We like to believe that our ideas are unique, and drawn from many different sources. We title ourselves conservatives, liberals, environmentalists, etc. however in reality, there are only two to choose from: the people worldview and the system worldview. One is that of light and the other of darkness.
For over 100 years the system worldview has dominated our society. It’s different derivatives can be seen in liberalism, libertarianism, communism, atheism, paganism, and so forth.
The System World View
Let’s start with liberalism. What is liberalism? Liberalism is the view that man has conquered nature. Due to modern advancements in technology and science we have risen above all the limitations of the past. There are no longer differences between the sexes and cultures, as we are on the march to progress.
With the proper training and services, we can end all crime. With more regulations, our nation will handle all contingencies. Why war? That is a silly thing of the past, for now we are at perpetual peace. We can end all poverty, end all suffering, and in essence make heaven on Earth. Therefore, we have the death of God, for if salvation can already be achieved altering the system, why waste our time with that restrictive concept of Christian morality.
Libertarianism is the opposite side of the coin. The problem in society is that we have too much law. If we only eliminated all the extra glut down to the bear essentials, then our lives would be perfect. Without the oppressive system of laws, then man would flourish.
Communism is the view that all society is a class between the rich and the poor, those with capital and those without. Capital dominates and only by the proletariat taking control of the means of production (changing the system) could we have a paradise.
In atheism there is no creator, therefore no objective morality. We decide what is right and wrong. We choose the proper standards and morals to live by, which means our thoughts must be the judge of good and evil. Evil which befalls us must be from the system around us for we are pure.
Paganism is the perfection of this view. Since there are no books stating how these deities wish us to act, we choose what they believe by projecting ourselves onto them. We become gods.
What do we see again and again in all these views? It is the system which is the problem, the system which needs to change. In blaming the system, and not ourselves, we fall into the greatest of all sins: pride. That is why this age is the age of Satan. It was from pride that Lucifer disobeyed God. Pride again is why Adam and Eve fell. The serpent tempted that you do not need God, just this forbidden fruit to live a proper life. Change your system and you will become gods.
The People View
The Christian view is quite a bit different. One can only imagine God chuckling when hearing about the system, the system, the system. Since the fall of man, our wills have been weakened our intellects have been darkened and we have a drawing towards sin. The problem in the world is not the system, but ourselves. We are not so good, so pure, so divine, as we wish to believe. We are imperfect. We are flawed. We cannot fight this battle alone.
Just as the one view begins with pride, the Christian view begins with humility. This makes Christianity challenging for it is unpleasant to admit one’s own shortcomings. However, this very same admittance also provides the key to our salvation: hope. If we are the problem in the world, we are also the solution. How our lives currently look is not permanent and is not outside our control.
We can fix our lives, we can change, and we can overcome the current limitations, but we must take responsibility for our lives and for our actions. We are not a proper arbiter of right and wrong, but there a standard outside of our own judgement in which we must follow: biblical morality.
If the system is the problem, then morals are just an impediment to our freedom. However, if we are the problem, then morals are not a hinderance, but the path to our own perfection: a path never yet achieved, but one worth striving for.
With this responsibility, comes the realization that nothing in this world is free. What we desire, we must become. We will not be handed anything, but must earn it. Before pointing out others’ flaws we must first change ourselves.
If you want friends, become someone others want be friends with.
If you want to be in shape, exercise accordingly.
If you want a certain job, be worthy of that occupation.
If you want to find a good woman, become a good man.
If you want a strong marriage become a proper spouse.
If you want your children to love you, be someone worthy of their love.
Personal responsibility, is what is demanded of us. We can run, hide, and blame the system, but life will continue just the same. It is only by bearing our burden that we will find peace. Become what you wish to see in society for we must lead by example. The time to act is now.
Your humble servant, Francisco Pereira
I will be going soon, and will not be returning, so I wanted to write one more article before I go. Please take care of Linderman for me so that our ladies can have a quiet place to study. God bless.
