To me, the ‘R’ word is relationship, not religion. But for the sake of discussion, let’s talk religion. A recent Gallup poll indicates that many Americans feel religion is in decline, at a time when our nation needs more religious influence, not less. It doesn’t take a professional social observer to point out something so obvious. Not only has church membership and attendance gone down, but our laws and cultural mores no longer reflect the religious values that shaped the founding of our nation.

Military history, dating back to ancient times, includes the element of seeking spiritual guidance and strength. Armies have typically sought the favor of God or gods, being sure to have among their ranks spiritual advisors to consult on all spiritual matters affecting not only the outcome of battles, but the well-being of the troops. When human beings know that death in battle is not just a vague possibility, but a statistical likelihood, they want to be spiritually prepared.

In 2013 society is once again moving in a new direction — down — down to its own destruction. Now the latest iteration of the “new morality” is to accord legal recognition to homosexual marriage — equal in social and moral standing to the time-honored Biblical institution of marriage. This trend is foolish, and in the long run, will not stand because it will lead to the disintegration of civilization. This disintegration won’t happen immediately.

In the eyes of many, violent, destructive behavior, including malicious mischief, looting and vandalism, is a valid form of “political” expression, particularly when it comes to demanding one’s “rights”. During the free speech movement of the 60s the practice of burning objects as a means of protest became popular. They burned effigies, draft cards, bras, flags — anything to dramatize their cause and capture the public’s attention.

For millennia society in general has considered homosexuality immoral. The Bible labels it as sin. But for the past 50 years or so, social mores have been changing. There is now a moral argument that society should accept diverse expressions of sexuality, including same-sex unions, based on the assumption that all gender roles are equal, including those of bride and groom. Also, there is a political argument that says marriage between two individuals of the same gender should be legally recognized and made socially acceptable on the basis of “equal rights” for homosexuals.

As God bears with us, we need to bear with one another (Colossians 3:13). None of us is without sin. If anyone says they do not sin, they are a liar (1 John 1:8-10). If it wasn’t for Jesus paying the price for our sin, we would all to be cast out. So, who is worthy to remain in the church? A person who continues in sin is indeed reprehensible. But the LORD still offers them his forgiveness. How much more should the Church offer the bond of peace, rather than a bondage to rules and rulers.

Are you open to hear whatever the LORD has to say to you, or do you just expect him to answer your questions? If you’re asking the wrong questions, then you’re up a creek without a paddle. So, are you really open to God? He’s revealed what we need to know in the Bible. Have you read it? Have you examined it? Do you understand it? Or have you rejected it out of prejudice?

Changes in values from one generation to the next used to be gradual. Now, differences seem to multiply exponentially. You may be familiar with a series of TV commercials in which one child tells younger children how good kids have it today. In one of those commercials, the older child was about 8 and the younger ones about 5. Granted, this is intended to be funny, but it illustrates how fast technology is changing the world and how it tends to segment one generation from another.

Whenever we experience a disaster or a tragedy, our emotions impel us to look for a quick fix; an immediate and even drastic action that will make everything better. But wisdom tells us to be calm, fully assess the situation first, and only then, take action. I am not convinced that the answers to what caused the Sandy Hook massacre or how we may avert another such event will be found by exploring either the mental health issue or the gun issue.

Many Americans are oblivious to the meaning of original intent. A century ago, it was the established and respected legal approach to determining constitutionality and applying law. The question was, “How did the framers of the constitution intend this passage to be applied to our case?” But in the twentieth century, the original intent of the framers was seen as irrelevant by some.