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Political Correctness
Modern Controversies #7
Christians are in the middle of a war, a war that has opened up on a new
front for us today. We have long recognized Satan as our arch enemy, and accept
the warning that he is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Today he has a
new tactic, based upon the old principle of peer pressure and our need to be
like those around us. Some term the war we are in "Cultural War."
Cultural wars? What are they? Cultural war is a conflict between the former,
traditional American value system based upon the Judaeo-Christian ethic and the
humanistic "man is the center of all things" ethic. It is the conflict between
an objective standard of truth and a subjective standard of truth. This cultural
war is the seed bed of Politically Correct thinking.
NO UNIVERSAL TRUTH
The Cultural Wars began with the philosophical perception that true
enlightenment may be achieved through human reason. However, as soon as one
philosopher presented a method to arrive at enlightenment, another came and
discredited it. Soon, philosophers decided that there was no "objective" truth,
so everything became subjective. What was true for one person may not be true
for another. Their conclusion is that there is no universal truth. They contend
that there is no objective standard of right and wrong. The wisdom of men of our
day declares that each man is his own standard and none should stand in judgment
on that standard. This is in marked contrast to the teaching of God. Consider a
few passages.
Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish
children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do
good they have no knowledge.
1 Corinthians 1:20-28Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the
disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews
require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ
crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God,
and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and
the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren,
how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are
called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things
which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are
despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought
things that are:
1 Corinthians 3:18-21Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to
be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the
wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the
wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the
wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things
are yours;
EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN ACTION
A proclamation banning "inappropriately directed laughter" and "conspicuous
exclusion of students from conversations," was issued at the University of
Connecticut.
A controversy erupted at Harvard Law School when Ian MacNeil, a visiting
professor, quoted Lord Byron: "And whispering, 'I will ne'er consent'
-consented." The Harvard Women's Law Association was offended and denounced it
as a "sexist insult."
Professor Stephan Thernstrom, a distinguished professor of history at Harvard,
was forced to drop an undergraduate course after he was harassed because he used
the term "Indian" instead of "Native American."
During the Persian Gulf War, officials at the University of Maryland asked
students not to hang American flags and pro-war banners from their dorm windows.
"This is a very diverse community, and what may be innocent to one person may be
insulting to another," according to Jan Davidson, a University of Maryland
Official.
Many perceive the Confederate Battle Flag as an offensive symbol of repression
of blacks, so it is being forbidden to be flown in may states.
The "Tomahawk Chop" is an insensitive gesture that is demeaning to "Native
Americans."
Using names like Indians, Braves, and Warriors, for athletic teams is
insensitive.
The National Council of Churches has recommended that the 500th anniversary of
Columbus discovery of America be a time of "repentance" for starting "centuries
of genocide."
Freshmen cannot be called freshmen, because that has "gender specific"
connotations. Must be called "new students."
The nickname "Ragin' Cajuns" was attacked because it was claimed that "Ragin"
spelled backwards was a racial slur.
When the NCAA endeavored to set minimum academic standards for athletes, they
were charged with a "covert racist agenda." John Thompson, Georgetown basketball
coach walked off court during a game to protest the "racist" policy.
DEFINITIONS OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
Peter Jones, in his book, THE GNOSTIC EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, (P.#3). states,
"America is still number one, but unfortunately she is number one in
deviant sex, feminism, divorce, the destruction of family values, abortion,
political correctness, and the occult humanistic spirituality of New Age
religion."
In THE CULTURAL CHURCH, p.#77 LaGard Smith, says, "'Political correctness' is
nothing more than a benign catch phrase for 'the liberal agenda.' In other
words, you and I have to toe the liberal line on issues like abortion, gay
rights, and radical feminism, or else be reported to the sensitivity police for
being intolerant."
Tom Olbricht of Peperdine University, in a personal response to my request for a
definition of "political correctness" wrote, "It means to be proactive with the
current cutting edge consensus (whatever or whoever that is, perhaps best
represented by the left wing media trend setters) in conception and vocabulary
in respect to ethnicity, cultural diversity, and gender."
William J. Bennet, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a
federal agency under President Reagan, in his book, The De-Valuing of America,
declared, "Politically Correct" thinking is the term given to the political
orthodoxy that is pervasive on many college campuses. It insists that students
be "politically correct" -meaning left wing- in speech and opinion, particularly
on issues having to do with deviant sex, feminism, race, "Eurocentrism,"
"colonialism," and the like. In reality, it is an academic thought police, the
new McCarthyism of the left."
ENTERING THE PC ZONE
Just as Rod Serling warned you about entering the Twilight Zone, when you
encounter any of the concepts or terms listed below, be aware that you are
entering the PC Zone and that reality will not be what it has always been. It
will be subtlety distorted so that right is defined as wrong, and wrong is
defined as right. Bear in mind God's warning against such people in Isaiah and
Malachi.
Isaiah 5:20-21: 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put
darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet
for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in
their own sight!
Malachi 2:17: Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have
we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of
the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? (KJV).
Some of the politically correct terms and buzz words are:
Truth is subjective.
There is no ultimate truth, hence what is truth for one person may not be truth
for another.
Morality is subjective.
There is no absolute standard of morality, therefore, no one should ever condemn
any act or practice of another.
Consciousness raising.
People who hold strong opinions or positions on a topic or issue only do so
because they are self-centered and do not understand those they disagree with.
Consciousness raising seminars are conducted by corporations, government
agencies, and private organizations in order to remove these "narrow mind sets."
Sensitivity
Judges sentence men charged with being "sexist" to "sensitivity training" which
may well be part of a "consciousness raising" program.
Victim
Everyone is a victim. That is the justification for why Johnny can't read - he
is a victim of a broken home. It is the justification for why criminals are
excused with little or no penalty for their crimes - they are victims of society
and should be held in sympathy.
Multiculturalism
This concept has ended the "melting pot" phenomena that made America great. It
has encouraged "separatism" of nationality, race, and language. Where once
immigrants stove to learn English and fit in, now they are told to retain their
own language, culture, and traditions and flaunt those of America.
De-constructionism
De-constructionism is the re-writing of history. We must deny the Holocaust ever
occurred because it might hurt the feelings of modern Germans.
Homophobe
Roughly interpreted, homophobe means "fear of deviant sex practitioners." Any one opposed to
deviant sex practitioner behavior must be so opposed because of deep seated doubts of their
own sexuality. Interestingly enough, no deviant sex practitioner can ever be a "heteraphobe."
Sexist
It is a unique phenomena that no woman, even those who are ardent advocates of
'Women's Liberation" can be considered a "sexist." Only males are capable of
this deviant behavior.
Racist
Again, only the male, and specifically a white male, will ever be charged with
being a racist. No black can ever be a racist, even if like Farrakhan, he
advocates black supremacy and separatism!)
Pro-choice
This term is used by those who have made a woman's choice for her. She must not
be given any alternative solution to an unwanted pregnancy but termination of
the pregnancy. Her only choice is to have an abortion.
PROMOTERS OF POLITICALLY CORRECT THOUGHT
Political Correctness has had such wide-spread and rapid acceptance because of
those who promote it. They are the liberal minded who are in positions of
influence and power. They are primarily in academia, the news media, Hollywood,
and political offices. As such, their voices have access to tools and techniques
to promote their agenda. In spite of the massive re-education efforts made by
those advocating political correctness, Americans are beginning to see the
fallacy of the concepts. William Bennet, in The De-Valuing of America, page 174,
said "Left-wing academics have so publicly offended common sense that the
American people now react to them not only with outrage, but also with
ridicule."
Here are some of the problems political correctness has in convincing thinking
people of its validity.
Standardized educational testing has been challenged as being "culturally
biased" toward the white middle class so that black students do not have a fair
chance. There is a significant problem with that analysis. Non-white, Asian
students do better than white middle class Americans.
Political correctness challenges anyone who says "I am right." or who takes a
position that is in any way critical of others as being the only sin.
Politically correct thinking is tolerant of every one and every thing, with the
exception of the traditional standards and practices that made this country
great.
Microsoft has been reported to have developed a "political correctness" grammar
checker that will enable you to purge all incorrect language from a document.
Again, there are some dilemmas they face.
In India, the multiculturists have a huge dilemma. Someone from one culture
cannot judge someone from another culture. Black, Native American, Oriental, all
cultural perspectives are valid and true for that culture. The pro-abortionists
applaud the right women have for abortion. The use of high tech to determine the
sex of the child in the womb has led to massive abortion of "girl" fetuses
because of the "cultural" bias for male children. The "feminists" deplore this
situation. Their culture is OK. Abortion is OK. A cultural bias for the abortion
of girl babies is...... They have a dilemma!
SOUR FRUIT OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
"For supposedly noble reasons - including the wish to instill ethnic and racial
pride - universities are drawing more and more attention to race. Increasingly
we've gone from putting a premium on being color-blind to putting a premium on
being color conscious." William Bennet, The De-Valuing of America, p 184
Blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities, under the guise of cultural heritage
and racial pride are being encouraged to seek "separate but equal" facilities in
all walks of life. Literature is now judged on the race and gender of its author
rather than the quality of writing. History is being re written with and
Afro-centrism bias, that everything good originates out of Africa and is
"black." Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus were black. The reason Joseph and Mary were
turned away from the inn was that they were black. Eli Whitney was black.
Beethoven was black. Robert Browning was black. This is not a joke, but what
many are advocating.
History is being placed under the rule of subjectivism, so that some are now are
advocating that the "Holocaust" never occurred, and want to re-write the history
books to reflect this opinion.
Everyone is either the descendant of a victim or the descendant of an oppressor.
As such, the descendants of victims are due some recompense, and the descendants
of the oppressors are to be held liable.
Political Correctness has become a bastion for ignorance and misinformation.
DEALING WITH POLITICAL CORRECTNESS....
It is important for those who would serve God to respect who and what is
deserving of respect for the reason they are due the respect. Romans 13:7 tells
us: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom
to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Compare the different responses of Bork and Clarence Thomas to the challenges
made to them as to their worthiness to sit on the Supreme Court. The outcomes
were extremely different. Clarence Thomas challenged the politically correct
challenges openly and publicly. He won! There may be a lesson there for how to
deal with politically correct challenges.
Expose the arguments to public examination. Do not flee. In fact, do just the
opposite. James writes, in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." One of the best ways to resist sin
is to correctly label it. Issues such as Pro-choice are in reality,
Pro-Abortion. Focus the thought on the real issue, not the straw-man erected by
the politically correct faction.
Apply the Biblical response to issues such as political correctness.
Don't follow the crowd - Political correctness is frequently an attempt to
justify sin.
Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou
speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
Recognize the subterfuge of Satan.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness
for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for
bitter!
Don't accept the philosophy because it flatly contradicts God's word.
Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just,
even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the
people curse, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be
delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have
we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of
the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
God's description of the Gentile condition is like a prophetic picture of the
end result of the "politically correct" road.
Romans 1:18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath
showed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that,
when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but
became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of
the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up
to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own
bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and
worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even
their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And
likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their
lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and
receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 28 And
even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over
to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being
filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment
of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the
same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
THE BIBLICAL APPLICATION FOR CHRISTIANS...
Neither favor nor slight anyone because of race, color, national origin,
religion, or gender.
Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them
all.
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man
with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile
raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say
unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are
become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God
chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he
hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not
rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they
blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal
law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do
well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God
hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
DON'T EVER FORGET THAT THERE IS AN OBJECTIVE STANDARD OF TRUTH. THAT STANDARD IS
THE BIBLE, GOD'S WORD.
By Ney Rieber
From Expository Files 3.7; July 1996
