I hate modernity

[Riven]

I just can't stand it any longer. I'm tired of seeing mediocrity praised and rewarded and treated like it's just as good as what came before when it isn't.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that western civilization is in decline. In many ways, it mirrors Rome's decline. It doesn't produce anything of value anymore.

Just look at what passes for entertainment these days. Super hero nonsense where everything is treated as a big joke. Even shows and movies that aren't based on comic books use the same writing style. So you end up with nothing being taken seriously. Nothing matters. It's almost nihilistic in it's presentation.

I tried watching the Fallout tv show earlier. I got through two episodes before I turned it off out of rage. I hate western culture today. It's so empty and utterly worthless. It has nothing to say, and it lives on through nostalgia.

 

[Hiddenthings]

I just can't stand it any longer. I'm tired of seeing mediocrity praised and rewarded and treated like it's just as good as what came before when it isn't.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that western civilization is in decline. In many ways, it mirrors Rome's decline. It doesn't produce anything of value anymore.

Just look at what passes for entertainment these days. Super hero nonsense where everything is treated as a big joke. Even shows and movies that aren't based on comic books use the same writing style. So you end up with nothing being taken seriously. Nothing matters. It's almost nihilistic in it's presentation.

I tried watching the Fallout tv show earlier. I got through two episodes before I turned it off out of rage. I hate western culture today. It's so empty and utterly worthless. It has nothing to say, and it lives on through nostalgia.

The suffering believer lives in a post-Christian world, where Christ and His commands are no longer the dominant worldview. That’s why we must not hide our light under a bushel, but set it high on a hill for all to see. In a dark and morally decaying age, the light of Christ shines all the more brightly. The darker the age, the brighter the light.

And never forget - Christ has already overcome this world - God and Christ are laboring day and night to bring about a rest!

Chin up and keep your oil lamp full!

 

[Aunty Jane]

I hear you @Riven .....nothing in the entertainment arena has anything to offer decent people these days.
It’s a sad and sorry state of affairs when there are no real choices for Christian entertainment in the cinemas. Even children are being fed a steady diet of violence and supernatural stuff. Nothing is educational or beneficial in any of it anymore. I have to rely on travel documentaries of places I would love to visit but could never afford to go. Some of the YouTube documentaries are quite good. We at least have something nice to look at in the scenery....

 

[Matthias]

I just can't stand it any longer. I'm tired of seeing mediocrity praised and rewarded and treated like it's just as good as what came before when it isn't.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that western civilization is in decline. In many ways, it mirrors Rome's decline. It doesn't produce anything of value anymore.

Just look at what passes for entertainment these days. Super hero nonsense where everything is treated as a big joke. Even shows and movies that aren't based on comic books use the same writing style. So you end up with nothing being taken seriously. Nothing matters. It's almost nihilistic in it's presentation.

I tried watching the Fallout tv show earlier. I got through two episodes before I turned it off out of rage. I hate western culture today. It's so empty and utterly worthless. It has nothing to say, and it lives on through nostalgia.

The god of this world hates mankind and is busily working against us.

You’ve made a sound observation and taken a good first step. Why don’t you take the time that you’ve freed up to read Flew?

 

[Berean]

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that western civilization is in decline. In many ways, it mirrors Rome's decline. It doesn't produce anything of value anymore.

It's been declining for decades. According to historians, most empires last 250 years, next year will be the United States 250th birthday. GRanted there are countries that have lasted for centuries, China, Japan, Rome, but while they still exist today, they all went through changes. When we look around the world today, it seems that Islam is taking over the world, because of the governments allowing mass migrants to enter in, and now these countries throughout Europe and America are trying to deport them because they are destroying the landscape.

Just look at what passes for entertainment these days. Super hero nonsense where everything is treated as a big joke. Even shows and movies that aren't based on comic books use the same writing style. So you end up with nothing being taken seriously. Nothing matters. It's almost nihilistic in it's presentation.

As someone who grew up reading and collecting Comic books, I abhor these superhero movies. None of these characters represent the ones I grew up with. Long standing characters have been race swapped, (Nick Fury use to be white, now he's black). Others have been Sex swapped (Captain Marvel use to be male, now the character is female). The Original Green Lantern was married with kids, now he's gay). Comic Books aren't for kids anymore, there is sex and adult stories, one issue had Bruce Wayne (Batman) naked and you could actually see his privates. Comics today are like soap operas, the woke have taken them over and destroyed them.

I tried watching the Fallout tv show earlier. I got through two episodes before I turned it off out of rage. I hate western culture today. It's so empty and utterly worthless. It has nothing to say, and it lives on through nostalgia.

Earlier this year I canceled cable TV, couldn't see myself spending hundreds of dollars a month on something I didn't watch. My wife likes to watch all those cooking shows, so I subscribed her to one, and she's happy. I had some streaming apps, but canceled them. Disney Plus just promoting. I only have Wi-Fi. I love watching old black and white movies from the 30s, 40s, and 50s and documentaries. I spend most of my time reading.

 

[Riven]

Why don’t you take the time that you’ve freed up to read Flew?

I looked into Flew. He didn't become a Christian near the end of his life. He became a deist. It's not much of a stretch to go from atheist to deist given that science can't explain where life came from, or even the universe itself.

When I look at the majesty of the cosmos, I too, become a deist. It's too grand to simply believe it all came about for no reason. But that doesn't say anything about Jesus or a personal god that cares about us.

 

[Matthias]

I looked into Flew. He didn't become a Christian near the end of his life. He became a deist.

When you read his book you will find that he says that Christianity presents the most persuasive argument of all of the possibilities and of all the explanations offered by competing religions.

It's not much of a stretch to go from atheist to deist given that science can't explain where life came from, or even the universe itself.

That’s a step in the right direction. Once taken, a person is no longer an atheist. It’s getting atheists to take the step that is the challenge apologists face.

When I look at the majesty of the cosmos, I too, become a deist.

Better, much better, a deist than an atheist or an agnostic. The work of the apologist is easier, but still challenging, once movement has begun. (By way of analogy, it’s easier to keep the ball rolling than it is to start the ball rolling.)

It's too grand to simply believe it all came about for no reason.

Hold on to that thought. It’s the truth.

But that doesn't say anything about Jesus or a personal god that cares about us.

That’s right. This is where deism falls short. It’s only beginning. I nevertheless welcome and celebrate that beginning.

Will you take another step? If not, what is holding you back from it?

P.S.

I had a few minutes before supper and used the time to look up the quote I had in mind above for you.

”My current position, however, is more open to at least certain of these claims. In point of fact, I think that the Christian religion is the one religion that most clearly deserves to be honored and respected whether or not its claim to be a divine revelation is true.“

(Anthony Flew, There Is A God, p. 185)

 

[PS95]

When I look at the majesty of the cosmos, I too, become a deist. It's too grand to simply believe it all came about for no reason. But that doesn't say anything about Jesus or a personal god that cares about us.

The world is a mess no doubt, and it is spiraling at a fast rate. As much as the scriptures do say this would happen- it really is very obvious now and blatant in your face with no apology.- it's a bit shocking.-- It's disturbing for sure, and the answer is that people need God in their lives.
I try to just keep looking for the good that there still is, and join with that. As for tv- ha! I buy old dvds and read.

I definitely see the love of God in His creation!! One night there was no moon and I could barely see where I was walking, and then that soft nightlight glow of the moon came out from behind a cloud and I could see. I couldn't help but to think back to the times I put nightlights in my children rooms for them. I thought only a loving Father would do that for us.
The the sun by day warms us and causes our crops to grow and the rain quenches their thirst so we have food and the animals in the wild come into my yard and eat the grasses and drink the water from the nearby creek that the rains just replenished. A loving God would do those things for His creatures.
I look at flowers closely and the care put into each one is nothing short of phenomenal! I am amazed by each one. Only a loving God would do that.

Summer evenings when the fireflies ( lightening bugs) come out- they fly so low and slow while lighting up that even a two year old child can catch one and squeal in delight. I truly believe God made them just for children. Why else are they so low and slow? It's a happy summer evening delight for kids just before mom tucks them good night.

Look at all of the summer fruits? why are they here if not for our nourishment and taste buds? From berries to melons and peaches- it's endless, and then He gives us the fall harvests of apples and pears that don't perish easily and go thru winter. All of that is love, and the beauty of it all shows such great care and attention. Inside each are the seeds to plant 100 more trees. Amazing.

I was at an aquarium and was astonished by the tiny fish that looked handpainted. I never knew they existed. the colors! The designs.. This is a God who cares.

A sunset. A perfect way to close out a day- the relaxing hues, the shear artistry and the I love you- I can hear it.
The way the ocean rolls in and back and doesn't cover us all. The smell of the salt air. It's majestic.
The food in the sea to feed us all. It's love and care.

I could go on and on. I see a loving God in creation. I see that He actively cares for us. I also see wisdom. beauty, holiness, and justice and sometimes I see severity.

 

[Riven]

When you read his book you will find that he says Christianity presents the most persuasive argument of all of the possibilities and of all the explanations offered by competing religions.

I agree with that.

Will you take another step? If not, what is holding you back from it?

The bible itself. I just can't bring myself to believe in many of the stories the require a belief in the supernatural.

 

[Matthias]

The bible itself.

If that can’t be overcome then you can’t become a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. He holds the Bible in high esteem.

I just can't bring myself to believe in many of the stories the require a belief in the supernatural.

God himself is supernatural. If you can believe in deism then you have some belief in the supernatural and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for you to come to believe in the personal God of Israel.

 

[Matthias]

The bible itself. I just can't bring myself to believe in many of the stories the require a belief in the supernatural.

How many stories in the Bible are you currently not able to believe? Is it possible for you to put a percentage estimate on how much of the Bible you currently could bring yourself to believe?

 

[Aunty Jane]

@Riven can I ask who or what you believe God to be? What does creation suggest to you about the power of this Being? And since the universe and we ourselves here on this tiny, insignificant planet, are a product of a superintelligent Creator, what realm could possibly hold him if we cannot even contemplate the vastness of his creation?

When you speak of “supernatural things”....what does “supernatural” even mean when related to one who possesses such power, wisdom and intelligence in a “super” way?

The dictionary defines “supernatural” as....”something that cannot be explained by natural laws or scientific understanding, often involving concepts like magic, spirits, or divine beings.”

So basically anything that is ordinarily out of the realms of human experience, conduct and understanding.

If God has a purpose to his material creation, does he tell us what it is? The Bible answers YES!

There is a reason for our existence....

 

[Riven]

If that can’t be overcome then you can’t become a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. He holds the Bible in high esteem.

How could he? The Bible wasn't written when Christ walked the earth.

God himself is supernatural. If you can believe in deism then you have some belief in the supernatural and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for you to come to believe in the personal God of Israel.

Yes, in the sense that I believe the universe couldn't have come into it's existence on it's own. In that sense, I did believe in a singular supernatural event.

How many stories in the Bible are you currently not able to believe? Is it possible for you to put a percentage estimate on how much of the Bible you currently could bring yourself to believe?

I find it very difficult to believe in what is written in the Old Testament. Far more than the New Testament. Most of the stories are Jewish mythology. The garden of Eden, the ages of Adam and his descendents, and the Noah's Ark story, are a few examples.

As for a percentage, I'd say roughly 90%. Maybe 10% of the New Testament is believable. The stories that involve natural events are far more believable and require less evidence. But it's the supernatural events that matter the most because, if true, they confirm the divinity of Jesus.

 

[Riven]

@Riven can I ask who or what you believe God to be? What does creation suggest to you about the power of this Being? And since the universe and we ourselves here on this tiny, insignificant planet, are a product of a superintelligent Creator, what realm could possibly hold him if we cannot even contemplate the vastness of his creation?

A being that holds power beyond imagining. Given his lack of appearances in modern times, at least compared to the time of Moses, I'm inclined to believe he has either given up on his creation, or was never involved beyond being a prime mover.

When you speak of “supernatural things”....what does “supernatural” even mean when related to one who possesses such power, wisdom and intelligence in a “super” way?

The dictionary defines “supernatural” as....”something that cannot be explained by natural laws or scientific understanding, often involving concepts like magic, spirits, or divine beings.”

I think that's an accurate definition.

 

[Matthias]

How could he? The Bible wasn't written when Christ walked the earth.

He read scrolls in the synagogue.

Yes, in the sense that I believe the universe couldn't have come into it's existence on it's own. In that sense, I did believe in a singular supernatural event.

Where there is one there can be more. You have something to build on.

I find it very difficult to believe in what is written in the Old Testament. Far more than the New Testament. Most of the stories are Jewish mythology.

What do you mean when you mean when you use the word “mythology”?

The garden of Eden, the ages of Adam and his descendents, and the Noah's Ark story, are a few examples.

Jesus and the apostles believed all of them are historical places and events.

As for a percentage, I'd say roughly 90%. Maybe 10% of the New Testament is believable.

Alright. So not 0%. You’re roughly 10% there. That’s a long way to go but, again, that’s something you can build on.

The stories that involve natural events are far more believable and require less evidence.

There is evidence for both.

But it's the supernatural events that matter the most because, if true, they confirm the divinity of Jesus.

Resurrection of a dead man to life is a supernatural event, and it is well attested in scripture. We all have to do something with that attestation.

 

[Riven]

What do you mean when you mean when you use the word “mythology”?

Folklore. Old stories that are embellished for effect. Think of Greek mythology. The gods of Olympus were once considered real. They were even worshipped. But now we are fairly certain that this is all part of Greek mythology.

Jesus and the apostles believed all of them are historical places and events.

But we've learned a lot in 2,000 years.

Resurrection of a dead man to life is a supernatural event, and it is well attested in scripture. We all have to do something with that attestation.

I agree. I doubt they all died for something they knew was a lie. People die for lies everyday. But not for something they know is a lie.

 

[Matthias]

Folklore. Old stories that are embellished for effect. Think of Greek mythology. The gods of Olympus were once considered real. They were even worshipped. But now we are fairly certain that this is all part of Greek mythology.

Thanks. That’s definitely not what Jesus and the apostles thought about what is written in the Hebrew Bible.

But we've learned a lot in 2,000 years.

Having a biblical worldview, I don’t think we’ve learned anything that contradicts what the Messiah and the apostles believed.

I agree. I doubt they all died for something they knew was a lie. People die for lies everyday. But not for something they know is a lie.

Then why not believe them?

Are there not things you believe from historical events that have less attestation?

 

[quietthinker]

I just can't stand it any longer. I'm tired of seeing mediocrity praised and rewarded and treated like it's just as good as what came before when it isn't.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that western civilization is in decline. In many ways, it mirrors Rome's decline. It doesn't produce anything of value anymore.

Just look at what passes for entertainment these days. Super hero nonsense where everything is treated as a big joke. Even shows and movies that aren't based on comic books use the same writing style. So you end up with nothing being taken seriously. Nothing matters. It's almost nihilistic in it's presentation.

I tried watching the Fallout tv show earlier. I got through two episodes before I turned it off out of rage. I hate western culture today. It's so empty and utterly worthless. It has nothing to say, and it lives on through nostalgia.

It's no different in any culture around the World.....and would you spend the rest of your life in a rage?

Jesus' sensitivity and experience was no different. We are on the 'Death Star'. It has this title because it's on a decline. It's called this because as the snowball gathers speed and distance it gets bigger and becomes a wrecking ball.

My sanity is not dependant on what I observe around me but on the promise of Jesus, 'I make all things new' Revelation 21:5

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

Anyone who has read about the Communist list of what it intended to do to the West, would be clear to see what has taken place so as undermine the People to become nothing but yobbo Trash !

The West is finished and a dead duck sitting in the water ! bar for Trump is the only Leader that is not a Socialist dingbat !

You all have neen set up to become dupes under a Government that is Socialist that you clearly Idolise as your master ! you have given such power over you all !
The Media MSM are just like Nazi Germany and any Communist Media was in fact ! a one sided propaganda machine that is a Whore !

The Socialist are all about making everyone a Dupe ! They control your thoughts and actions, Just as Hitler did to the Germans and all Communisr do in fact, for if you are out of line with the Socialist god you become what Hilary Clinton said, the Deplorable's ?
Deplorable for what ? Questioning the Socialist ! Just as in Nazi Germany Hitler called all who did not follow his line, were cast as in the same fasion as enemies of the Sate !

Socialism does not like being questioned for it is to be Idolised by all as another of your god's ! and everyone is equal ? Just as W Churchill pointed out what that truly means = Equal Nothings !
Nothing but lab Rats to be as an experment subject. who live in the Idolised Political Correct god Bubble ?

Nazi's are Politicaly Correct ! that is the Key to their power, you must be in that bubble or else !
Communism are Politicaly Correct ! that is the Key to their power, you must be in that bubble of else ! It's a fact ! and if you do not believe it you do not understand the fact's that such is True !

Political Correctness becomes such an Idol to such people in fact ! that's why the Nazis and Communis and the Socialist are such outright totaly nuts ! they can not see jack !

 

[Matthias]

Anyone who has read about the Communist list of what it intended to do to the West, would be clear to see what has taken place so as undermine the People to become nothing but yobbo Trash !

The West is finished and a dead duck sitting in the water ! bar for Trump is the only Leader that is not a Socialist dingbat !

You all have neen set up to become dupes under a Government that is Socialist that you clearly Idolise as your master ! you have given such power over you all !
The Media MSM are just like Nazi Germany and any Communist Media was in fact ! a one sided propaganda machine that is a Whore !

The Socialist are all about making everyone a Dupe ! They control your thoughts and actions, Just as Hitler did to the Germans and all Communisr do in fact, for if you are out of line with the Socialist god you become what Hilary Clinton said, the Deplorable's ?
Deplorable for what ? Questioning the Socialist ! Just as in Nazi Germany Hitler called all who did not follow his line, were cast as in the same fasion as enemies of the Sate !

Socialism does not like being questioned for it is to be Idolised by all as another of your god's ! and everyone is equal ? Just as W Churchill pointed out what that truly means = Equal Nothings !
Nothing but lab Rats to be as an experment subject. who live in the Idolised Political Correct god Bubble ?

Nazi's are Politicaly Correct ! that is the Key to their power, you must be in that bubble or else !
Communism are Politicaly Correct ! that is the Key to their power, you must be in that bubble of else ! It's a fact ! and if you do not believe it you do not understand the fact's that such is True !

Political Correctness becomes such an Idol to such people in fact ! that's why the Nazis and Communis and the Socialist are such outright totaly nuts ! they can not see jack !

Your post reminded of the interview that was done with former KGB agent Yuri Bezmenov.

Here is a link to a 13 minute excerpt from the interview:

Here is a link to the full 1 hour and 27 minute interview: