I Confess!

Allen Dvorak
05/26/19 - Attitude

I confess I belong to that part of the United States' population identified as the "religious right" (expression to be said with a sneer or contempt in the voice). I am unabashedly religious, believing that one's life should be conducted with devotion to God and my moral and social values are decidedly conservative, i.e., to the "right." But it is becoming popular to characterize the "religious right" as a bunch of fanatical nut-cases who are trying to put a stranglehold on social progress. We are supposedly responsible for whatever bad happens in this great nation of ours.

Let me tell you about myself. I still think that it is wrong to lie and deceive, regardless of what power or position one may have in society (Eph. 4:25). I believe that it is wrong to cheat my fellow man in business (Eph. 4:28). I see very little difference between the man who steals from me by means of dishonesty in a business transaction and the thug who holds me up at gunpoint. The dishonest businessman merely hides behind the appearance of respectability, but he is a thief just the same. I believe that character is crucial, both in public and private life.

I believe that life is a gift from God (Psa. 127:3) and abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. Abortion displays selfishness and an astonishing lack of natural affection and is an abomination in the sight of our Creator (Prov. 6:17; Rom. 1:31). I believe that God makes parents responsible for raising their children -- not the government, schools, the church or Little League (Eph. 6:4). I believe in the appropriate discipline of children in the molding of character, including the spanking of a child who refuses to accept instruction or correction (Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15). I prefer to see the tears of a disciplined child than to have to read about how he shot his classmates at school. I despise the physical abuse of children.

I believe that adultery and fornication ought to be cause for shame (Heb. 13:4) and not rewarded, financially or otherwise. Homosexuality is not simply an "alternate lifestyle," it is unnatural behavior and a sin (Rom. 1:26-28).

I believe that the poor should be helped, but the lazy should go without (Eph. 4:28; 2 Thes. 3:10). I believe in personal accountability, that each person should be held responsible for his/her actions, including those who commit their injustices against others in the name of religion. I believe that it is fitting that individuals are rewarded for hard work, but I don't believe that wealth gives anyone the right to break the laws of the government. I believe that punishment under the law should reflect the seriousness of the crime.

I confess to holding all of these values, but I deny that such values will destroy this nation or impede the progress of society. In fact, if our country is to remain great and free, we must return to these values (Prov. 14:34).