Back in the 1960s – 19870s there was this “youth revolution”. Young people were questioning authority, rejecting authority…many of these youth we labeled, “hippies”. They  threw over the conventional and traditional to come up with their own “relative” truth. I suppose each generation has their own form of the same transition into adulthood. But this particular one altered our culture. It wasn’t just a passage into adulthood. It was a permanent shift in out national thinking. Young people wanted to “express themselves” regardless of what it was. There was a lot of anger.

This particular era gave birth to feminism, the anti-war movement, drug usage, the civil rights movement, the sexual revolution, abortion, prayer was taken out of schools, the War on Poverty and resulting social programs, the Peace Corps. There was also, in the Church, a movement of the Holy Spirit. He moved on His Church to bring new life within – especially in the Catholic Church. Other movements were born out of it like, Calvary Chapel and The Vineyard. There seemed to be a move away from the historic denominations toward a more independent, relaxed form of worship: “seeker friendly” churches. Church music went through a revolution leaving behind traditional hymns and replacing it with choruses.

So many changes. Some good. Some not so good.

But every generation must ask, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” I have observed – and still observe – people trying to answer those questions without having any foundation on which to stand. Before the 60s and 70s it seemed that certain things were understood as true. Absolutes were acknowledged. Now everything is relative. If it is “my truth” that is all that is needed. “Your truth” may be different from mine. That’s OK. As the bumper sticker declares, “Coexist”. Be tolerant and inclusive.

In Dr. Phil’s words, “How’s that working for you?”

As I read the headlines I have to come to the conclusion, it isn’t working at all. The world, our culture, is imploding. It seems as if the world is coming to an end. Can it get much worse? Probably.

There ARE absolutes. I know for certain that God exists. I know for certain He loves me and every living thing. I know He loved us so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die by crucifixtion and come back to life. I know He is real and alive today. I know there are moral absolutes established by God for our good. I know when we go against those absolutes, chaos results.

Only Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life.” No other religious figure claimed that. No other religious leader came to life from death. Only Jesus.

Since that is true, there are implications for our lives today. Who am I? A person handmade and loved by Almighty God. Why am I here? To worship Him. The Westminster Catechism says it best, “The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever.”