In This Issue:
I Blame My Generation
Volume: 1036 February 9, 2026
Theme: Sin
I Blame My Generation!
Bill Brinkworth
The world, especially America, is a social and spiritual mess. It is not the same as it was when I was younger.
Previous generations have also had similar observations, I am sure. However, the changes we see and experience these days are unlike anything the world has seen in recent times.
Most likely, it was my generation that initiated the massive moral decline and other extreme philosophies we are dealing with today. Many in my generation shunned biblical principles and embraced “what felt good” even though it was sin.
I was born in 1951 and was a young adult in the early 1970s. That is when so many moral changes occurred. Before the late 60s and 70s, ethical behavior was much different.
At that time, most Americans claimed to be Christian, although most denominations had already begun to depart from biblical truths. Businesses were closed on Sunday so people could go to church. God and His morals were on the consciences of many, even the unsaved.
Before the slow drift away from 1,000s of years of somewhat biblical thinking and living, respect was prevalent in most walks of life. Thoughts of how one’s actions would affect others were on most minds. Elders were respected and treated with kindness and understanding.
The treatment of women was different. One would be scolded for cursing in front of children or women. Doors were held open for women, and rarely would men ever even think of hitting a female. If others harmed or mistreated a woman, most other men would rebuke or get involved to stop such behavior.
Not only were women looked up to, but they were considered special and they had a desire to stay home, raise children, and handle household duties. It was recognized as a God-given ability most women had.
Men were expected to support their families, work, and do whatever it took to provide for their families. One who did not do what was expected of him was looked down upon and often rebuked socially. Few government handouts were available to those who did not work, thus further encouraging a work ethic.
Families were loyal to each other. Most marriages were “unto death doeth part.” Divorces were not common, and divorcees were often frowned upon. That social pressure helped spouses persevere, resolve disagreements and problems, and remain together.
Although pre-marital sex and adultery were always committed, they remained a troubler to one’s conscience when that sin was committed. Those who had committed such iniquities were often looked down upon, scolded, and sometimes socially avoided. The shame those actions brought was also a deterrent to many from committing them.
The government was entrusted with protecting and caring for its people. Little corruption was heard of, and if there was any immorality among officials, even local authorities, they would not be qualified to run or be elected.
If a scandal were uncovered, the politician or government official would be quickly removed from their post. All government officials had shown some form of leadership ability, or they would not even have been considered for their positions.
Most laws were unquestionably followed. Following them was critical and severely punished if violated. Most realized that if all did not obey the public rules, chaos would undoubtedly follow.
Those sent to prison were shamed, and their imprisonment would not be a time of rest and watching television. It often meant hard work, which deterred reincarceration.
Education was important to most. Teachers were screened and hired based on their moral standards and educational excellence. Any questionable philosophies or activities that did not align with social standards, which were often biblically based, disqualified anyone seeking the opportunity to teach and influence the youth.
The curriculum always encouraged critical thinking and prepared students for life. The day usually started with prayer and Bible reading (in my experience, it was always the KJV).
Then something changed in the 60s! Only the Lord knows when the severe moral and social decline started, however.
Although man has always had a sinful nature that all succumb to at some point in their lives, there was usually some spiritual restraint. However, back in the late 1800s, the world’s moral compass, the preserved Bible, was altered.
Convicting verses were watered down and even alleviated. The trend increased rapidly in the 1920s and 30s and continues today.
God’s moral compass, which keeps mankind from getting further from His will and way and from worsening social behavior, was altered and removed in many instances. Most now have no clear definition of what God says is right and best, or of what He desires for His creation.
Soon, those planning to enter the ministry had the seeds of doubt planted in their minds by the questioning of “what the Bible really says and means” at the seminary they attended. After sthe pulpits to share those watered-down doctrines with their congregations. Soon, doubts about God’s dogma were spread to the masses.
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” II Corinthians11:3
Many polluted minds now questioned if being a Christian was necessary. God’s teachings, His will, and His way were doubted and therefore “could not possibly be lived in this age and time.” “Was the Bible’s teaching and standards the only way to guide one’s life,” and “the Bible can be interpreted differently,” washed away any conviction that was still ingrained in lives.
It was not long until minds, no longer guided by God’s truths, became more self-centered and changed to “you’re the most important person in your life philosophy.” Right and wrong began to be determined by each individual’s opinion rather than by God’s Truths.
Since what they had always believed was no longer “right,” questioned and debatable, respect for others declined. Concern for elders, family, and others became less important.
The cloud of social pollution quickly spread, destroying families and their values. Women were convinced that their past role in family raising was restricting and degrading. They sought ways to abandon their God-given abilities and commandments and to allow others to raise their children so they could “find themselves.” Some women even left their families to “better themselves.”
In surrendering their God-given duty and ability and succumbing to a change of behavior and even dress, women lost respect from the other sex. Since many declined their important roles and changed their behaviour, they lost their positions on the social pedestal. Men’s respect to them lessened. “Why,” many believed, “they curse like a man, dress like one, and are even in jobs like one, why should I treat them differently.”
Special treatment towards women ceased. Respect was lost. The taboo on pre-marital sex was removed. Divorces soon increased to 40-50% of all marriages. More “shacked up” with a partner rather than marrying them.
Children were allowed to be trained by non-family members, often with unbiblical standards and beliefs. The only training many youngsters got was from the school system, which further hid true morality and encouraged them to “do whatever felt right.” Another generation was encouraged “to do their own thing” and was unleashed on a morally declining civilization.
Men questioned whether they should really be the only providers. “My wife says she can do anything a man can do (And she can, but why would she want to give up her God-given role in a family?), so let her. Real estate and other products increased, as many families now had two incomes, so “they could afford it.”
More men thought less, not only about respecting women, but also strove to get out of the role of family provider. Free time for the once “head of the household” led to more adultery and divorces. The God-ordained family structure continued to crumble!
As family structures disintegrated, their financial needs increased. The destroyed work ethic did not meet needs in many situations, so the government was summoned to address the needs that the head of the household was not providing.
Perhaps, originally intended to meet the desperate needs of struggling families, government handouts soon became more relied upon than families providing for themselves. That reliance led the government to step in and exercise more control, and possibly to ensure the vote for the “concerned” politicians. Since the officials were products of godless training and not always upstanding citizens, their involvement further accelerated civilization’s collapse.
The moral decline continued. Individuals lost their purpose. Families were no longer stronger. Sexes of people were even questioned. Men and women believed the lie that they could change sexes if they wanted. Confusion abounded.
Governments fell apart as many politicians realized they could deceitfully gain power and often even obtain large financial benefits. Corruption dominated most parts of society. Although there may be an occasional roadblock to the social destruction, it will be impossible to halt the exodus from following God’s will and way.
All the terrible downward trends against morality started when God’s way was disregarded and eventually discarded. It most likely will not end as the Bible says at one point, demonic control will exponentially overrun all nations. It will not end well for those who rejected God’s way.
My generation may have opened the floodgates of godlessness. However, there is still hope for individuals who stand against the overwhelming current of destruction.
Anyone can still be rescued from what is happening in this world. One can be saved from an eternity in Hell by trusting Christ’s payment for their sins and be saved.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
It is then possible that the new creature in Christ can be different and still please God and live right! Most likely, it will be difficult, but it must be done.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17
Who knows that one with a godly stand amongst today’s tumult can also encourage others to live God’s way. If Christians don’t show the world God’s way of living, who will?
“If we are reaping the consequences of my generation’s sin, what is this generation going to reap?”