Hi-Fi

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive.” Mark 11:25a

The 1960’s saw the inauguration of a revolution that has “changed more lives more radically than the printing press, the steam engine, the assembly line, or the atomic bomb” states Peter Kreeft. To mark the 50th anniversary of the tiny but potent change agent in this revolution Time magazine ran an article entitled, “So Small, So Powerful, and So Misunderstood.” I am referring to the sexual revolution and the hinge-pin of it: the Pill. Coupled with a new relaxed view on contraception many bought into the spirit of the Age of Aquarius where “Love would steer the stars”. As it progressed, it was clear that this form of love was mostly a kind that was unrestricted and erotic. Popular songs promoted the revolution’s optimism: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing there’s just too little of” (1965). A generation joined with the Beatles and proclaimed “All we need is Love”.

Ironically, just two years after the Beatles produced their hit they split up – a symbol of things in greater society. Now, fifty years after the revolution began we are still watching our society being dismantled by this new sexual freedom. In order to reverse this trend a constructive love modeled after God’s directives with the mortar of fidelity must be embraced. The best school for learning about fidelity is via authentic community where God’s unconditional love and forgiveness can be experienced. Of course, simply being around people is not necessarily an indication of authentic community. There has to be an openness with trusted people despite what wrongs or sins have been committed. Humility, unconditional love and compassion must be the basis of this authenticity because pride, unforgiveness and self-centeredness will only dismantle it.

The track record of the sexual revolution appears to be increasing sexual confusion and the disintegration of relationships, especially the family unit. How can you pray freely when you are enmeshed in promiscuity? Surely, a person is more likely to hide from God. Only by loving what God loves and practicing fidelity will we be eager to seek God rather than hide. This is what the world needs now, and we will watch prayer advance when fidelity is honored!