Man is a social creature, for good or ill. If society holds to standards of righteousness, it can influence individuals for good. However, if the masses adhere to immoral beliefs, then many will give in to evil.
In modern society, we have “political correctness” as a standard. It is taboo to say certain things about certain groups of people or individuals. For instance, to call homosexual behavior deviant, is politically incorrect. Yet, the Bible labels homosexuality and homosexuals as “vile passion” and “shameful” and those who have a “debased mind” (Romans 1:26-28). Politically correct terms are “gay” and “alternate lifestyle.” Paul’s description was “sodomites” or “sexual perverts” (1 Corinthians 6:9, NKJV and RSV).
Abortion is another area where political correctness is applied. Those who perform the abortions are called “women’s advocates.” The woman getting an abortion is labeled as a “liberated woman.” And the whole concept of abortion is called “family planning.” The Bible labels such as murder. The Old Testament law, one of civil and religious authority, even attached the death penalty to a premature birth resulting in death because of a fight (Exodus 21:22-23). A child in the womb is a human life and must be respected as such (Luke 1:41).
Another area of sensitivity is intoxication. The person who gets intoxicated is said to have a “disease.” The man given to alcohol is excused from his behavior, because, we are told, he cannot help himself — it’s in his genes. The Bible says something else. Men will be held responsible by God for their drunkenness (Galatians 5:21). Yet, in our society it is politically incorrect to label a man as a drunkard (1 Corinthians 5:11).
Political correctness was not practiced by Jesus or His apostles. They labeled sin sin, held men accountable for their actions and called upon them to repent (Acts 2:23, 37, 38). If we want to follow the Lord, we will do the same.
Steven F. Deaton