Choosing My Standards — Part 1
Digest
Pastor Rick Warren begins by acknowledging the widespread concern about moral decline in American society, citing numerous studies and articles that highlight this issue. He then delves into the root causes of this decline, identifying three destructive philosophies that have replaced truth: individualism, secularism, and relativism. Individualism, he argues, promotes a "live for myself" mentality, where individuals become their own standard of truth and morality. Secularism, on the other hand, removes God from public life, relegating Him to a mere Sunday morning ritual. Finally, relativism asserts that there are no absolutes, leading to a culture of tolerance that prioritizes acceptance over truth. Warren emphasizes the importance of truth and absolute values, arguing that they are essential for a stable and meaningful life. He challenges the notion that telling the truth is judgmental, asserting that it is actually an act of kindness and love. He concludes by highlighting the importance of supporting Daily Hope Ministries, which aims to spread the hope and truth of Jesus Christ.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the series, "Building My Life on Values That Last." It highlights the widespread concern about moral decline in American society and the importance of building a lasting life based on lasting values.
The Cause of Moral Decline
This Chapter explores the root causes of moral decline in American society. Pastor Rick Warren identifies three destructive philosophies that have replaced truth: individualism, secularism, and relativism. He explains how these philosophies have contributed to the erosion of values and the decline of moral standards.
Support Daily Hope Ministries
This Chapter encourages listeners to support Daily Hope Ministries, which aims to spread the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. Pastor Rick Warren highlights the importance of financial support and encourages listeners to donate to the ministry.
Keywords
Moral Decline
A decline in ethical standards and values within a society, often characterized by a decrease in honesty, integrity, and respect for others. It can manifest in various forms, such as increased crime rates, corruption, and a disregard for social norms.
Individualism
A philosophy that emphasizes individual autonomy, self-reliance, and personal freedom. It often prioritizes individual needs and desires over collective interests and social responsibility. It can lead to a sense of isolation, competition, and a lack of empathy for others.
Secularism
A principle that separates religion from government and public life. It advocates for a society where religious beliefs and practices do not influence political decisions or public institutions. It can be seen as a separation of church and state, promoting a neutral and inclusive approach to governance.
Relativism
A philosophical view that denies the existence of absolute truths or objective moral standards. It suggests that truth and morality are relative to individual perspectives, cultures, or historical contexts. It can lead to a lack of clear guidelines for ethical behavior and a difficulty in resolving moral conflicts.
Truth Decay
A decline in the value and importance of truth in society. It can be characterized by a growing acceptance of misinformation, disinformation, and a lack of trust in reliable sources of information. It can lead to a weakening of democratic institutions and a decline in public discourse.
Tolerance
The ability to accept and respect the beliefs, practices, and values of others, even if they differ from one's own. It is often considered a virtue in a diverse society, promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence. However, tolerance can be misused to justify the acceptance of harmful or unethical behaviors.
Daily Hope Ministries
A non-profit organization founded by Pastor Rick Warren that aims to spread the hope and truth of Jesus Christ through various media platforms, including radio, television, and online resources. It provides spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to individuals seeking a deeper connection with God.
Pastor Rick Warren
An American evangelical pastor, author, and speaker. He is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and the author of the best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. He is known for his teachings on purpose, faith, and living a meaningful life.
Q&A
What are the three destructive philosophies that Pastor Rick Warren identifies as contributing to moral decline in American society?
The three philosophies are individualism, secularism, and relativism. Individualism emphasizes self-reliance and personal freedom, secularism removes God from public life, and relativism denies the existence of absolute truths.
How does individualism contribute to moral decline?
Individualism promotes a "live for myself" mentality, where individuals become their own standard of truth and morality, leading to a disregard for collective interests and social responsibility.
What is the impact of secularism on moral values?
Secularism removes God from public life, relegating Him to a mere Sunday morning ritual, and weakens the influence of religious values on society.
How does relativism undermine moral standards?
Relativism denies the existence of absolute truths, leading to a culture of tolerance that prioritizes acceptance over truth, making it difficult to establish clear guidelines for ethical behavior.
Why does Pastor Rick Warren argue that telling the truth is not judgmental?
He believes that telling the truth is an act of kindness and love, as it helps people to see their mistakes and make better choices.
What is the purpose of Daily Hope Ministries?
Daily Hope Ministries aims to spread the hope and truth of Jesus Christ through various media platforms, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to individuals seeking a deeper connection with God.
Show Notes
What you value in life will define how you live. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches how to identify and claim eternal values so you can establish your life on a rock-solid foundation.
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