More than 20 years ago, I wrote a Christmas column that is worth updating, especially given the morals and values crisis the world faces today.
Over my career, I have had a front-row seat, observing and participating as government and society, with some of the best minds of our day, have worked mightily to improve our communities and help solve the terrible problems of crime, drugs, child abuse, poverty and so forth.I've watched as presidents, governors, congresses, courts, councils, task forces and commissions have grappled with these pressing problems. And it has been enlightening and somewhat frightening to note that despite great amounts of legislation, presidential decrees, court orders, newspaper editorials and all else society has been able to do, the problems are not alleviated; indeed they seem to grow.
Jesus Christ, revered as deity by millions and recognized as one of history's great leaders and philosophers by non-Christians, also addressed these weighty problems confronting nations and individuals.
It is interesting to apply his teachings to the troubles of our modern world and compare his and society's approaches to these problems.
The most striking difference is that society generally works on the effects and results of the problems, while Jesus zeroed in on the roots and causes. Following Jesus' teaching would actually prevent problems, while government and society usually attack troubles after they already exist.
Society's answer to war and crime is larger armies, more powerful weapons, better law enforcement, bigger and better prisons and new rehabilitative techniques. Jesus' answer was simple, but potent: love your neighbor as yourself; do to others as you would have them do to you.
Jesus' approach, if adopted universally, would actually eliminate war and crime. Society's approach, while certainly necessary, never really solves the problem.
Society's answer to moral decadence is birth control pills, homes for unwed mothers, venereal disease clinics, sex education and divorce counselors. Jesus' answer was chastity, love and purity.
Society's answer to poverty is public welfare, low-income housing, food stamps, homeless shelters and getting tough with deadbeat dads. Jesus' answer was responsible fatherhood and families who care for each other and multiplying one's talents with self-reliance, hard work and effort.
One approach could potentially solve the problems; the other mostly helps those currently afflicted.
Other comparisons could be made. In each case, society generally centers on the results, while Jesus focused on the causes. Obviously, both approaches are necessary in today's world, but it's apparent which should be emphasized.
There are a few catches in Jesus' approach. It won't make headlines. No breathless press conferences will be held announcing new initiatives.
Instead, progress will come slowly and quietly, behind closed doors of homes and churches, as families kneel and pray together, as fathers read to their children, as individuals acknowledge and devote themselves to a power higher than themselves.
It isn't a quick-fix, pseudo-solution. It is a longer and more difficult process because individual lives must be changed.
Nevertheless, Jesus' approach to solving the world's problems is the only truly revolutionary approach. The only one, ultimately, that will work. It really could soothe the troubles of mankind.
And the few times in history peace and harmony have reigned among a group of people, it has been because they followed Jesus' approach, not society's.
Wouldn't it be nice if Congress would implement Jesus' approach as national policy? No, that would be impossible. Each individual must implement it within himself.