girls, but true love and compassion is expressed in sternly showing these women just WHY IT IS that abortion is wrong, so they don't have to suffer the guilt and possible physical consequences of their actions.

Sweetheart, I am a 36-yr. old female who has made some absolutely WRETCHED decisions in my life. I've lived life hard, and have just recently come back to Christ. I made PLENTY of painful mistakes. Sure, I learned from them, but I still wish that some Christian had come to me with a loving heart and pointed out the error of my ways before I had made the mistakes I did.

Your liberalism is not doing anyone any service....I understand the discomfort in "bumping heads," or not wanting to offend someone, but if you have to sacrifice personal integrity for compromise, your efforts are futile.

-I would say I'm a liberal both religiously and politically. Being liberal is not just about "not offending others," nor does it mean personal integrity is sacrificed. One of the reasons I'm liberal is because I desire change and progress in the USA, which includes caring for the environment and caring for all cititzens regardless of social status, race, etc.

-Not everyone---not even all Christians---think abortion is unethical. At least not under all circumstances. I do believe in properly informing women of the abortion procedure, so they can be educated before they make a decision.

[Smalcald]

I would have to say for me worse, I don't know how much worse though? But definitely worse.

I base this just on statistics. The murder rate in the US is MUCH higher than it was 40 years ago. So for all of our talk of love, peace, for all of the so called social justice issues that we have made "progress" on, at a very basic level we are a much more vicious murdering people than we were in the past, this is something that we can measure it is not a mystery.

Today 1/3 of all babies are born out of fornication outside of marriage, this number was much much smaller 40 years ago, so again we see things going down hill. We didn't have a billion dollar porn industry 40 years ago, we didn