CAN WE TEACH TRADITIONAL VALUES TO A NON-TRADITIONAL SOCIETY?

When we think of traditions we think of things that are handed down from generation to generation. And when we think of values we think about the things that are important to us or to our beliefs and ideals. Which leads us to the question, Can you teach traditional values to a nontraditional society?

World is not like it was

When we look at our world today we see that things are no where near the way they use to be. Just looking back 15 years ago, the things that we were taught as important then do not seem to be heeded by children the same age today. This is not to say that we were more morally conscious, but the environment today emphasizes a different set of values.

Now who is to blame for this change? Is it just a change in time, or is there someone or something specifically to blame?

We have found through our direct interaction with this new generation at the Civic Center, at church, in school and in our neighborhoods that both are true. Unfortunately, today, morality is disintegrating at an enormous rate. And the partner to time's changes, our cultural abdication of personal responsibility, is accelerating this breakdown.

Anytime a nation of people allow certain immoral acts to take place, and idly stand by without any conscientious repercussion, we have a problem.

We have a problem when our elected officials not only seem to condone immorality, but are caught in those acts.

We have a problem when our major source of entertainment glamorizes immorality as an accepted way of life.

Finally, we have a problem when many of our teachers of moral living (preachers, doctors, law enforcers, educators...) are riddled with scandalous accusation of devious and iniquitous actions, and they deserve it.

You have the answer

But all is not loss. There is an answer to this problem. The answer is you!

Charity begins at home with you and yours. We cannot continue to allow ourselves to go down this trodden (immoral) path. If we are to make a difference we must take the initiative to use the vast resources at our disposal.

We can vote or run for political office; we can watch wholesome television shows or sponsor our own show; we can be an example not only to our children but to all children. Or we can support local organizations who are continuing to provide these examples.

We believe that we can reteach traditional values to a nontraditional society by using the same means that changed our moral cultural environment to immoral. But it will take a commitment from all of us, starting with us. Starting with you.

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