I wrote this and after finishing realized it was way too long for a one-off post. So this will actually be Part 1 and tomorrow I will post Part 2.
During my rehab (which is still ongoing), I finished reading The Eclipse of God by Erwin Lutzer. Mr. Lutzer is a retired pastor and at the age of 83 I am not sure if I know anyone who has his finger on the pulse of our culture more than him. I have NEVER been disappointed in any of his books (I have about 5-6 of them). They are insightful, thought-provoking, and IMHO spot on. This one is no exception.
However, this is not a book review. The basic premise of this book is “our nation’s disastrous search for a more inclusive deity (and what we must do about it)”. {Note: front cover subtitle}
What I found especially beneficial-and it sets the foundation for his analysis-is that he lists 3 gravediggers who prepared a coffin for God and we are paying that price today. Those 3 gravediggers are Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, and Sigmund Freud. With the limited space I have, I’m just going to give Pastor Lutzer’s main points and add a few thoughts of my own.
Gravedigger #1: The Theology of Karl Marx-At Attack on God as Ruler. To Marx, religion was worthless. He believed religion arose because men needed a purpose, and so he created the idea of God. There is much more to his philosophy, but let’s just ask this question: How is his system working out? Let me give you common thoughts and words that illustrate his philosophy: “Defund the police.” DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). CRT. Abolishing the importance of family (including taking decisions out of the hands of parents). At the core is a hatred for religion. A disciple of Marx’s philosophy is Nietzche (“God is dead”).
Gravedigger #2: The Theology of Charles Darwin-An Attack on God as Creator. Darwin said, “Science has nothing to do with Christ.” One bitter fruit from his philosophy is the more one applies Darwinism, the more racist one becomes. His theory led to eugenics (you decide characteristics, appearance, get rid of the “undesirables,” etc) which leads to his beliefs that there are “doubtful species.” Talk about racism! Darwinism spawned Mein Kampf, written by the ultimate racist, Adolph Hitler.
You can see the outcome of these first two gravediggers. Just look at the disciples. Look at the resulting, more common thoughts we have been dealing with over the past few years. Gravedigger #3 will post tomorrow.
Thank you, Bill, for exposing these evil influences that have unleashed a God-less plague of horror and misery upon the world. We see the terrible outcomes such philosophies have had on our once God-fearing society. May we all put the Lord first in our lives and say a firm “NO” to this destruction in the years ahead.
Blessings!
Godless plague for sure Martha. To say there has been destruction is an understatement. Saying NO is the plan!
Great to see that you are on the road to recovery Pastor. I love this post as I have followed the histories of the topics here, especially Marx. My two cents is Marx has succeeded to a point, but it seems many in America might be waking up. The modern issue is the infiltration of our universities and yes, even elementary and high schools, with these anti-God writings. As a father I am so frustrated by this because one of my sons who was educated (brain washed) at IU. He is a great guy and father, has a fantastic career in the medical instrument field and is raking in the $$ but sadly, that $$ is his God. I have tried many times to just have a discussion with him but it never goes well as he just refuses to listen. I have asked God to give me the words to use with him but at this time, I just pray continually for the Lord to touch his heart and, I am aware that the Lord might allow him to be hurt or suffer in order to reach him, my feeling is that is better than him being lost. I trust in the Lord.
Sadly, Dexter, your experience is not isolated. So many bright, young minds have been influenced by our culture of “getting.” Marx’s philosophy is so dangerous because it leads people to living for self. I would like to believe his influence is waning but I also know human nature. I think that praying for your son to have an open heart to God might be the wisest way to go and pray for an open door.
Amen Pastor Bill, and thanks.
You’re welcome Dexter.