Has A Post-Christian America Rediscovered its Moral Compass?

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Photo by Garrett Sears on Unsplash

Photo by Garrett Sears on Unsplash

Has A Post-Christian America rediscovered its moral compass?

The recent landslide of exposures, resignations, and coming forth of the "formerly silent majority of the abused" makes me wonder, has America rediscovered its moral compass? 

I do not think so. 

Make no mistake any dose of moral awareness is welcome in a culture that exchanged truth and wrong for moral relativism. 

Former Fox News Host, Gretchen Carlson, taught America to believe the victims who spoke the truth. Those who chose silence, because of possible shame, Gretchen Carlson helped them find their voice. I think Gretchen Carlson broke open the wall allowing women to discover courage and find the strength to speak against abusers and their abuses. Her recent book, "Be Fierce" gave a platform for women to be heard and believed. 

When it comes to any abuse, there is no context where that behavior is acceptable. Real people get hurt when perpetrators swell with pride and abuse others with words and deeds. 

No person may be exempt:

  • If the abuser led our nation, a state, or political district, they must be held accountable. 
  • If the abuser is one who read us the news, they must be held accountable. 
  • If the abuser stood in our pulpits or taught or led a church ministry, they must be held accountable. 
  • If they taught or led in a college or our schools, they must be held accountable. 
  • If they led a missions agency or were a missionary, they must be held accountable. 
  • If they are a relative, they must be held accountable. 
  • There is no excuse for abuse. 

If a corporate or religious culture protects the abuser, it is reprehensible. If the same entities ignore the victim, it is wicked and inexcusable. 

If someone makes an accusation which is demonstrably false, it is wrong and should be held accountable. [edited to add and “should be held accountable”]

If you or you know any who can use the hashtag #MeToo, please help by listening without judgment when the abused want to speak. Express they are safe, and you believe them when they share the truth. Then assist them in prosecuting the perpetrators.

I fear, the culture I know best, the church culture fosters an environment where abuse occurs by those who serve from the pulpit to the parking lots. I challenge all spiritual and secular leaders to put policies in place which prevents abuse. 

I believe:

  • Abuse of any kind is wrong. 
  • Abuse is a crime against God. 
  • Abuse is a sin. 
  • Abuse is often criminal. 
  • We must prosecute abuse.
  • There is no excuse for abuse. 
  • Has America found it's moral compass? No. 

This is a time to give help to victims. We must provide a safe space to those who speak the truth. It is the time to do what the Christian community should do well, lead and listen with grace. 

The only moral compass for any people is the word of God.