Submitted by: Donald Hank
Who Shapes Our Conscience
and defines RIGHT or WRONG in today's corrupt culture? (Part 1)
….We live in a new era! The Bible-trained conscience has largely been replaced by contrary guidelines that twist, scorn or deny God's truth. Some still point to a conscience, but most people redefine it to match today's cultural values and personal inclinations. These examples illustrate the diversity:
· Social Conscience: "Our conscience is not the vessel of eternal verities [Biblical truth]. It grows with our social life, and a new social condition means a radical change in conscience."[2] Walter Lippmann
· National Conscience: "Our concept of governing is...a concept deeply rooted in a set of beliefs firmly etched in the national conscience..."[3]Barbara Jordan
· Bypassing the Conscience: "No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls."[4] Ingmar Bergman
· Mocking the Conscience: "What a man calls his 'conscience' is merely the mental action that follows a sentimental reaction after too much wine or love."[5] Helen Rowland
· Cultural Conscience: (Christian or not): "The conscience of children is formed by the influences that surround them...."[6] Jean Paul Richter
In stark contrast to the above, Martin Luther dared take a stand against the reign of a corrupt and oppressive church back in April 1521. For his uncompromising faith, he was declared an outlaw on May 25. You may remember his words:
