It is a dangerous situation when a philosopher meddles in such practical affairs as government policy and child development. I remember Socrates’ experience when he asked some foundational questions of his fellow citizens so many centuries ago; I hope I do not have to watch my wine glass with special care after this lecture. But it is my impression that the Athenians’ frustrations with Socrates were not entirely with his quest for values; those frustrations arose partly because he mostly asked questions but did not always offer good answers. I will try to ask some questions and also offer some answers; obviously you are free to try to find better answers if you cannot accept my proposals. I am not afraid of disagreement, but please hold the Hemlock.
As a young man I had the privilege of being an academic assistant to the very significant social scientist David G. Myers. His wide-ranging, award-winning research in psychology and sociology was informed by a search for values and principles which would make human life flourish, a kind of Socratic quest. He dared to hope we can identify trans-cultural values which will promote human well-being, happiness, and the common good, and this hope led to his intensive research and extensive writing. He also claimed that it is the big things that have a big effect on human well-being, matters like key ideas and values, whereas he was convinced that many passing fads had relatively little influence on human well-being, no matter how aroused people may become in discussing different government policies and different styles of parenting. So in the spirit of Myers, I will suggest that ideas and values which we can bring into the formulation of policies, programs, and practices in the family, business, and government are more important than many particular decisions which we have to make. Those values and ideas will shape all our policies, programs, reactions, and relationships. Let me illustrate.
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From the author:
I offered this article to Christian readers as an example of how Christians can and should exegete and proclaim God’s natural moral law in our global civil public square as a means of God’s common grace. I first used this speech, under a different title, in a conference for European Union family policy leaders held in Prague, perhaps the most secular city of Europe, where it was well received. It should soon be published by a secular university in Romania. It is possible for Christians to contribute to public culture and policy if we use a trace of wit, avoid hostility, and do not sound like we are trying to create a theocracy. Thanks to our supporters and the International Institute for Christian Studies.
As I read through the article I was struck by the lack of any biblical understanding of man. I kept waiting for how the image of God in man and the vitiating effects of the Fall are rudimentary to understanding these concerns of the author. I thought how this article could be published in Psychology Today (is that publication still around?). Now I see the note from the author and all is clear.
My problem is what I said: How can we begin to address the psychological and sociological problems of our society without beginning with God’s Word? If a person is not regenerated by the Spirit, it means nothing if we make them feel more loved or more secure and more content. I also wonder why byFaith published this other than to provoke thought.