Bulletin

Parents, Protect Your Children!
Carl Mitchell

In a beautiful, poetic statement in the Psalms, we read, "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (85:10). The thought conveyed is that these wonderful qualities go together. I believe that is the nature of God's word—such an affinity exists among its great virtues that one seems to lead naturally to others on a continuously ascending scale.

This is also true of evil. We could very well apply this principle to today—"New Ageism and postmodernism have kissed each other."

These Satan-inspired philosophies are everywhere around us. They travel well in the same company, not that they are the same in all their contents, but they are very much alike in their basic attitudes toward the absence of absolute truth, their centering upon the individual rather than God as the seat of authority and in their scorn of a final judgment according to Holy Scripture.

Parents should be alert to the powerful thrusts that various forms of media offer these "kissing companions." The film industry, television, popular magazines and plethora of books feature these unholy companions.

If you think those pushing the "New Age" philosophy are silent, go to a bookstore to see the abundant choices featuring channeling, messages from angels, guided imagery, meditation, the benefits of hallucinogenic drugs, psychic powers, works regarding "Mother Earth" (Gaia), reincarnation and much more. Better yet, consult a good source of information about the negative impact this movement is having, such as Douglas Groothuis' Jesus in an Age of Controversy (Harvest House, 1996).

New Age and postmodern philosophies are being propagated through entertainment. Their "buzz words" have in-filtrated our education system. At a time when frightened screams accompany any reference to God, the Bible, or Christian faith in the public schools, these religions and philosophies appear welcome.

What can parents do to protect their children from such a culture that promotes such worldly views? First, we must realize that we can count on God blessing our efforts for good. Second, we must be aware that the picture I have just painted is not imaginary—our culture is rapidly changing as a result of these influences. In fact, George Barna's Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators (Word Publishing, 1996) shows that:

Almost 25% of adults surveyed believe in a New Age-type god who will reveal himself through culturally developed religions;
11% see God as a "state of higher consciousness";
3% believe every person constitutes god;
8% see god as the final consummation of human development;
8% believe that the future can be seen through astrology.

Parents must educate their children in the great truths of the Bible—God's plan to send Jesus, his incarnation, life, teaching, redemptive sacrifice for sin and resurrection. They must teach them about Christian living, divine help, the second coming, judgment, heaven and hell.

They should share their conversion stories. They must understand that they are in a life-and-death struggle with Satan for the destiny of their children and that there is too much at stake to depend on Sunday school, Christian schools, VBS, or summer camp to equip them for the battle.

Parents must give the best they have to direct the souls of their children to the God who created them and who desires to live with them eternally.