Unthinkable II

Unthinkable II

We all know the experience: sending our children off to college with hope and prayer, only to have them return speaking a language unfamiliar to us, viewing the world through a completely different lens. Many parents have asked, “What happened to my child at college?” This unsettling transformation often leaves families wondering how the beliefs and values they cherish can be so deeply challenged. The question is urgent: What is driving these changes in our society and especially within our young people? What forces are shaping their worldview and how should we, as Christians, respond?

Changing Realities in the West

For many decades, Christians in Western countries, including the United States, have lived with a level of religious freedom and legal protection that allowed the gospel to flourish in public life. Our churches, conferences, and institutions have been recognized as nonprofit organizations, often holding tax-exempt status because of their contributions to the common good. This blessing, however, is not guaranteed forever. It is a temporary grace that depends on society’s acceptance of biblical morality and Christian values.

We are witnessing a rapid shift. Governments and cultural institutions are increasingly challenging traditional biblical understandings of marriage, gender, and morality. The church, once respected as a moral guide, is now often portrayed as oppressive and hateful. Laws such as Canada’s C-4 bill criminalize any attempt to change sexual orientation or gender identity, directly impacting the freedom of preachers and believers to proclaim biblical truth. These changes are not random but are driven by powerful ideologies that seek to redefine the very foundations of society.

The Roots of Cultural Revolution: Marxism’s Legacy

To understand what is happening today, it is important to look back to the origins of these ideologies. Karl Marx, born in 1818, laid the foundation for a worldview that rejects God and biblical morality. Marx’s philosophy, developed during his college years, culminated in the Communist Manifesto of 1848, which calls for the abolition of private property, centralized control of resources, and the eradication of traditional social structures.

Marx’s hatred of God was profound and personal. His writings and poetry reveal a man consumed by rage against the divine, fascinated by darkness, and deeply hostile toward Christianity. His ideas influenced subsequent leaders like Lenin, who aggressively pursued a militant, godless state that sought to eradicate any trace of religion from public and private life. This antagonism towards God and biblical values is the root of many of the cultural battles we face today.

Cultural Marxism and Its Impact on Our Youth

Marxist philosophy evolved into what is now often called “cultural Marxism,” a force that permeates universities and public discourse in the West. This movement gave rise to critical theory, critical race theory, gender studies, and other academic disciplines that challenge traditional Christian views on race, gender, and sexuality. The language of these fields is complex, but their goal is clear: to dismantle the Judeo-Christian foundations of Western society.

One vivid example is the way anti-racism is defined by figures like Ibram X. Kendi. According to his teaching, unless one actively supports policies that equalize racial outcomes for every group, one is guilty of racism. This all-or-nothing approach creates fear and drives people to adopt Marxist-inspired agendas to avoid being labeled oppressors. Similarly, the sexual revolution, deeply intertwined with cultural Marxism, calls for the removal of all biblical moral boundaries in sexual behavior and identity, framing any restraint as psychological repression.

The Sexual Revolution: A Battle for Identity

The sexual revolution goes beyond politics and economics; it strikes at the heart of what it means to be human. From a biblical perspective, sexual intimacy is designed by God to be an expression of love within the covenant of marriage, with procreation as part of its purpose. In contrast, the Marxist-influenced worldview sees no purpose or meaning in life or human sexuality. It promotes the idea that sexual identity is fluid and that any restriction on personal expression is harmful.

Today, many young people, especially teenage girls, are caught in this cultural upheaval. Faced with impossible beauty standards and social pressures amplified by social media, some see transitioning as a way to escape the harsh realities of their own bodies and social expectations. The rise of transgender identity among teenage girls, driven in part by the desire to avoid the burdens imposed by societal norms, is a profound symptom of this cultural crisis.

How Should Christians Respond?

Faced with these daunting challenges, what can Christians do? History shows us that there are generally three responses to persecution and cultural pressure: moving away, fighting, or accommodating. Each has its consequences.

Moving away may sometimes be necessary, but if all faithful Christians leave, the society is left without witnesses. Fighting, especially with worldly weapons, often leads to hatred and division, undermining the gospel’s message of love and forgiveness. Accommodation, where the church compromises its biblical convictions to fit in with culture, ultimately destroys the church’s witness and unity.

The best response is found in the theology of the cross: living faithfully according to Jesus’ teachings, no matter the cost. This means loving our enemies, forgiving those who hurt us, and standing united in the truth of God’s word. History is full of examples of Christians who endured brutal persecution without retaliation, and through their love and faithfulness, bore powerful witness to Christ’s transforming power.

A Call to Love, Unity, and Preparedness

We live in a time when the freedoms we have long taken for granted may soon be restricted or lost. Institutions may be stripped of their privileges, and speaking biblical truth could become dangerous. Yet, in this reality, the church’s true strength lies in its people—brothers and sisters bound by love, prayer, and mutual care.

It is crucial that we build strong relationships within our local congregations, caring for one another in practical ways, praying together, and supporting those in need. When all other structures fall away, it will be the community of believers who stand firm, shining as lamps in the darkness.

This is not a time for despair but for hopeful vigilance. The ultimate promise is that Jesus will return. Until that day, let us be faithful, loving, and courageous, holding fast to the gospel and to one another.

Hope and Invitation

If you find yourself troubled by the changes in society and uncertain about the future, take heart. The story of God’s people throughout history is one of endurance through love and faith. You are invited to join a community that supports and encourages one another in Christ. Together, we can navigate these challenging times with hope and strength.

Let us commit to praying for each other, standing united in God’s word, and living lives that reflect the love of Jesus. As the darkness intensifies around us, may our light shine brighter and draw others to the hope we have in Him. The end of this story is good news: Jesus is coming again. Until then, may we be faithful witnesses, living unthinkable love in an unthinkable time.