1) The election of Barack Obama, an ego-driven, radically pro-abortion socialist shows, more than anything could (well, except perhaps by the election or very near miss of a profane "attack comic" as a United States Senator) that America has not only passed into a post-Christian era but a post-rational one as well.2) Objective journalism isn't just dead, it has been murdered by arrogant ideologues of the left. And taking journalism's place is a manipulative machine, one which is willing to engage in the most blatant distortions, manipulations and deceit to get its way.
3) What will be the most immediate priorities of the new administration? They've already told us again and again -- removing all restrictions on abortion (even an aggressive promotion of abortion via Planned Parenthood-style programs in our schools, in our medical facilities, and in our foreign aid).
4) Other dangers to the body politic a Barack Obama presidency will bring? Restrictions on the freedoms of speech and religion; appeasement of America's enemies abroad; deterioration of America's prestige as a beacon of hope, freedom and economic opportunity; and a dramatic extension of the nanny state leading to heavier taxes, denial of entrepreneurship, and thus further financial crises.
5) Most Republican politicians are running scared of the MSM and are therefore running away from the core principles of the Reagan revolution. Either they do not sincerely hold to conservative principles (sanctity of life, freedom, marriage, fiscal responsibility, decency) or they are too unskilled to engage the public, the press and their political opponents with solid conservative arguments. Can it be done in this post-rational atmosphere? Yes. And you don't need to look in Oklahoma or Mississippi either. Look instead in District 4 of New Jersey where Chris Smith just won again -- with 66% of the vote!
6) The marginalization of religion hasn't been achieved half as much by secularism (as powerful as that has been through media, education and government) as it has by religion merely taking itself out of the game. When people who call themselves Catholics (or evangelicals or born again Christians) spend their vote on an abortion extremist like Barack Obama, it's a sure and terrible sign that their "religion" has no consistency, no depth and no relation to the teachings of Holy Scripture.
7) Researching the names on my ballot yesterday, I was chagrined to see how extremely rare were Republicans of principle running for local offices. John Malek and I discussed this briefly last night and concluded (as we have before in previous conversations on the matter) that this is because most young conservatives have values and life priorities that take them in other directions. They are, for instance, driven by concerns of family, career and church. They take responsibility for their own lives and interests. They thus give little thought to government service. But Democrats (to whom government is an enveloping life force) naturally move towards it. A second and more troubling reason, however, is that young Republicans are often dissuaded by parents and church leaders from even considering government service as a legitimate way to demonstrate their religious faith, thus leaving the field to the opposition alone.
8) The election of Barack Obama is a catastrophe. But that doesn't mean that Christians need to face the future with fear or defeatism. Christians throughout history have lived (and spiritually thrived) under bad governments. Many are doing so right now. Our faith is in the sovereign King, Jesus Christ. And our responsibilities to walk godly, to be salt and light, to preach the word in season and out, even to rebuke evildoers all remain in place. And, by the power of the Holy Spirit, these duties are do-able. (Listen to this sermon for more.)
9) The MSM won last night but they couldn't have done so without the dumbing down of America's citizenry. Stupid, intellectually lazy people are a lot easier to lead than informed thinkers. So, if you're looking for ways to create genuine, far-reaching cultural reform (reform that will eventually produce political change), look to the arenas of education, spiritual development and information delivery. Be patient but active. Be creative in technique but with a heart devoted to the eternal verities. Network with others. And pray.
10) America is in deep trouble with the ascendancy of Barack Obama. But the greater problem is the decadent culture of death which America had embraced long before. It is therefore nothing short of cultural revival that we must pray and work towards. And that means holier lifestyles for believers; greater courage and compassion which will increase our evangelism; a stern return to carefully teaching the Bible in our churches and forsaking the worldly foolishness of the seeker-friendly movement; the recruitment of young believers into lives of service to others (including, possibly, politics); a greater zeal for the Church's worldwide mission rather than the ridiculously redundant ministries we finance here in the States; and finally, a proper yearning for heaven, one that aligns us properly to our inheritance, our living hope and our Source of power to live as sojourners here on earth.
