What Once Was Called "Shame"

Ah ... so one who seeks to exploit others will be thwarted by the exerted influence of a majority of others. In other words, a "societal check" will be employed to prevent the encroachment of improper behavior in favor of proper actions.

Once upon a time that was called "shame." Members of a community that violated the community standards would bear the criticism and scorn of the community at large. Fear of being shamed was a powerful deterrent. There is much to be said in favor of the concept of shame employed like that.

Unfortunately, expressing condemnation of another's actions is today's greatest sin. "Judge not," people say, indicating that what one does is really none of anyone's business. "Ah," others say, "that only applies when what one does causes no harm to others." But not when the two parties -- offender and offended -- are both members of some grievance minority, competing for exemption from confining dictates because of their oppression, perceived or real.

I'm reminded of a line from the movie "Amadeus." The Emporer of Austria, played by Jeffrey Jones, says to Mozart: "You are passionate, herr Mozart. But you do not persuade." When it comes to the efficacy of public condemnation, what used to be is no more. The influence of post-modernism has wrought a terrible price. In a world where there is no absolute truth, mixed with today's caustic blend of entitlement, I can see the case where one can treat another quite differently from how they wish to be treated ... and feel with total certainty that what they are doing is either morally right, or morally justified.

Case in point: "affirmative action" ... or more properly phrased, "reverse discrimination." A minority wishes to not be discriminated against. Yet they are happy to have government programs in place that actively discriminate against others so they gain an advantage.

Another case in point: lawyers who pride themselves on protecting free speech actively seek to oppress the free expression of Christian belief.

What's my point? My point is that mankind is sinking deeper and deeper into the mire of his own sinfulness. Naturalism, relativism, humanism and pluralisim are taking a dreadful toll. What used to structure society has been loosed; the foundation is gone, the house is crumbling.

Mankind doesn't need education; mankind needs a Savior.