As our ongoing dialogue continues, I remain fascinated by the diversity of our audience — by the many of you hailing from varied walks of life and who thoughtfully, consistently chime in with me, either publicly or privately. I deeply value your opinion and the ensuing, mutual sharpening. I have much to learn.
While there exist differences in the degree to which we individually sense challenges across the globe, one of the areas in which I see significant commonality among the diverse is the recognition of a seemingly ceaseless, moral digression in society.
One of the areas, however, in which I see significant uncertainty among the diverse is the reason for such perceived, moral digression.
Each May, in fact, beginning in 2002, Gallup polls Americans on their outlook on the state of values in the United States; it’s termed their “Values and Beliefs” poll. When asked last year whether the “state of moral values in the country as a whole is getting better or worse,” 72% said that they believe that the paradigm is worsening; in contrast, just 22% said that it is improving.
Consistent with the identified diversity of the Intramuralist’s audience, clear majorities of conservatives, social moderates and liberals agree that America’s moral standing is on the decline. Again according to Gallup’s results: 81% of conservatives say that moral values are worsening; 76% of social moderates concur, as do 58% of self-identified liberals.
Let me ensure I am totally transparent: I cannot offer the exact right answer as to why such a perceived decline exists. I don’t know. I doubt any could concisely identify the exact right reason (even if they rhetorically attempt to attach a political promise to such a perception). But as all good bloggers bravely do at times, I’m willing to take a semi-humble stab… as every now and then in my regular research and reading, a potential answer appears that hits me over the head — about as subtly as a divine two by four.
In the ancient scriptures, written thousands of years ago, I stumbled upon the following, profound question this week:
“What other great nation has a god so near to them like the Lord our God whenever we call on him?”
What a cool concept to think of a higher power being known so intimately and being so in tune to the needs of the people and what’s happening on the planet… One so known by the people that he is recognized to be there whatever the circumstance… one fully engaged… fully aware… omniscient and omnipotent… and… available… “whenever we call on him.”
The question, no less, is followed by:
“Again, however, pay very careful attention, lest you forget the things you have seen and disregard them for the rest of your life.”
Pay careful attention.
The above thus begs the question: is there a relationship between the current moral digression and not paying careful enough attention to what may be good, right, and true?
Have we forgotten something?
Do we teach what we’ve learned?
Is there truth we have callously disregarded?
Just asking questions, friends… wrestling with none other than those divine two by fours…
Respectfully…
AR