10/3/2021 The Thoughts That Come From Our Hearts ~Rev. Bernie Chung

The Postmodernism worldview permeates everywhere—in universities, media, movies, television, and it even dominates in the parent-teacher association (PTA) conferences of various communities. Postmodernism affects us and our families in many ways, and it is getting worse. One of the most dangerous doctrine of Postmodernism is its concept of tolerance. Traditionally tolerance is the ability or willingness to tolerate or endure something, in particular the existence of opinions or behaviors that one does not agree with. It seems to be a good thing since being tolerant may include communicating

freely on the differences among people with respect and understanding.

It is a pity in today’s society the definition of tolerance is subjectively determined and promoted by philosophers, educators and other leaders. They insist on equal respect to all values and beliefs, but categorically deny anything associated with the existence of absolute truth. In public schools, children and young people are taught that "what everyone believes or says coming from their hearts are equally valid and equally effective." Therefore, not only does everyone has an equal right to believe, Postmodernism goes even further to say that any belief should be acceptable since all lifestyles and perceived truth are deemed equal in status and effectiveness. As a result, our young generations are conditioned to question traditional Christianity and biblical values and moralities. In fact, the tolerant attitude of Postmodernism is to accept all different worldviews, and to preclude the existence of "absolute truth."

Postmodernism advocates ridicule Christians who identify themselves with the biblical teaching of "love sinners and hate sin". They challenge Christians who are reluctant to accept the notion that “one must love both sinners and their sins at the same time”, otherwise they would label these Christians as haters. In short, Postmodernists do not distinguish people’s deeds from what they believe in their hearts. In stark contrast, Christians believe that sin originates in the human heart, and this is the core problem of mankind. Brothers and sisters, Matthew 15:19-20 (NIV) says: “For out of the heart come

evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Evil ideas and schemes are the beginning of all human crimes. Jeremiah 17:9 says: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Therefore, the uncleanliness of the human heart is the root of all evil and filth. If we feel that our hearts are always good, we are deceiving ourselves and others. Only our God who "sees the heart and tests the human heart" can point out our iniquities and deceit. Let’s pray for God’s mercy, wisdom, and discernment, and we must stop thinking too highly of our own human essence. Amen!