Editorial
The Bible records two kinds of wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:18-21:
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
First, there is God’s wisdom which is the preaching of the cross and biblical teaching. It is God’s wisdom which saves mankind from his horrible state and sinful condition. The second kind of wisdom is man’s wisdom. Man’s wisdom, called humanism, is really man’s rebellion against the living God.
In every area of our lives the world is putting the pressure on Christians. Man’s wisdom dominates in education. Humanism is supreme in the media. Human wisdom is in virtual control of governments and our court systems.
During the 1988 presidential campaign the American Civil Liberties Union, a humanist legal organization, has become an issue. What is the A.C.L.U.? What are the aims and objectives of this group? The American Civil Liberties Union is one of the key players in man’s struggle against God. The A.C.L.U. is well-known for its conscious efforts to remove God’s wisdom and God’s standards from all areas of public life. This organization battles laws controlling pornographic literature. Its members fight for the removal of “religious symbols.” The A.C.L.U. argues for changing Christmas and Easter vacations into “winter” and “spring” breaks. As Christians we can’t expect the media to expose the activities of the American Civil Liberties Union. Why? Because the media represents the same kind of thinking – man’s wisdom which is opposed to the wisdom of God.
The American Civil Liberties Union is no friend of God’s truth. It is part of the effort to put the squeeze on the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ. The A.C.L.U. has been using a special method – one that has been very effective in opposing God’s truth. It is one that is grossly misunderstood. It is an issue that will even intimidate believers if we let it. This issue is the separation of church and state.
According to the First Amendment of the Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” What was the intention of the framers of this amendment? Their objective was to guard against a government-controlled church or a church-controlled government in America. Those who supported this amendment were well aware of the abuses and corrupting influences of church and state combinations in Europe. It is important for believers to realize, however, that this amendment was never intended to exclude God from all areas of public life. It was never intended to be used as a tool to extend man’s rebellion against God by denying His existence.
The American Civil Liberties Union has used the issue of the separation of church and state as a tool to separate God from our country. This organization would remake America in such a way that, in effect, there would be little difference between the United States and the Soviet Union when it comes to the role of God and His truth in public life.
The framers of the First Amendment never intended to separate God from government, but that is what has been happening. Manger scenes are being removed. Prayer is being expelled. So called “religious symbols” are being pushed out of organization after organization as the government becomes bigger and more controlling.
Christians must understand that as government becomes bigger and intrudes into more areas of our lives, biblical values are being excluded from more meaningful areas of life and living.
The American Civil Liberties Union has misused the issue of the separation of church and state to its great advantage. It is an important weapon in the battle which is being waged against God’s truth. Many humanist “rights” are biblical sins. So, humanists try to avoid biblical truth by invoking the separation of church and state issue.
In spite of their efforts, we can be thankful our coins still carry the words, “In God We Trust.” Man’s wisdom says they shouldn’t. Fortunately, our Supreme Court and Congress still open with prayer. Humanism disagrees. Recognition of God by our government and its institutions is basic to the heritage on which our country was built. Humanists oppose this and continue to do everything they can to separate God from our country.
What can we do? What should be our reaction? It is disconcerting when we stop and reflect upon the “victories” of the wisdom of man over the wisdom of God in America. Is there nothing we can do? Perhaps we can become politically active! Undoubtedly, the Lord does lead some Christians to political solutions. Unfortunately, most Christians who have become active in politics have themselves become heavily influenced by the realities of the political arena and neutralized in their Christian testimony. I think there are several proper reactions and activities open to Christians. First, we should be aware of what is happening. Let’s not ignore the supremacy of man’s so called wisdom in the media, in government, in education and in many other areas of our lives. Then, having become sensitive to the ongoing battle -man’s wisdom in rebellion to God’s wisdom-let’s renew our commitment to godly living. We need Christians who stand counter to man’s wisdom. Society needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of God’s wisdom.
Finally, we should be using our influence where all of us can–in our homes, among our friends and neighbors and throughout our communities. The “foolishness of God’s truth” which is the power of God unto salvation, works at the individual level. The Lord saves individuals. That’s where you and I can have the most influence.
