BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW: 1st CENTURY, 21st CENTURY, 6-24-2022 PRO-LIFE VICTORY (published 6-26-2022; article #336)

Introduction

Today is for deep and serious thought. I stated the following – in the final paragraph of my 6/7/2022 article, Biblical Worldview - Book Recommendation by Barna: 'American Worldview Inventory 2021-22: The Annual Report on the State of Worldview in the United States' (published 6-7-2022; article #332):

I still have several rough draft articles on “spin the bottle.” I may finish and publish the various “spins,” but they will be within the context of this overarching article that I have published.

This article will encapsulate those several rough draft articles into one article. The dizziness, caused by the spinning worldviews, must stop!

On 6/24/2022, Friday, the USSA (Un-united Socialist States of America) “Supreme Court” agreed, in a “landmark decision,” with God's SUPREME COURT. My “Twenty-First Century Worldview” section will include more details and commentary. I may write a separate article on the profound topic.

This article, however, focuses on the first century worldview, the twenty-first century worldview, and the biblical worldview. The conclusion will encourage the world – with emphasis on this once great nation – to return, in repentance, to the biblical worldview.

First Century Worldview - the Inspired Apostle Paul

The Bible is the inspired word of God. Each writer wrote by God's direction and guidance. I can prove, and have proved, this fact that informs my faith.

The inspired apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Roman contains a wealth of divine wisdom. Paul's inspired words, which follow, include my highlighting.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32, NKJV)

The apostle Paul -- who lived and wrote by inspiration in the first century -- encapsulated the first century worldview, which was largely unbiblical. A modern study of first century culture agrees with the apostle Paul.

In the first century, God gave over the majority, who followed unbiblical worldviews, to a debased mind. They were without excuse. The knowledge of God and his righteousness was evident. They ignored the evidence and lived ungodly lives.

I do not need to comment further on the eloquence of the apostle Paul's inspired letter to the Romans. Remember that the first century marked the beginning of Christ's church – after Jesus, the Christ, the incarnate Word, had become flesh, lived as the God-man, been crucified, rose again, and ascended back to heaven. The historical record is faith based on fact.

Twenty-First Century Worldview

The unbiblical worldview has not changed much in over 2,000 years. History records moments of spiritual revival, such as the Protestant Reformation, and so forth. The inspired apostle Matthew cited Jesus' timeless words:

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)

For centuries, the majority have continued down the broad way to destruction. Few have walked the “straight and narrow” way. The right way is not determined by the majority (such as in “opinion” polls). The right way has been established by God.

The division in the USSA is based on worldviews in conflict. The broad way is wide and filled with unbiblical worldviews. I will cite only three examples (which were in my rough draft articles). Other examples abound.

“Gun Control”

I have written before that “gun control” is when a moral individual aims and fires his or her weapon – in target shooting, hunting, or defense of life. Immoral individuals – not the gun – cause the ongoing abundance of crimes, murders, and “mass shootings.” Legislation cannot regulate morality. God gives us the right to defend ourselves and others. By the way, “The Constitution of the United States” agrees with that God-given right, under Amendment II (1791):

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

On 6/23/2022, Thursday, the USSA “Supreme Court” agreed with God's SUPREME COURT. The SCOTUSBlog has the article by Amy Howe, “In 6-3 ruling, court strikes down New York’s concealed-carry law,” SCOTUSblog (Jun. 23, 2022, 10:36 AM). Justices Thomas, Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett affirmed. Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented. Supreme Court of the United States, Opinions has the link for the PDF download. I am sure that you have heard about the details. I will not comment further.

Also on 6/23/2022, the USSA Senate passed a “gun control” bill. Fox News reported: "Senate clears path for final passage of bipartisan gun bill: Senate likely to vote on final passage for bipartisan gun bill Thursday or Friday,” published June 23, 2022, 10:36 PM EDT, by Tyler Olson, Fox News.

The bill passed the House, and the first President of the USSA signed the bill into law, on 6/25/2022, Saturday. Source: “Biden signs gun control bill in wake of deadly mass shootings: 'Lives will be saved.' Biden says gun control law doesn't accomplish all he hoped for, but bill was compromise.” By Caitlin McFall, Fox News. Published June 25, 2022, 10:09 AM EDT.

This new “gun control” law will give “Monopoly money” to states, to create programs to keep firearms away from people, who endanger themselves or others (i.e., red flag laws). Also, it will “enhance background checks” for gun buyers under age 21, further penalize criminals who use guns, and give “Monopoly money” for health and mental health programs. Additionally, the law will close a "boyfriend loophole."

The “gun control” debate, in this once great nation, is one example of worldviews in conflict. If the majority would simply follow the biblical worldview, then “morality control” would be enforced by each individual's free choice to do right. Laws, on the purchase and use of firearms, that do not violate Second Amendment rights make sense. Where, however, are the voices that address the underlying moral decay that has been leading to all the shootings? Why do many cities (i.e., Chicago, etc.) that have “tough gun control laws” have the most shootings?

The apostle Paul stated that the first century worldview included those who engaged in wickedness and murder. The biblical worldview would stop, or greatly reduce, “gun violence,” wickedness, and murder. I rest my case.

“LGBTQ Pride Month”

June is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) “pride” month. June is also post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Source: List of National Days, Commemorative Months. The Library of Congress lists June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month.

Even the supposedly conservative Fox News has affirmed “Pride Month,” since last year. Sources: “Fox Celebrates Pride Month by Adding a 'Little Bit of Color,'” by Steve Gidlow, published June 9, 2021. “Republicans Blast Fox News for Promoting LGBTQ Pride Month,” by Andrew Stanton, 6/14/2022, 3:34 PM EDT. “Fox News Promotes Gender Ideology with Propaganda-Filled ‘Trans’ Family Story,” posted by The Daily Citizen, June 10, 2022.

The small town of Rutledge, Tennessee, even made the news earlier this month. The written article is at WSMV-TV, Nashville, Tennessee, "Pastor files lawsuit against Rutledge church that accused her of ‘practicing homosexuality’ (wsmv.com),” by Camruinn Morgan-Rumsey, published Jun. 6, 2022 at 12:45 PM EDT, updated Jun. 8, 2022 at 10:09 AM EDT. The video is at WVLT-TV, Knoxville, Tennessee, "Pastor files lawsuit against Rutledge church that accused her of ‘practicing homosexuality’ (wvlt.tv)," updated Jun. 6, 2022 at 10:00 PM EDT. I wonder how a female “pastor” can be the husband of one wife? I, however, am digressing into a topic on church organization and leadership, into which I will not delve deeper in this article.

The inspired apostle Paul stated that the first century worldview included women, who “exchanged the natural use for what is against nature,” and men, who left “the natural use of the woman” and “burned in their lust for one another.” The majority view, even in churches, that contradicts God's morality on this subject is wrong. The biblical worldview is right. I rest my case.

Murder of Unborn Children (Euphemistically Called Abortion)

The rough draft that became this section started on 5/11/2022. On that day, I read Phil Robertson's SubStack article, "My Answer to the Most Crucial Question in the Abortion Debate: How we answer this question determines whether or not abortion is moral,” by Phil Robertson, May 11, 2022. Brother Phil wrote a fine article. I suggest that you pause, to read his article. I affirm every word that he wrote.

Evil individuals have been threatening Supreme Court Justices and pro-life groups, even vandalizing the buildings of pro-life groups. Source: CNSNews, “Report: ‘Open Season’ on Pro-Life Groups, 40+ Attacks Since Alito Opinion Leaked on May 3,” by Stephanie Samsel, June 21, 2022, 3:16 PM EDT.

On 6/24/2022, Friday, the “Supreme Court” decided in agreement with God's SUPREME COURT! I pause, to bend my knee, in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Good Lord!

The media have been filled with information and commentaries. The SCOTUSBlog reports: Amy Howe, “Supreme Court overturns constitutional right to abortion,” SCOTUSblog (Jun. 24, 2022, 10:13 AM).

The total number of war fatalities -- from the American Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783) to the ongoing “War on Terror” – is approximately 1,304,702. Source: Statista, Number of military fatalities in all major wars involving the United States from 1775 to 2022. We must honor those brave soldiers who fought and died for freedom!

I was still a boy, on January 22, 1973, when that USSA “Supreme Court” issued its opinion on “abortion rights” in Roe v. Wade. The estimated number of unborn children, who were murdered (i.e., aborted), from 1973 to January 2022, is 63,459,781. Source: Christian Life Resources, “U.S. Abortion Statistics By Year (1973-Current): THE CONSEQUENCES OF ROE V. WADE: TOTAL ABORTIONS SINCE 1973: 63,459,781,” Updated January 2022.

On 6/24/2022, I read the following article, from a known sister in Christ. (The links are in her article.)

I am that poor woman of whom the pro abortion people talk about.

I lost my job.

I lost my car.

I lost my apartment.

I lost many friends and family for a long time.

I had my power turned off in the middle of winter.

I had to go on public assistance and food stamps.

I was sent to collections and sued for my balance from the doctor’s office and dropped as a patient.

I was forced to go to an abortion clinic by the bio father, and I walked away and went to a crisis pregnancy center across the street called InvestingHope (HOPE Resource Center).

I am a women who has been blessed by God beyond measure because I gave life to my child, [child’s name removed, to protect privacy].

Abortion as a Solution is a lie.

For those who purposefully use it as their form of birth control, May God have mercy on you.

Roe v. Wade has been overruled and we Praise the Lord!!

#prolife #crisispregnancycenter #crisispregnancy

I look forward to hugging the neck of my known sister in Christ! Her written words brought a tear to my eye.

The apostle Paul stated that the first century worldview included those who were unloving and murders. “Abortion” is a euphemism for the murder of an unborn child. The only exception would be to save the physical life of the mother. That is a rare exception. Media sources, for many days, will include “arguments” for the murder of unborn children. They will argue that the mother's “right to choose” overrides the right to life of her unborn child. They will argue that the mother's social, economic, and emotional well-being negate the right to life of her unborn child. Those arguments affirm a worldview that does not value the sanctity of life and that is not the biblical worldview. I rest my case.

The Biblical Worldview

Luke, the inspired author and companion of the apostle Paul, wrote Paul's statement of his conversion, which reads, in part:

“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:12-18, NKJV)

The apostle Paul changed his worldview from unbiblical to biblical. His eyes were opened. He saw the Light. He was saved. The apostle Paul dedicated the remainder of his life, to bring the unsaved from their dark worldviews to the light of the biblical worldview – by salvation.

Conclusion

My 6/7/2022 article referenced the study by Dr. George Barna. The study is unsettling. It verifies that many – even many, who call themselves Christian – are not living according to the biblical worldview. Those who are not Christian are certainly following unbiblical worldviews.

The examples that I have cited in this article (“gun control,” LGBTQ “pride,” and unborn child murder) are only three of many – indicating that this once great nation does not, in majority, hold the biblical worldview.

My written prayer, now and ongoing, is that this once great nation will see the Light, repent, and be restored to the biblical worldview – before it is too late. At least the majority in the USSA “Supreme Court” has the biblical worldview – as demonstrated on 6/24/2022! Praise God for that victory!