Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

An address given at a District Farm Bureau Women 'sConventionHome FoundationsRev. S. Ray BlairPastor of the Washington, Iowa R.P. ChurchSchool Counselor in Columbus function, IowaThis past week I had opportunity to visit with a youngman of my acquaintance. A prominent part of his dress was apeace medal. I asked this young man if this represented astrong conviction upon his part, or something else. He said,"I am a pacifist." Knowing somewhat his background, Ithen asked him if this meant that he felt that no war wasjustifiable. He answered that he thought World War II was. Ithen asked the difference in this attitude to this war and thepresent conflict. In response he made a significant statement,which I consider indicative of many young people today, ' Tam confused." This is an extremely well informed youngman with great capabilities. But why shouldn't he beconfused?What, in your minds, presents any degree of stabilityto young people today?THE HOME?If statistics are indicative, the home is greatly lackingin stability itself. I feel in agreement with an educator at theuniversity who said, "Our grandfathers were authoritarianin their home relationships — they raised a generation ofsociopaths. Anyone in school work today cannot but beimpressed at the anguish of modern parents in theirrelationship with their children. The other day I wrote a noteto parents in which I strongly recommended that a studentbe encouraged to continue in a class because she wascapable, she was not studying, she needed the discipline ofwork when the going became difficult, and the class wouldcontribute to her future benefit. Back came the answer:"Please drop my daughter from this class." We haveparents who wish the school administration to set and enforcestandards of appearance and dress, principally becausethey do not want the unpleasantness a stand would generate.I guess what I am really advocating is that what we need forgood foundation in homes is moral fortitude, perhaps betterexpressed in the vernacular as guts and backbone.Psychologists have long informed us that what youthneeds is guidelines from their adult society. I am sure thatyou are as alarmed as I am at the involvement of youth withdrugs. I visited with a young man who was concerned that hehad gone past the point of return. How hopeless such afeeling must be. I am really less critical of these young peoplethan you might imagine. I know their problems. I am awareof the overwhelming use of barbituates to sleep, of thewidespread use of alcohol to relax, to lose one's inhibitions,etc. I find many instances of marital infidelity, separation,and divorce among adults. I see those who are supposedlymoral leaders vascillating in their positions, inconsistent intheir arguments, and insecure in their own socialrelationships. We don't try to solve problems, but rather fleefrom them. Youth is doing the same. I am most surprisedthat adults are as respected as they are when theirweaknesses are everywhere so apparent.Today we face great involvement toward women'srights. A few minutes with representatives of the women'sliberation front would cause any interested in strong, forcefulhomes and home life to shudder at the prospects. I amstill committed to the Biblical principle that the father is thehead of the home and the proper authoritarian figure, thatmother also has her role, but in instances of discipline this isto support and defer to her husband's judgment. I have littlehope that a matriarchal home situation will solve problemswith the male students of our society. The appeal and degreeof mothers' working contribute greatly to the breaking downof traditional parental roles and the permissive atmosphereso much a part of the present situation. I am old fashionedenough to believe that a family reared in model circumstances,in the midst of love, concern, and neededdirection is superior to the family in the most affluent circumstances.I see too many families, tired from their occupationof the day, provide the family car, too muchmoney, and too little direction to their children, in the hopethat they won't bother them for the evening. They usuallydon't, but the police often do.THE CHURCH?Do you think that the church provides neededstability? I read recently the critical comments of a youngwoman, a report to her home congregation concerning thenational meeting of her church. She said: "I looked forprayer. . .and found leaders wise in their own eyes, seekingby every device to accomplish social change — but notbelieving in prayer to make the impossible possible or in the8 COVENANTER WITNESS