“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind of the spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:5

The Culture is Shifting, But Where?

We have quickly shifted, culturally speaking, in ways that could drastically affect future generations. It wasn’t that long ago that we, as Americans, actually cared for truth and at least claimed to care about honor or integrity. Truth has taken a backseat, and facts have become irrelevant. Right now, it’s all about who is controlling the conversation. Essentially, this is a sophisticated form of who can shout the loudest.

Let me elaborate for just a second. Take a look at popular podcasters such as Joe Rogan or Steven Bartlett (Diary of a CEO). I’m not exaggerating when I say these two individuals in question routinely make outstandingly uninformed statements or claims. Someone is taking a ‘brave stand’ because they happen to say something inflammatory (never mind whether the ‘brave stand’ is, in fact, a stupid position to take). I also saw two reports from Fox News and MSNBC on President Trump’s approval ratings with the youth. The polls came out the same day, and FOX news reported a nearly 80% approval whereas MSNBC reported a roughly 20% approval. What are the true numbers? I have no idea, and neither do they.

Divorcing Truth For Talking Points

Hopefully, this underscores the point I’m trying to make. In the sixties and seventies, Walter Cronkite was nicknamed the most trusted man in America. In Cronkite’s reporting, there was at least a real attempt to remain fact-based. This is actually very serious. I am absolutely shocked at the willingness from both liberal or conservative circles to accept quite literally anyone who repeats a few talking points. Take a look at the disturbing success of influencer Andrew Tate or the attempt by former NY governor Andrew Cuomo to re-enter politics (who stands a strong chance of succeeding, by the way).

Rather than look at this from a political perspective, I believe this represents a deeper issue. In 2 Timothy Chapter 4, Paul predicts a time when people will no longer tolerate truth. I have to say, I could easily overlay Paul’s word over our current cultural crisis. As bad as things are politically, it’s infected theological circles as well. If I so much as question mainstream beliefs regarding prophecy, you will be immediately labeled ‘anti-Semitic’, even though that isn’t true. (and a stupid way to avoid the questions as well) I happen to personally know someone who merely asked honest questions regarding the Trinity and its theological underpinnings, and immediately, with zero hesitation, the worst names and insults were hurled. I can’t lie, that made me angry when I heard about it. Whereas we not only tolerate, we actually laud men like Steve Lawson, Todd Bentley, and Joe Rogan. It’s not just lopsided; this is disgusting. We are supposed to be people of love, and frankly, we’re doing a poor job of showing it.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

I admit this all comes from a place of frustration. The entire point behind what I’m doing here is to show a different side of Christianity. I freely confess to holding certain theological positions that would be deemed as heretical in most circles. Personally, I have no interest in being inflammatory. The point I’m trying to make is that we’re becoming entirely too divisive. At least in times such as the Reformation, there was a desire for truth. Whereas right now, we are becoming entirely too one-track minded. We tolerate outright charlatans and hacks just for repeating a few conservative talking points. Ask honest theological questions? Then all of a sudden, you’re a devil, and you are going to hell.

One more point I’ll bring up before closing this out: It was only a few years ago that it was not a good time to be a conservative. Merely saying the wrong thing or reading the wrong book would quickly shut out of nearly every major platform. I would think that our memories would be better than this. I am genuinely worried that in our fight against extreme liberalism and ‘woke culture’, we may end up becoming the very thing we are fighting against. The only thing I’m asking is that we remember what is was like to be conservative for the past few years. Remember how angry it made us? How determined it made us to weather the storm? Rather than be swayed how we all ended up becoming even more entrenched? If we respond in kind to those we disagree with, then we will only worsen the situation. Just remember how it made us all feel for the past few years and ask yourself why we think it would be different for anyone else.

I am not advocating for empty-minded tolerance or blind unity. That’s not what this is about. What I’m attempting to point out is that just as the Pharisees strained out a gnat and swallowed a camel, American conservative culture is making the exact same error. Unless we quickly course-correct in our attempt to save conservative values and principles, then we may actually destroy it.