The Silencing of the American Conscience (2)

“If you say the wrong thing in America today, you could be penalized, fired, or even taken to court. Political correctness is running rampant, and it is absolutely destroying this nation. In his novel, 1984, George Orwell imagined a future world where speech was greatly restricted.

He refers to the language of  the  totalitarian state as “Newspeak”, and it bears a striking resemblance to the political correctness that we see in America right now.

According to Wikipedia, Newspeak is ” a reduced language created by the totalitarian state as a tool to limit free thought, and concepts that pose a threat to the regime such as freedom, self expression, and individuality. Any form of thought alternative to the party’s construct is classified as “thought crime”. As of now, people are not being hauled off to prison for what they say, but we are perilously close to that becoming reality.

Every day the mainstream media bombards us with subtle messages about what we should believe and what ‘appropriate speech ‘ consists of. Sadly, most of the American public is falling in line with this unwritten speech code”.

Michael Snyder (American Dream August 14, 2013)

I remember George Orwell and his chilling Novel, 1984- but few of us in my generation, took it very seriously. As I shared about my experiences in Buchenwald concentration camp in 1995 (last blog), few prisoners that I talked with believed in 1938 that the Nazi reign of terror was about to fall upon their race and country. We are watching a sickening repeat of one of history’s greatest tragedies.

No longer is free debate a given in our culture, but rather, if you do not say what is politically expedient or correct, you are shouted down, ridiculed, or called a bigot racist, or un-American. To challenge some of the absurdity going around today, compare what Holy Scripture’s account of society at the end of time has to say. Romans chapter 1, verses 21-25 states,” Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile( incapable of producing any useful result; pointless) in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…exchanging the truth of God for a lie.”

I am sure that you have your own examples of what the “thought police” are up to, but let me add a few to your list. Janet Napolitano, University of California President and former Obama government official, recently stated that some scientists who do not believe in climate change, were worthy of jail. The California state legislature, is considering a ban on using “Mr. and Mrs.” because the terms create gender bias. A professor at Ball State University was recently banned from mentioning the concept of “intelligent design” because it violates” academic integrity.” A high school track team was disqualified earlier this year because one of the runners made a gesture  thanking God, once he crossed the finish line. A student at Sonoma State University was ordered to take off a cross that she was wearing, because it might offend someone. A teacher in New Jersey was fired for giving his own Bible to a student that did not own one.

The plan is very simple. Silence the American Conscience through intimidation, fear, and ridicule. P.D. James writes,” I believe that political correctness can be a form of linguistic terrorism, and it sends shivers down the spine of my generation who went to war against fascism.” Jaacques Barzun added,” Political Correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred.”

Glen Beck said it best. ” Political Correctness doesn’t change us-it shuts us up.” I challenge all of us who believe in individualism and freedom of thought to not fall under the” trance of political correctness.” As believers, there are two aspects to keep in mind. First, Jesus told us that towards the end of time and his Second Coming, we would experience unparalleled spiritual warfare, but He promised to be our Strength. Secondly, the church’s greatest moments have come through history, when we have been on the fringe of culture providing restoration and healing for broken lives and hearts. Our culture is in need of cleansing and purifying, and it is the church that can bring that about. This is going to be our finest hour, if we surrender in obedience to His will and calling. It is time for Revival; It is time for the church to go on the offensive because we have the mind of Christ, and our thinking is not clouded by futility. Proverbs 16:3 tells us,” Commit your ways to the Lord and He will establish your thoughts.”

George Orwell might not have been a spiritual giant, but is writings have given us ample warning concerning the times in which we live. The Word of God has given us the antidote for futile thinking, and our Testimony practically challenges the kingdoms of this world. For 2,000 years, the church has never been silenced, and no social or political directive from any worldly system will be able to silence our message now.