Why being “sober-minded and self-controlled” may get harder

When I was much younger, I remember walking the streets of downtown Toronto with my family and having to step around dozens of bodies of young people sprawled out and strung out on the streets, passing the time on a bright sunny summer day in a mindless, purposeless way.

These were the Hippies of the 1960s. I doubt I knew it at the time, but they were likely high on illegal drugs.

Fifty years later, Canadians and, most recently, Michiganders, are lining up to buy what is now a legal drug – marijuana – whose medicinal value is being questioned by some in the medical establishment, and whose scientifically documented dangers to the minds of young people should be enough to seriously put the brakes on what many are touting as progress.

In this age when “following the science” is considered the intelligent course and the thing to do, we’re realizing more and more that the culture follows the science when
it suits a particular agenda.

So what does all this have to do with the Reformed Christian community? A recent survey takes the pulse of Reformed Christians specifically, asking for their reaction to marijuana’s legalization in Canada. The results are sobering. (See page 12). While the United States federal
government still maintains laws against marijuana for those using and selling, a growing number of state legislatures do allow for its medicinal and recreational use.

In her column dealing with social and political issues, Hermina Dykxhoorn offers an overview of what the legalization of marijuana means (p. 16).

In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Michael, Norm Bomer considers the hurricane as “an act of God” and what that means in the grand scheme of things.

Michael Wagner takes a look at the U.S. Constitution and Canada’s Charter of Rights instituted by then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1982 and his ulterior motive, to lessen Canada of its Christian influences. Interesting to see how his son, now PM Justin Trudeau, is continuing his father’s legacy.

Glenda Mathes reviews a movie most mainstream reviewers and newspapers have for the most part ignored: Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer
(p. 28).

With the upcoming Christmas season just over a month away, you may be attending a concert such as Handel’s Messiah. And if the choir is not necessarily one of the Christian community, you may have wondered how songs so rich in Scripture can be sung so beautifully by choirs who have no vested interest in its message.Yet as Marian Van Til recognizes, God’s Word, when it goes out, is with a promise. It will not return to Him void, but it will fulfill the purpose for which it was intended. She writes about this on page 20.

Many publications are feeling the squeeze over lower financial returns as costs increase and revenue decreases. We share that burden, but continue to trust in the Lord’s providence and the generosity of His people.

If you think that this work is worthy of extra support, we’d love to hear from you before the year ends. There are many good causes. We hope that we are among them.
Our Christmas issue is next, December 9, 2018. You can donate your tax-deductible gift by mail or in either of our stores.

John Van Dyk, Editor
Christian Renewal Magazine

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