We are watching the downfall of civilization

If you are over the age of 50, no one has to tell you that life, these days, resembles nothing even close to the decades of the 50s, 60s or 70s. The shocking things that we are confronting in society, on a daily basis, serve as irrefutable evidence of massive changes which are leading to chaos. It can only be described as the end of civilization as we’ve known it.

Here is a post-mortem look at what we have lost as a species: 

• Civility towards one another

• Accountability for our actions

• The ability to differentiate good from evil and confront each accordingly

• Tolerance for the diversity of others among us

• Freedom of expression and the practice of one’s religion

• Regard for safety and security

• Honesty and integrity in leaders

• Living within the boundaries of the law

• Appreciation and desire to preserve the aesthetic and beauty of our surroundings

• Healthy work ethic and drive to succeed and excel at something in life

• Service to others

Obviously, so many other values and ethics could be added to the list, but the above represent virtues and life choices which not only lead to success for those who adopt them but also benefit society as a whole, contributing to respectful interactions towards others throughout life’s journey which we must travel together. This systematic breakdown of ideals is what has been responsible for the downward spiral of society, and each time it’s happened in the past, the inevitable doom has been unavoidable.  

Sadly, it’s not just the downfall of one empire but of all humanity, encompassing each and every civilized nation, which has lost its way collectively. Although many factors contributed to the place where we find ourselves today, it is, without a doubt, the loss of those stabilizing influences listed above, that once served to keep us within the boundaries of decency and a sane culture. 

For example, it’s no longer possible to have any kind of meaningful dialogue with someone whose opinions are dug in so deeply that any type of challenge to their thinking is met with hurled insult and even vulgar profanity. Just look at what happens at any pro-Palestinian gathering. No one is able to change anyone’s mind, because credible information and true facts mean nothing to those who have become too invested in a cause to which they are wholly wedded. The covenant that they have made with deception not only has plugged up their ears but also the recesses of their thought processes. 

The intolerance which emanates from that covenant is one that circumvents any other explanation or opinion. It can only be one way and one version without room for further investigation. The deception blinds their ability to discern the most elementary understanding of good from evil, even to the point where an accommodation must be made to justify the unthinkable as acceptable.

How did we get here? What changed as time went on, to the point that we no longer recognize our society as a function of inspiration, causing us to relish each day and enjoy every blessing that comes our way? These days, it’s a bit harder to sense blessings, which often become overshadowed by the news of senseless murders we hear about, the growing display of mental illness, which is plaguing every community, making life uncertain and dangerous, as well as the lack of adequate protection and safety upon which we can no longer rely or take for granted. The simplest mundane trip to the mall or some other everyday activity can end in tragedy due to one insane person who wants revenge on society.

What we are witnessing is what happens in a society that is disconnected from the Almighty, as faith is put aside, causing us to think that we can go it alone. But if this is the result, someone greatly miscalculated, because the glaring regression, which affects every area of life, is a painful reminder of who we are on our own. 

Without leaders who cannot provide honesty and integrity in their dealings and escape accountability with impunity, we are nothing more than a rudderless ship – floating adrift in the darkness of night, sinking into lawlessness and indifference to rules and moral codes that were once a guide. 

American youth believe that they can loot, destroy public and private property and set fire to police stations while facing no consequences. They are right, because even those safeguards have been compromised. At the same time, we see how the media has immense disdain and utter contempt for anyone espousing Judeo-Christian ethics and beliefs. Mocked for their stupidity and ignorance, they are depicted as the worst in society. 

Families, once held up as the ultimate model of life at its best, are reviled. Having children has become undesirable to an already overburdened planet, although no one has offered any better replacement for the unit, which has been the most timeless and stabilizing force throughout history, providing us with love, support, guidance and a sense of belonging.  

Perhaps the most grievous thing of all is our flexibility to adapt to our own downgrading, almost willing to accept the inevitable without putting up a fight, because it seems to be the easiest way to get along. 

Taking a stand against these new realities and perceptions not only requires courage, but also demands an assurance and immovable conviction which comes from knowing who you are, why you were created and the pursuits of life which are worthwhile. In other words, it necessitates a wholly well-adjusted individual, with time-tested wisdom and a proven track record of success, in order to replace the refuse that is being pushed on us by the very people who are responsible for the downward spiraling of our civilization. But how many of us feel equipped to be that person?

It’s no wonder that few are pushing back against the deluge of waste and rubbish overtaking all of humanity and leading us to the abyss of destruction. Because it means putting aside the fear of rejection or scorn which will, undoubtedly, come your way for speaking truth, common sense, wisdom and insight. But the sad consequence is that if we don’t do it, we will very quickly be overpowered by the darkness which is already here but will increasingly become too thick to extinguish.

Sitting on the sidelines will not cut it as the forces of evil continue to march onward. We desperately need leaders to inspire others, remind them of why humanity is worth saving and to point the rest of us in the direction of our Creator, the only one who can help us escape our own reckless propensities. Short of that, we will go down in flames with everyone else.

You may be just one small candle of light, but together, we can illuminate the darkness around us and help to provide the path to a better tomorrow, even though it’s already twilight.