This is not an article based on societal norms. With all of the turmoil we have faced over the past couple of years, many have turned their back to their faith. Unfortunately, due to social and political correctness, religion has been forced out of everyday lives due to the threat of society repercussions. Based on the understanding that no one should force their beliefs upon others, this is a Christian based article.
Political correctness, keyboard warriors and discernment have unfortunately pushed faith out of everyday society. This country is based on the principle of Freedom of Religion, but some have interpreted as “If they don’t believe in what I believe in they are wrong and it offends me.” This stigma has stripped faith from almost everything in society, almost making it seem as though being a devout follower is taboo in the present day. Unfortunately, many Christians are unable to voice their opinions about the subject due to the repercussions. In society today you are more than welcome to be a Christian if you just do not actually live by your beliefs, take a stand for your faith or believe others should respect your beliefs. Just like every other following, Christianity will not adhere to everyone's values and ideals, but that is why there are other religions and groups that do not believe in a God, and that is perfectly fine.
It seems like today, Christians are being forced to participate in activities that go against their values. Churches are being forced to change their operations to fit governmental standards due to social outcry. All services are open to the public. I have yet to find a Christian service that will refuse service, so this makes Church a public institution. This causes a problem with a recent decision to force most religious institutions including some schools and hospitals to pay for contraception, sterilizations and such even though that is against what their beliefs are. While these operations and medications are sometimes life-saving, the issue lies in that the government is forcing these institutions to adhere by their regulations or risk criminal charges. The term “Separation of Church and State” is a double-edged sword, but it seems like Christian ideals have dulled while political correctness is shaving away at Christian ideals.
With the advent of mass social media has brought us together within faith closer and making it easier to communicate ideals and values, but also has made us a target. You cannot go on social media without keyboard warriors attacking individuals ideals just based on the fact they do not believe in faith themselves. People are always voicing their opinions, it is a fact of nature, bigotry should not be tolerated, but is protected under our First Amendment which does not seem to apply to Christians. I understand that some people are faith are strong willed and try to spread their ideals, which is not a problem, but the issue lies in people trying to force their ideals on others.
This widespread problem spans more than just religion - there has been a concentration on individuals’ beliefs in society today. We have Christian billboards being forcibly taken down due to the “explicit message it conveys” while other billboards' advertising seems fine. Modern society has taken upon themselves to “evolve" where we do not need religion, just a cocktail of irrelevant entertainment, drugs and monetary goods to keep us satisfied. While I support everyone making their own decisions in what they want to believe in whether with or without religion, I have an issue with those with differing views attacking the beliefs of others. Unfortunately that is common place in society today to rip God from all forms media due to the threat of offending someone.
Letting God back into society will bring morally good ideals back into people’s lives through faith. Something many do not understand is that many odd/crazy denominations are the only ones in the news for morals and ideals that do not reflect for all Christians. This theory spans almost everything today, “There is always that one guy that ruins it for everyone.” Ideals I have taken from Christianity are values based on forgiveness, compassion, love, responsibility, faith, kindness and much more, which would help this struggle generation to grow and develop into future leaders. We have to let God back into our society to help us grow and gain an understanding of each other. With all this PC censorship has only distanced ourselves from each other causing issues, oppression and discrimination when we should be working together for a solution. God should not be taboo in our society, but an invaluable resource to call upon in times of peace and turmoil.
John 5:5
“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”