Political guidelines
Does politics
lead to well-being or disorder?
The lessons of history are worth
noting that the same mistakes are not repeated
Contents:
The dangers of
concentration of power. Instability and economic crises are
the main reasons why dictators come to power. This happened
in Germany, when the stock market crash on Wall Street in
1929 shook Germany in particular. The country's exports
faltered and American banks began to demand back the huge
loans they had granted to German businessmen. Support for
the Nazis rose explosively as a result of the economic
crisis.
When the people in
the Old Testament asked for a king, it was not God's will
and not for the benefit of the nation. There is also a
lesson in this for the modern age. Power easily corrupts a
person and absolute power can corrupt completely.
Ecclesiastical power can also do the same. For example, the
power of the Pope, which ruled especially in the Middle
Ages, is a deviation from the will of God. Decentralized
power is a safer alternative in terms of the development of
society.
The emergence of
totalitarianism in modern times is possible. It involves the
concentration of power, the suppression of political
opposition, restrictions on freedom of the press and speech,
distorted nationalism, the denial of religious freedom, the
replacement of the Christian faith with something else, such
as a cult of leadership. Germany is one example. There were
Hitler schools and the Hitler Jugend organization, where
Hitler was idolized and taught important Nazi values.
Racism, intolerance
and xenophobia have gained an increasing place in the modern
world
Many far-right
organizations may support conservative values. They may
oppose abortion, homosexuality, support family values and
speak in favor of law and order, but at the same time they
may hate certain groups of people, such as foreigners. They
accept some values from the general moral code, but when
hatred is the impetus for their actions, they create more
destruction than positive things. It is noteworthy that many
Christians also initially supported Hitler because he
opposed some of the liberal ideas, such as abortion or
homosexuality. Later, these people realized their mistake,
as did many other Germans.
Politicians reject
the Christian faith, but they do not notice its positive
effects in the economy and other areas, if the teachings of
Jesus and the apostles are followed, and when a person
allows himself to be saved. The Christian faith has a
positive effect, among others, in the following areas:
Home
and family remain better intact when the teachings of Jesus
and the apostles are followed, crime decreases, freedom from
drug and alcohol addictions, in addition, genuine Christian
faith affects the reduction of abortions, violence, greed,
corruption and injustice. All of these things are beneficial
for the stable development of society and the economy
In politics, one can
act morally right and wrong. Many politicians today do not
consider extramarital sex, homosexual relationships,
abortion, or euthanasia to be wrong, even though these
things are wrong according to the Bible. The question is
whether today's politicians are better than our ancestors
who considered these things wrong. This is unlikely to be
the case, but our ancestors were on average better than our
generation. This can be seen, for example, in the
development of television programs.
This article
discusses politics, its trends, and emphases. In what direction is morality in
politics moving forward and does politics lead to well-being or does it put
society in disarray? Does the policy take into account the Christian faith or
is it based entirely on naturalistic values? Or how will foreigners be treated
in the future? Among other things, these issues are being considered. We start
with totalitarianism and the concentration of power.
CONCENTRATION OF
POWER.
If we should name one of the bloodiest and most brutal periods in history, the
most likely option would be the last century. Tens of millions lost their
lives in either wars or persecution by leaders. Well-known are e.g. the
administrations of Stalin, Hitler, Mao and Pol Pot, as well as the numerous
communist states where atheism has been an official doctrine. Indeed,
communism based on atheism, and Nazism ideology have been the worst causes of
destruction. If they had not come to power and influenced people’s minds, the
development of many societies would have been different and more peaceful.
These societies would have avoided the many sufferings that these ideologies
led to.
So why does
totalitarianism appears time after time and dictators come to power?
Several
explanations can be found for this, but it seems that volatile conditions and
economic crises are the main reason. This was also the case in Germany in the
1920s and 1930s. When the stock market crash began in October 1929 on Wall
Street, it shook Germany in particular as the country’s exports stalled and
American banks began demanding repayment of the huge loans they had given to
German businessmen. Support for the Nazis exploded as a result of the economic
crisis. They promised the unemployed work and food, the middle class
protection against the scourge of communism, and the veterans a new stronger
Germany. In addition, Hitler loudly threatened to oppose unrest and violence,
even though it was the Nazi SA forces that were responsible for most of the
street violence. The consequence of the promises was that the gaze turned to a
new leader, who assured that Germany would turn to a new rise. They wanted
leadership and a leader who would lead, and they were were not so picky about
what leadership should be like.
Indeed, Hitler
initially improved the economy, albeit with the help of debt money, as he
borrowed billions from abroad. However, the Germans had to pay a terrible
price for Hitler’s leadership. The result was the suffering of the German
people and the destruction of the structure of society. Millions lost their
lives when they gave their consent to the new leader:
What led Germany to
this strange situation was strange in itself. After the war, many were happy
to wipe out the old order and get rid of the emperor. But when the old monarch
finally left the palace, those who demanded his departure were suddenly lost.
They found themselves in a similar crazy situation as a dog who has caught a
car by chasing it eagerly and then can’t figure out what to do with it - so it
looks around furtively, looking guilty and creeps away. Germany had no
history of democracy and had no idea how democracy works, so the country was
torn apart by rioting by disputed factions; each faction blamed the others for
everything that went wrong. This is what they knew: there had been law, order,
and posture under the emperor; now there was chaos. The emperor had been a
symbol of the nation; now there were only petty politicians…
Germany wanted
to restore its former glory, but the only means available was the language of
democracy, which had lost its power. Thus, on January 30, 1933, the people
elected in a democratic election a man who had vowed to destroy the democratic
government they hated. Hitler's election to office destroyed the post. (1)
Economic crises can
therefore be dangerous because they lead to a concentration of power. If
rulers are prone to hatred, if they do not respect people, or if they think
they are not responsible for what they do after this life, they can cause
great harm. The atheist rulers Stalin, Mao, and Hitler who lived in the 20th
century are examples of such rulers.
What is the
teaching of the Bible on this subject? On the Old Testament side, there is
some mention of this subject. When the people request to the king, it was
neither God's will nor a benefit to the nation. This is a good lesson also in
modern times. Power easily corrupts man and perfect power can corrupt him
completely. Ecclesiastical power can do the same. For example, the power of
the pope, who ruled especially in the Middle Ages, is a deviation from the
will of God. Decentralized power is a safer option for the development of
society. It is also useful if the leaders have expertise in financial and
other matters and they pursuit of good. This kind of society is best for
people.
- (1 Sam
12:13,16-19)
Now therefore behold the king whom you have chosen, and whom you have desired!
and, behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
16 Now therefore
stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
17 Is it not wheat
harvest to day? I will call to the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain;
that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have
done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.
18 So Samuel called
to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people
greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
19 And all the people
said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we die not:
for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
In the search for the
safest model for the development of society, decentralized power is clearly
the best option, as it takes into account human sinfulness.
It is useful if the
legislatures, the judiciary system and the executive power are separate
entities. Then there is less room for corruption and abuse. In dictatorial
countries, this usually does not happen.
Switzerland
once went even further. Power was not only divided into three branches, but in
addition, each institution was placed in a different city. In addition, power
was divided at the national level, i.e. the cantonal level (corresponding to
the states and provinces) and the city level. Models like this protect against
excessive concentration of power and large-scale abuses. The following comment
continues on the subject, showing how important it is that the state does not
control all aspects of life. This prevents totalitarianism:
Althius defended
the autonomy of social blocks, which prevents the concentration of power in
the hands of the state. Genuine pluralism arises when different social
relations are organized according to their own laws. It is the tension between
them that secures individual freedom. One of the best ways to protect the
rights of the individual is to protect the rights of families, churches,
schools, business enterprises, and voluntary associations – detached
individuals are very vulnerable to totalitarian control, as Hannah Arendt
shows in The Origins of Totalitarianism. Strong independent groups limit the
power of the state: each social institution takes responsibility for its own
sector of activity – the state does not control all aspects of life. (2)
Towards
totalitarianism.
As stated, it is
not quite insignificant what kind of governance there is in society. The
absence of laws, justice and civil liberties prevents society from developing
in a positive way. There have been many such societies throughout history. The
worst of them have been the totalitarian societies that emerged in the last
century. In them millions of people were killed and human rights were in low
level.
What about the
present and the future? Many think that the same cannot happen in our time as
what happened in Nazi Germany or what happened when Communism came to power in
many countries. However, this should not be considered too certain. History
repeats itself and if economic conditions deteriorate, anything is possible.
It is worth learning from past experiences. It is possible that, as a result
of economic difficulties, we will once again go to a situation where power is
concentrated and totalitarianism enters society. In general, it implies the
following things that are its hallmarks:
• Political power
is concentrated on a small group or just one person. In Nazi Germany it was
concentrated on Hitler, in Italy on Mussolini, in China on Mao, or in Uganda
in the 1970s on Idi Amin. Many have also predicted, based on biblical
prophecies, that the same will happen in the territory of today's European
Union. For some, this may be hard to believe, but in reality, the
concentration of power and the idea of a federation has progressed year
after year in the Union. The larger a conglomerate like the EU becomes, the
more difficult it is to control, and the more likely it is to pave the way for
dictatorship and small group control. Already, EU legislation goes beyond
national laws, which can be considered a dangerous development. At some point,
power may be even more concentrated, and may happen as it did in the time of
Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. Anything is possible, especially if the economy goes
worse.
• Political
opposition is suppressed. This was the case in all communist countries as well
as in Nazi Germany, where the Gestapo police terror prevented the free
operation of other parties.
• Restrictions on
freedom of the press and expression are typical of totalitarian states. In the
West, this good thing, freedom of speech, is being abused. It is used to
spread evil through TV, such as violence, pornography and other injustices.
• Nationalism is
common in totalitarian states. In a negative sense, it means not respecting
and valuing other peoples and ethnic groups. Racism is an example of such
behavior.
Positive
nationalism differs from the previous one. It values other ethnic groups as
well, acknowledging that people in different nations may be different but
still valued. It can also mean co-operation between nations, if necessary.
• Denial of
religious freedom is common. The Christian faith in particular is being
attacked. Jesus is considered evil, as he himself stated (Luke 6:22: Blessed
are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as Evil, for the Son
of man's sake.).
• Replacing the
Christian faith with another, e.g., a leadership cult, is typical of a
totalitarian society. So it was in Nazi Germany. Young people were taught to
hate the Christian religion and world of values and to believe in the divine
power of the Führer. In addition, they were taught the idea of race and how
the Germans were superior to other races. The American correspondent, Howard
K. Smithin, gives his review about the Hitler schools in 1941.
“In addition to
reading, writing, counting, and fake German history, the boys are taught how a
coal mine works and how to build bridges; in addition, they have to meet such
physical demands that the youth of Sparta would be worse. ” This upbringing,
Smith summed up, “is basically just brainwashing. The boys are reminded of the
belief that Germans are superior to all other peoples, they are instilled with
a ruthless idea of race, they learn to hate the Christian religion and world
of values, and they believe in the divine power of the Führer. After leaving
Adolf Hitler schools they are technically skilled, powerful, clean, and active
young people, but they are only able to weigh moral values just a little
better than an orangutan… The highest goal that lurks in their eyes is the
death of a hero. ” (3)
The second comment
continues on the same subject. God was replaced by fidelity to the homeland or
the Führer, who were identified with each other. The former Hitler-young tells
what kind of education he received:
God, and also the
virtues of charity and truth-likeness, were cut off from ethics and replaced
by allegiance to the fatherland — or to the Führer, which was identified with
the former. It was, of course, false ethic. (Manfred Rommel, born in 1928) (4)
• Many totalitarian
states are characterized by youth movements harnessed to the prevailing
ideology of society. For example, in communism, the Soviet Union had a
Komsomol organization for 14-26 year olds and a Young Pioneers organization
for 9-14 year olds. They had a total of tens of millions of members.
Similarly, in
Nazi Germany, there was the Hitler-jugend organization, which in 1935 included
half of the 10-18-year-olds and just before Hitler's invasion of Poland in
1939, almost all young people. Young people were instilled with the notion
that they are a new generation and better than their parents. In addition,
this organization had such a feature that the patrols informed the police and
the Gestapo of hostile attitudes as well as Nazi-critical speeches. A similar
reporting system has been common in communist countries.
Your child already
belongs to us. What are you? You will die, but your offspring are already in
the new camp. They will soon know of nothing else. (Adolf Hitler, 1933) (5)
Of course, young
people are impressed when they are told that they are the future, they are
decisive, the old ones will disappear one day anyway. (Hans-Jochen Vogel, born
in 1926) (6)
“We felt we were a‘
new generation ’. We felt like we were ‘elected’, ”says Harald Scholtz, a
former Adolf-Hitler schoolboy. "We are the ones who are bringing to Europe a
reform that everyone must embrace." (7)
• The idea of a
community or state more important than the family is important in a
totalitarian society. For example, in communist states, parents were required
not to teach anything that is contrary to the state and the party. In
particular, religion was forbidden to be taught (even modern atheists demand a
similar model as in the communist states, where the theory of evolution was
taught as truth, and “scientific” Marxism-Leninism was taught). The words of
communist Z.I. Lilina are famous . In them, he taught that children belong to
the state and must be saved from the disgusting influence of the family:
We have to save these
children from the disgusting influence that the family provides. In other
words, we have to nationalize them. They must be taught the ABCs of communism
so that they may later become real communists. Our task now is to obligate the
mother to give her children to us – the state. (8)
The Hitler-jugend
also had a similar goal of educating young people to a prevailing idea where
there was no place for God. The community was considered the most important of
all:
This overemphasis
of the community, the fact that everything should have been sacrificed for the
community, this overemphasis was quite self-evident in the Hitler-jugend. (Hans-Jochen
Vogel, born in 1926) (9)
POLITICS AND
RACISM.
One area of policy is the relationship with foreign people and minorities.
Racism and intolerance have gained more ground in the political arena.
Xenophobia and selfishness have become widespread in many countries, and open
racist groups have a lot of influence. It has also changed the politics of the
ruling parties and affected society as a whole. Immigrants such as Muslims as
well as Roma, Jews, homosexuals and other minority groups are at risk.
The main reason
for the xenophobia of politicians and other people is economic considerations.
There are, of course, powerful racists who react negatively towards others
mere by skin color, or some difference, but usually money means the greatest
reason to xenophobia. We do not always want others to benefit from this
well-being, from which we ourselves get enjoy. Many think that refugees and
other groups just want to take advantage of comprehensive social security in
the West. One does not think that refugees and foreigners can also be a
resource that brings more jobs and workers as well as wealth to social
interaction.
It is also easy
to forget that there has always been immigration. Nearly two million people
have moved from northern Europe to America in search of bread and work.
Similarly, from the rest of Europe people have moved to America in the hope of
better circumstances. Luckily for them , they ended up among people who had
just similar ethnic backgrounds.
People do
neither take into consideration the teaching of the Bible about hospitality
and loving strangers. One indication of this was that tithe were collected,
not only to help the Levites, but also the widows, orphans, and strangers.
Foreigners had to be helped as well as own citizens:
- (Deut 14:28,29)
At the end of
three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase
the same year, and shall lay it up within your gates:
29 And the
Levite, (because he has no part nor inheritance with you,) and
the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within your gates,
shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD your God may bless
you in all the work of your hand which you do.
- (Lev 19:33,34) And
if a stranger sojourn with you in your land, you shall not vex him.
34 But the
stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you
shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt:
I am the LORD your God.
As stated, are at
high risk e.g. Muslims, Romani people, Jews and homosexuals.
Of these, Muslims
are the largest group of immigrants in Europe, so it contributes to explaining
negative attitudes towards them.
However, the
Romani people have the weakest minority position in Europe. Their situation is
difficult because they have unemployment, poverty and, in some countries, they
are outside access to education and health services. Attempts have also been
made to deport them from begging in many countries - as if poverty had been
made a crime. In addition, anti-Roma rhetoric has become more common over the
years. They are one of the most discriminated groups:
Discrimination,
street violence against Muslims and increasingly angry voices in the European
media have followed than on demand. According to the European Union Agency for
Fundamental Rights (FRA), which surveyed the living conditions of Muslims in
14 EU countries, one third of Muslims have experienced discrimination. In
addition, 11 percent of respondents had been victims of racist crime. The vast
majority (79 per cent) of Muslims, as well as other minority groups in the FRA
study, had failed to report their crimes and discrimination to the authorities.
(10)
Today, Europe’s 10
million Roma are the most endangered minority on the continent, clearly
discriminated against more than any other large minority group (such as Jews
or Muslims). This was stated by the European Union Agency for Fundamental
Rights (FRA) in its report in spring 2010. The most frequently mentioned
figure, 10-12 million, is a rather conservative estimate. Probably the amount
is much higher. (11)
What about the
treatment of homosexuals? In some countries, they are subjected to violent
treatment and desecration. This is what happens e.g. In Eastern European
countries.
From a biblical
perspective, practicing this thing is a sin, but it is equally wrong to hate
one’s neighbor. Indeed, the right approach is to warn our neighbor of wrong
choices and sin, but we do not hate him. Here is a boundary between right and
wrong. Everyone is a sinner in some areas of life. Others may have sex outside
of marriage, others may have other reasons. All people should repent of their
wrong doings:
- (Acts 17:30)
And the times
of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to
repent:
In this regard, it
can be said that many far-right organizations may support conservative values.
They may oppose abortion, homosexuality, advocate for family values, and speak
out for law and order, but at the same time, they may hate some groups of
people. They accept some values from the general moral law, but when anger is
the impetus for what they do, they cause more destruction than positive things.
A good example
of such a person was Hitler. He made abortion illegal, homosexuals were
hard-pressed and he promised to bring law and order, but at the same time he
hated Jews and other groups of people. When people were asked afterwards why
Hitler came to power, one reason was precisely that he promised to bring law
and order.
Which direction
are we going?
As racism increases,
one reason is undoubtedly the increase in immigration that some politicians
are seizing. If the economic crisis deepens and youth unemployment increases,
it will further increase xenophobia. Attitudes towards immigrants can turn
negative if the economy does not pick up.
How can
immigrants and refugees be helped? At the very least, we must renounce all
racism. We will not overcome this problem if we favor wrong attitudes.
Otherwise, the world may soon go to similar chaos as in the 1930s. This is
possible if we don't repel in time wrong attitudes towards other people.
One option is to
seek to support those people who are in the poorest countries and who are
planning to move. If they receive financial assistance in their own country,
they can continue living in a culture they are familiar with. This would avoid
potential conflicts arising from massive moving. Most people want to live in
their home country if there are good and stable conditions and jobs on offer.
Emanuel Minos,
who has experience from wartime, explains how it is possible to drift into the
same situation as it was in Germany in the 1930s. He sees signs of danger in
current developments, as anti-foreign politicians can take advantage of it:
In Eastern Europe,
Jews faced persecution, pogroms, religious prejudice, and poverty, and they
sought relatively tolerant cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Munich, and
Nuremberg. As their troops grew, so did anti-Semitism. Everything happened in
about 70 years… Our memory is often short. In our time, new immigrants come to
Scandinavia every day, a people who are more foreign than Jews or Roma. And we
can see that prejudices are increasing at the pace of immigration…
The question is
whether Europe should take significant steps over time to stem the
uncontrolled flow to rich countries. This could include significant industrial,
economic and humanitarian aid to the third world.
If we do not
provide substantial support, the consequences could be fatal. I am afraid that
extreme conservative politicians will gradually come to power in the National
Parliaments of European countries, even in Scandinavia. Are we aware of how
people’s opinions are changing? Are we aware that even the speeches of
reform-minded politicians during election campaigns get a tone that follows
prejudiced attitudes because they are otherwise afraid of losing voters?
… As sincere
Christians, we must resist such developments. Let us not give help to
politicians who exploit people’s fear of foreigners. We need to learn from the
past. It all started from so small and ended in a horrible way.
As for
anti-Semitism and racism, the third ringing has really been heard. (12)
POLITICS AND
ECONOMY. As stated, economic life is important for
the development of society. Sometimes it can open the door
to dictators who use the prevailing circumstances as a
springboard.
What about the Christian faith and economic
life? In modern times, many politicians want to abandon the
Christian faith. It is not taken into account in the
development of society or elsewhere. They think that it has
no practical significance for people's lives and society.
They consider it an outdated and false concept that is not
worth believing in. According to their understanding, modern
man seeks the building blocks of his life in other
worldviews and views.
However, the Christian faith, if it is
genuine, is important in many areas, including economic
matters. If the principles of the Ten Commandments are
followed, it will affect the economic sector and other
areas. Politicians often want to keep social spending under
control, but a very large part of it is due to wrong
lifestyles that are contrary to the will of God. If they
were not there, society's social spending would be
significantly reduced. We will take a few examples.
Home and family. The
breakdown of families is one of the scourges of our time. A
hundred years ago, divorces were extremely rare, certainly
due to the influence of the Christian faith. For example, in
Finland, there were an average of about 125 divorces per
year between 1901 and 1910, but now more and more families
are breaking up as a result of divorces. The Bible's
teaching on the permanence of marriage is not followed.
Action is needed in this area that strengthens homes.
What is the
consequence of family breakups? At the very least, they
become financially expensive in the following ways (For
example, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat reported 2 5.01.2011:
"Divorces are expensive for many"):
• The more families
break up, the more the costs to society increase in the form of subsidies. For
example, in Finland in 2009, there were about 70,700 children and young people
as clients of child welfare social work and within the scope of outpatient
support measures. Of these, more than 16,000 children were placed outside the
home. Single parents are also in an awkward position because they have to take
care of rent and other expenses alone when before there were two. They often
have to make a choice between children and work.
• Fatherlessness is
a serious consequence of divorces. It can manifest in children’s lives in many
ways, including in the school world as a small example shows. An increasing
proportion of teachers ’time is spent on disciplinary action, law enforcement
or special education. The trend has continued the same for a few decades. The
big reason for this is certainly the diminishing importance of the Christian
faith in society, the disintegration of families, and that respect for
authorities has diminished. If development has taken place, at least it has
not increased the overall happiness and well-being of society. The situation
has deteriorated and children in particular are suffering from development.
When I was speaking
at a certain men's camp in Hume Lake in California, I mentioned that the
average father spends only three minutes of quality time with his child a day.
After the meeting, one man questioned my information.
He scolded, "You
preachers only say things. According to the latest research, the average
father doesn't spend even three minutes daily with his children, but 35
seconds."
I believe him
because he worked as a school inspector in central California. Actually, he
gave me another startling statistic.
In a certain
school district in California there were 483 students in special education.
None of
those students had a father
at home.
In a certain area
on the outskirts of Seattle, 61% of children live without a father.
The absence of a
father is a curse nowadays.
(13)
• Crime is related
this subject because most criminals come from broken families or have spent
some time in institutional care. It shows how important the support and
presence of both parents is for children.
In His parable of the
prodigal son, Jesus does not speak of a mother but of a father. The son needs
a father! The girl needs a father! Behind the crime and fall of Finnish youth,
I see fatherlessness. There is no father or there is only an image of the
father. No real warm, fair father figure. There is a stranger who goes home,
who does not know his children and whom children do not know...
It is sad that the
placement of unsafe children in institutions where it is difficult for them to
establish close human contact has increased and that placement in private
homes has decreased. Here, too, we can see the cooling of love for children.
When you don't have children of your own, you don't want to take a stranger
either. People's desire for comfort has grown...
All the killers
described in this book have spent some time in institutional care. It already
provides some evidence of what institutional children become. They are common
customers in courts of justice. The most major reason behind the crimes seems
to be the lack of a father and mother, the lack of love.
(14)
Drug and alcohol
addictions
are a major reason
for the rising costs to society. The more drug addicts and alcoholics there
are, the more families break up, people are marginalized, forced out of work
and the number of illnesses increases. All of these things become financially
expensive. It has been estimated that in Finland, for example, alcohol costs a
billion euros a year directly to society and indirectly up to five billion
euros (Kauppalehti 16 September 2011). Hundreds of thousands are dependent on
alcohol.
How does the
Christian faith relate to this topic? In short, when a person encounters God,
he or she usually gets rid of his or her alcohol or drug addiction at some
point. Thousands can testify how this has happened to them. Social programs
without the gospel are much less effective in these areas. The best results
are achieved when people have spiritual motivation and support staff around
them. Even the worst addictions can end.
David Wilkerson,
who worked with drug addicts in New York and thought he had met more drug
users than anyone else in the world, says:
We specialize in
desperate cases and will reject no-one, although we worked at first only with
teenagers. Those who need help come to us voluntarily, usually when they have
lost all hope. (...)
We simply believe
in God's power of breaking the Shackles of habit and also making the Victory
thus achieved last through faith. I'm not interested in whether other
professional organizations fighting drug addiction accept my method or not. I
know that drug addicts accept it. I challenge anyone in the world to bring a
hundred people cured from drug addiction to the same event, as we have done.
As of yet, nobody has responded to this challenge. We can present to you
thousands of former drug addicts who were completely freed from drugs and
filled with the power of God. (15)
Abortion
and the economy. One of the problems in modern society is the debt problem. It
would be possible to stop it if taxes were raised in time to a level where
expenditure would be covered. The longer current developments and indebtedness
are allowed to continue, the more difficult it will be to stop later. At some
point there will be a sudden stop.
One reason for
the current debt problem is also the skew of the population pyramid due to
abortion. Failure to keep God’s commandment “You shall not kill” (Ex 20:13)
has led to an economic problem. For example, it is estimated that 0.5 million
people (10% of the population) are missing in Finland due to abortion.
Probably there would be no pension problem or it would be much milder if these
people were still alive. There would be more young working taxpayers and more
tax revenue. Pension expenditure and other social expenditure would be easier
to manage if there were more taxpayers.
Violence
in society can
become financially costly. One assault can cost tens of thousands of euros or
more, so it is not a question of small sums.
What causes the
violence? The biggest reason is a lack of respect and a lack of love for
fellow human beings. Neighbors are not valued as they should be. Just
following Jesus' teachings would eliminate violence:
- (Matt 7:12)
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even
so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
- (Matt 22:39,40) And
the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40 On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Mental problems and
illnesses often arise on the same basis and can lead to the exclusion of
people. They are usually based on physical violence, sexual abuse, or mental
rejection such as school bullying. Man feels himself rejected, and it makes
him sick. Mental problems and illnesses can also stem from drug use or
occultism, but the most common cause is still difficult interpersonal
experiences. We need more compassion for people to be healed mentally.
- (1 John 3:11) For
this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one
another.
- (1 John 4:21) And
this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother
also.
Greed,
corruption and injustice
are the causes of poverty in society. The more greedy, corrupt and injustice
people are in society, the less it is possible for society to develop
economically. The money goes to those who are already rich, but the poor
remain in poverty. There have been such societies especially in Africa, Latin
America, and Asia, where wealth disparities have been great and where the
Christian faith has not had much of an impact in the past. However, Western
societies have also drifted into ever-increasing wealth disparities. There
were similar differences in wealth just before the recession of the 1930s in
America. Loren Cunningham, who has visited every country in the world, shares
his observations on this topic:
For over fifty
years in my travels I have paid attention to three things that drive the
country onto the brink of poverty and make it impossible for people to reach
their full potential. These three things make up the “trinity of evil”, that
is greed, corruption and injustice, which I mention in chapter 18. All three
things are opposites of both God's nature and the way he originally created
people, and our responsibility to live according to the truth.
The impact of
these three evil things can easily be seen in the majority of poor countries.
I don’t mean that in these countires every person is greedy, corrupted or
unfair, but those characteristics dominate in society. If big enough of a
crowd in powerful positions acts blatantly greedy, it is followed by
corruption, blackmail and giving and accepting bribes. Injustice inevitably is
the consequence of all this.
How big of a
portion of the population do we need for this? There is no clear percentage,
but I would estimate that around 25-35 per cent of the population is enough.
It doesn’t even need to be the majority. You know that a sufficient amount has
been reached, when you start to notice a change in the tone of the culture…
The same principle goes the other way. Any nation can hold greed in check by
practicing generosity. Any country that has a righteous government, can
experience economic growth and freedom of the citizens.
(16)
What is Bible's
counsel on this subject? It is talked about in numerous places.
If we followed
these guidelines, it would make society more equal and fairer. Giving up greed
could also increase jobs. The problem is in the selfish nature of man. Bonuses
to executive, high salaries, unnecessary dismissal of employees, or ongoing
salary demands by employees are examples of greed. The more everyone demands
for themselves, the more there is unemployment and the state of society is
deteriorating. Greed, corruption and injustice lead to it.
- (James 5:1-4)
Go to
now, you rich men,
weep and howl for your miseries that shall come on you.
2 Your riches are
corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and
silver is corroded; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and
shall eat your flesh as it were fire. You have heaped treasure together for
the last days.
4 Behold, the
hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept
back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into
the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
- (Luke 3:12-14)
Then came also
publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said to
them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers
likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them,
Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with
your wages.
- (Luke 12:15)
And he said to
them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists
not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
RIGHT AND WRONG
IN POLICY.
Acts committed by humans can be classified into two categories. These
moral-related options, which also emerge in politics, are:
• Everything people
do is right
• There are acts
that are clearly wrong
Which of the above
options is true? Those who do not believe the teachings of the Bible, such as
the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, may initially lean toward
the first option. However, when asked if they accept torture, the sexual
exploitation of children, or theft from themselves, they usually answer in the
negative. It shows that they practically believe in the existence of universal
and objective values. They may not have thought deeper about it, but consider
some acts, such as thefts and murders, clearly wrong. The same things are also
defined as wrong and reprehensible in the courts and universally. These people
may not believe that morality is from God, but in practice generally agree
with the basic principles of the Ten Commandments (You shall not kill, You
shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor…). It
means that there is a lot in common in the realm of morality and coexistence
on ethical issues is natural. There are only a few exceptions.
The only
exceptions are a few topics that we will list and study. Opinions are divided
in them. Many of these things used to be considered wrong, but now many claim
them to be good, by defending them e.g. in the name of compassion.
• Extramarital
relationships (You shall not commit adultery!)
• Practicing
homosexuality. Many defend this issue in the name of equality and human rights
and because they believe it is a congenital matter (although several
homosexuals themselves deny it). They do not believe that it is a matter of
sin and lust and that it effects on eternity.
• Abortion (You
shall not kill) is the third issue on which people disagree (a similar ethical
problem is embryonic stem cell research). Those advocating for this have been
less likely to have seen photographs or videos of aborted fetuses. From them
can be seen the hands, feet, eyes, mouth, and exactly the same body members as
adults or newborns have. Only the size is smaller.
There is some
contradiction in the fact that the same people who speak out for homosexuality
also support abortion. Have they forgotten the human rights of children and
the right to live? Why do they defend the killing of children? For when it is
known that a child in the womb has the same body members as a newborn,
conclusions should be drawn from this. Murder is murder, whether it targets to
a child outside or inside the womb. This was also stated in a declaration by
the World Medical Association in Geneva in 1948 when the unethical behavior of
Nazi doctors had exposed. The declaration stated: "I hold human life in the
highest esteem since conception, and I do not use my medical skills against
the laws of humanity, even if I’m threatened."
The politicians
of the current generation are thus different from the politicians of the past
in these two matters. Their
view is quite the opposite. What is the reason?
• Euthanasia (You shall not kill).
When comparing modernity with the time before Nazism in Germany, both are
characterized by increasing support for euthanasia.
This idea was by no
means invented by the Nazis, but was first supported in university circles and
among the intelligentsia. The Nazis merely brought this matter into force when
they came to power. They also used compassion and love as a basis for
euthanasia in their propaganda films. The same is being done now when
defending euthanasia and abortion.
Nowadays,
support for euthanasia is strange because it is possible now to alleviate
human pain better than ever. The conditions for good hospice care exist if
there are enough resources.
Were our
grandparents wrong?
When we want to change morality today, an accusation is directed at the
generation of our grandparents. Were they wrong in considering abortion,
homosexuality, or extramarital affairs wrong? Were they worse than those who
now defend these things?
Hardly. If you
compare, for example, old movies with current programs, they were somehow
harmless. In them there was less ugly language, violence, or blatant sexuality.
They were healthy compared to the current programs. Developments in this
sector have not, at least not, improved in moral terms.
Another measure
is the well-being of children, which has deteriorated significantly during the
current generation. Newspapers and the media have referred to it several times
(Etelä-Suomen sanomat reported on 31 October 2010:
A billion soon for
institutional care for children and young people. Children's problems have
escalated drastically since the beginning of the 1990s... Institutional care
for one child costs up to 100,000 euros per year.
... and 20.11.2013: Child violence becomes more common… The aggression of
young children has increased in Finland.). Developments have steadily
deteriorated, showing that the morale and lifestyles of the current generation
are far from the level our grandparents had. It happenede also like this in
Israel centuries ago: children behaved worse than their fathers.
- (Jer 16:12)
And you have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, you walk every
one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not listen to me
Consequences.
What
happens when defending extramarital or homosexual relationships in the name of
love as often happens in the media and what are some politicians advocating?
The direct
answer is that it weakens the position of children. It leads to sex
experiments between selfish adults and the breakdown of ordinary relationships
and families, which means increased costs for society. It may not be the
intention of the people or politicians who defend these things in the name of
love, but it is a direct consequence. The more these issues are brought up in
the media, the more it breaks up families and relationships. Children become
victims of adult selfishness, which they call love. Freedom and love are used
as a veil of evil.
A few quotes
show how important it is for children to have both a father and a mother in
the family. They thrive best in families where the parents have a lasting
relationship like marriage. It is the best situation emotionally for children
and the most socially economical way to care for children. Other options are
more expensive and worse. It has also been found that criminals most often
come from orphanages or single-parent families (usually the father is missing).
This is an unfortunate fact, which the statistics prove to be true.
If we were asked to
design a system to ensure all children’s basic needs are being taken care of,
we would probably end up somewhere, what is similar to the ideal of having two
parents. In theory, this kind of plan does not only ensure that the children
get two adult’s time and resources, it also provides a controlling and
balancing system, which promotes high-class parenthood. Both parent’s
biological relationship with the child increases the probability that the
parents are able to identify themselves with the child and are ready to make
sacrifices for the child. It also decreases the probability of the parents
exploiting the child. (17)
It has been cogently
showcased that children do not flourish, despite good physical care if they
are being held in impersonal institutions, and that separation from the mother
– especially during certain periods – is very damaging to the child. Typical
implications of institution care are mental retardation, indifference,
regressing and even death, when a sufficient surrogate mother is not
available. (18)
References:
1. Eric Metaxas: Bonhoeffer, pastori, marttyyri, näkijä, vakooja (Bonhoeffer),
p. 156
2. Tapio Puolimatka: Viisauden ja tiedon aarteet Kristuksessa, p. 346
3. Guido Knopp: Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 211
4. Guido Knopp: Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 244
5. Guido Knopp:
Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 17
6. Guido Knopp:
Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 17
7. Guido Knopp:
Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 185
8. H. Kent Geiger: The Family in Soviet Russia. Cambridge, Mass., 1968.
9. Guido Knopp: Hitlerin lapset (Hitlers Kinder), p. 17
10. Lisa Bjurwald: Euroopan häpeä, Rasistien voittokulku (Europas skam:
Rasister på frammarsch), p. 34,35
11. Lisa Bjurwald: Euroopan häpeä, Rasistien voittokulku (Europas skam:
Rasister på frammarsch), p. 93
12. Emanuel Minos: Ovet suljetaan (Det har ringt for tredje gang), p.
27,33-35
13. Edwin Louis Cole: Miehuuden haaste, p. 104
14. Paavo Hiltunen: Ja maa tuli täyteen väkivaltaa, p. 20, 72,73
15. David Wilkerson: Kukkaislapsia löytöretkellä (Purple-violet Squish),
p. 9
16. Loren Cunningham / Janice Rogers: Kirja joka muuttaa kansat (The
Book that Transforms Nations), p. 144,145
17. Sara McLanahan & Gary Sandefur: Growing Up with a Single Parent:
What Hurts, What Helps, p. 38
18. Margaret Mead: Some Theoretical Considerations on the Problem of
Mother-Child Separation, American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, vol. 24, 1954,
p. 474
More on this topic:
Read how the Bible and the Christian faith have affected literacy, health care,
and other positive ways. Many are blind to this fact
Read how the Christian faith has improved human rights and
conditions of people
Impact of the Bible on economy.
Wrong lifestyles increase society's unnecessary costs by
millions of euros, but adherence to biblical principles
reduces them
Many reject the
Christian faith in society, but other options are worse in both moral and
economic terms
The Ten Commandments under analysis. The Ten Commandments are a good foundation for conduct. By
following them, crime and most of the problems will remove
from society
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