By Jim DeCamp, Originally written in October, 2018.
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Flowing water––whether clean or impure––moves in one direction.
Martin Luther: “The prosperity of a country depends, not on the abundance of its revenues, nor on the strength of its fortifications, nor on the beauty of its public buildings; but it consists in the number of its cultivated citizens, in its men of education, enlightenment and character.”
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTHY CULTURE:
> Unity based on shared principles.
> Passing on of shared principles through family and education.
> Respect for differences / defending others’ Constitutional rights.
> Honor / work ethic / courage amidst trying conditions.
> Monogamous marriage / dad, mom, kids under one roof.
> Families pulling together in hard times / new beginnings.
> Charity / selfless service / forgiveness / good neighbor.
> Recognized behavioral guardrails.
> Acknowledgement of Creator God / Giver of political rights and personal freedom.
> Thoughtful, civil discourse / truthfulness / integrity.
> Respect for the rule of law.
UNHEALTHY CULTURE:
Erosion, breakdown, or rejection of the above.
CORRUPT POLITICS: THE FRUIT OF CULTURAL DEGRADATION
It’s tempting to jump straight to politics, yet consider that characteristics of an *unhealthy culture* are evident writ large in the attacks leveled against Judge Kavanaugh and against Senate decorum:
> Uncivil behavior by those who disrupt hearings.
> Unsubstantiated, unverifiable allegations.
> Dishonesty in much of the media’s reporting.
> Lack of forthrightness by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
> Attacks designed to destroy an honorable judge’s name, and his family: his wife and two young daughters.
> Attempts to intimidate other fine, qualified people who are potential future nominees.
> Adoption of a we-will-rule-or-ruin mindset.
TAKE HEART
> Live up to the highest you know to be true.
> Your life will make a difference.
> It is enough to be faithful.