by Carol Hoenig

Created on: February 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

I find it sadly interesting the direction we as a society are going. Or maybe we aren't going in any direction at all, but remaining static. There was that blip on the cultural chart some thirty or so years ago, but if anything, the enlightened meter has shifted downward. Of course, there is a select group who believe the direction is upward and a positive sign for mankind in light of the ubiquitous shopping center known as Wal-Mart refusing to fill prescriptions for the day-after pill because it encourages "risky sexual behavior." There was also the high school in Fulton, Missouri that was pressured to stop performances of the musical Grease because some felt it encouraged immoral behavior. And, even though there is more and more reason to ask questions of the political, if not autocratic, actions of President Bush, a self-proclaimed born again Christian, those questions are considered unpatriotic and profane for some.

It appears that the issue of free speech, which is becoming rather costly, is being challenged by fundamentalists who insinuate their beliefs in every aspect of their community's life. In 1977 James Dobson began his organization, Focus on the Family, in response to his increasing concern for the demise of the American family, but Dobson has kicked his personal views up a notch or two, having been empowered by both his faith and the present administration, in spite of the fact that our country's initial leaders felt strongly about the separation of church and state.

So why then does the Christian right need to enforce their beliefs on everyone else? Why are they so afraid that civil liberties and the opinions of others will affect their way of worshipping? Could they possibly be worried that the joy and harmony they proclaim to be an offshoot of their faith will be tested if people watch a musical where there is a curse word or sexual innuendoes?

True, we humans often hunger for something that can bring us to new heights. It seems we were packaged that way from day one. Perhaps it is why drug and alcohol use is so prevalent. Perhaps it is why the driving beat of rock and roll in the late 1950's took off like wildfire. And, perhaps it is why sexual activity, even with its threat of disease when unprotected, prevailsthe orgiastic state fills a primitive hunger that bears repeatingagain and again. Bowing one's head to pray does not usually provide that sort of emotion and we are a people fueled by emotion. I say "usually," because there are those whose

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