Author’s note: Obviously, this article is not newly written. It was written shortly after the initial release of the book entitled SEX, a “coffee table” book, “written” by pop singer Madonna. However, it is a timely message. I hope you benefit from reading it.
I heard an interesting tidbit on the radio a few days ago. It seems that a public library in Austin is removing their two copies of the pop singer Madonna’s new book, SEX. The book was released about a month ago, and consists of a series of pornographic photographs depicting Madonna’s sexual fantasies. It is supposed to be one of those “artsy” “coffee-table” books. From what I have read in the paper and seen on television, even the secular media has branded it as in poor taste, and revolting.
But to get back to the news item. When the story began, I thought to myself that finally someone exhibited a bit of good taste and moral discretion. Finally someone had the moral courage to say, “Not here you don’t!” And then the newscaster stated the reason for the removal of the books. It was not because of public outcry, not because of some boycott, not because of any moral scruples anyone had. It was because in one month’s time the books had been read and handled so much, they were falling apart. Truly this is just another example of the baseness of our society today.
Let me give you another example. The Vatican (Roman Catholic Church) officially unveiled its “Universal Catechism” Monday, November 16, 1992. The Catechism was ordered by Pope John Paul II. In giving an address recently in St. Peter’s Square, he said the following concerning the catechism, calling it an “…instrument to carry out the renewed self-conscience of the church, strongly anchored to the one and unchangeable truth of the gospel, but also attentive to the signs of the times.” Two major changes in the Cathechism, (the last edition was written in 1566), concerned the death penalty and homosexuality. The Catholic church softened its stance on the death penalty, saying that although it is valid in “extreme cases,” it should be avoided. On Homosexuality, the stated position is as follows. (As quoted in the Associated Press release). “Homosexual acts are deemed contrary to natural law, but the catechism says homesexuals should be treated with respect and compassion, and not be discriminated against.”
Now, I agree that homosexuals, as well as any other sinner we seek to save, should be treated individually with respect and compassion. But that is not what the catechism is advocating. It is advocating an acceptance of homosexuals, and a toleration of their abomination. All of this in spite of God’s condemnation of the act in Leviticus 20:13, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood {shall be} upon them.”
Other examples could be cited. A general loosness of morals in society. The last election (1992) brought into power two men in the Presidency (Bill Clinton and Al Gore) who will actively seek to legalize once for all the killing of unborn children. Also in the last election the state of California passed a referendum which will allow a Doctor to kill a terminal patient if it is requested by that patient. This is called “euthanasia”, a word derived from the greek word “euthanatos”, meaning “easy death.” Euthanasia is defined by Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary as, “the act or practice of killing individuals (as persons or domesticated animals) that are hopelessly sick or injured for reasons of mercy.” It is also called “mercy-killing.” It is considered by many to be noble, but is called MURDER by God. The use and abuse of alcohol, drugs, the filthy weed of tobacco, etc…
We could go on and on but this alone points out an obvious fact. The world, or at least the society here in America, has forgotten God. It has sunk to levels nearing the degradation of Sodom. The people are guilty of the same thing which characterized the pagans condemned by Paul in Romans 1. Notice what he said in verses 28-30, “And even as they did not like to retain God in {their} knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil mindedness; {they are} whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
One final point. The degradation of this society has influenced the church. It has led to immorality. It has led to the destruction of attitudes toward marriage and divorce that are biblical in their approach. We have to preach on these things, and we will. But you must ask yourself if you have been influenced by this immorality. If you have, REPENT, and lets get back to godliness. Think on these things.
