Ten really dumb ideas of mankind #4: Political Correctness

What is this dumb idea all about? It has become so pervasive that it impacts all levels of our society and impedes our communication with others. What is the point? Why has this worthless concept and practice become so prevalent?

Does The Bible address such "modern" concepts? Actually, God's Word gives very specific instruction on the motives that drive this dumb idea.

The movement toward political correctness is an attempt to reshape society through intimidation and coercion; to promote feminist ideas and to silence opposing views. Being politically correct inhibits good communication because it muddies the meaning of words and phrases.

Anciently, Solomon wrote on this very subject: "Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge" (Proverbs 8:6-9).

This instruction does not leave any room for "spin" or for obfuscating the truth.

Even in the time of Moses, the instruction was to speak plainly: "You shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 27:8). One of those laws is: "You shall not bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16).

Down through time, this instruction has not changed. Notice the words of the disciples as Jesus spoke to them: "His disciples said to Him, 'See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!'" (John 16:29). Jesus also taught that we should speak plainly. "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' be 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).

If we are really concerned about the way we communicate, the words of David in Psalm 19:14 should be our prayer and our approach to life. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

Our booklet What Is a True Christian?, which is totally free of charge, helps to put all of this into proper perspective. This helpful booklet can be ordered online at your convenience.

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