Perpetual Adolescence

There has been for some time now an alarming trend with the males in our culture-it is called Perpetual Adolescence. As the father of two "teen-aged" boys (I despise that term, it's nothing more than an invention of Madison Avenue), I am particularly disturbed about this problem, and need to be constantly reminded that they are prime candidates for this attack on young men. Our culture seems to feed the monster, so much so that we now have "boys" who are in their late 20s/early 30s who fail to grow up into mature men. Don't believe me? Just turn on the television or visit the big screen, and you will see what I mean; it's as ubiquitous as the buffoon husband/dad that Hollywood likes to portray. We in Christ's church should be very concerned about this, as it is just as prevalent within as it is without. Could this be linked to the great numbers of our youth who are leaving the church once they are out of high school? How do we combat this? I suggest we begin by discipling them as we are commanded to by our King. There's at least one church who seems to be taking steps to do just this, and after listening to this study, I've been convicted of my own failings as a father in the discipleship of my own sons. For anyone interested in reading further on the subject, there's some very good material available to help in this process and with implementing family worship to help further nurture our children.
Future Men- Douglas Wilson
Standing on the Promises- Douglas Wilson
Thoughts for Young Men- J.C. Ryle
The Case for Family Worship- George Hamond
A Good Start- Charles Spurgeon
Family Practice- R.C. Sproul Jr.
The Family- B.M. Palmer and J.W. Alexander
The Family Worship Book: A Resource Book for Family Devotions- Terry Johnson
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life- Peter Leithart

There's a plethora of other titles, but these are all ones that I have read and have found helpful. Any other suggested titles would be appreciated...

Of course, if it's controversial and applies to the church, then you know Al Mohler will take it head on during his radio show. Dr. Mohler speaks on this very subject on his radio program and blog:
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2009-03-20
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2009-04-13
http://www.ralbertmohler.net/blog_read.php?id=836

Quote of the Year

I was reading an article on the Idaho Statesman's website tonight about the local "Tea Party" that took place today, and read what has to be one of the top quotes of the year thus far:
“The first tea party was a protest of taxation without representation. This tea party is a protest of taxation with misrepresentation.” (Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis)

The nationwide Tea Party events providentially took place the week before our homeschool studies the original tea party and the events surrounding it; we'll have to check out some of the rallies on youtube...

When A Choice Is Not Celebrated

Having watched the NBC Dateline special tonight about Nadya Suleman, the California mother who recently gave birth to octuplets, I am dumbfounded how hypocritical the left (media) is. Let me preface this by saying that I believe that these children are in need of a father in their everyday lives. For as much as I admire this woman for wanting a large family and seeing that children are a blessing from God-which she acknowledged- I can't understand why she doesn't feel the need for a husband to be a father to these children. That being said, what caught my interest (not only on this program but in the media in general) is that those in our culture who are so steadfast in championing the rights of a woman are not standing up and applauding the choice of this woman. Where are the feminists? Why aren't they shouting out their praise for her desire to bring these children into the world sans a husband? Another head-scratcher is the outcry about this woman having all those children and yet having no income. Yes, it is causing a hardship on her and her family, and it is therefore causing her to receive tax payers dollars to support those children. Heck, if I'm really honest, I have to admit I don't like the irresponsible doling out of taxpayer dollars that our government continues to practice. However, we as a society are twisted when we will be outraged at this, and yet say "amen" to the "Mexico City policy" which President Obama overturned, allowing the U.S. to fund overseas organizations that promote and/or perform abortions. Finally, and the real "kicker", towards the end of the interview, Ann Curry makes the comment, "People are not trying to judge you. [Which is a lie] What they're trying to do is, it seems, trying to speak up for your children, who can't speak up for themselves. Your children cannot say, "What are you doing, Mom? What are you doing? My life, my future, is being affected by your decision." This kind of statement when coming from the media is deemed appropriate, and yet that is the argument that those who are pro-life are ridiculed over. We're not "concerned"- no, we're just "looney" or "intolerant." I pray that the Lord will provide a husband to this woman and father for her children. I pray that God would be gracious towards Ms. Suleman and her fourteen children.. Perhaps the American public who have bought into the lie of "choice" will see their own hypocracy tonight.