Liberalism: Afraid to Parent

In Kevin McCollough's column "Why Liberals Make Atrocious Parents" today, I am reminded of a column I wrote for Toogood Reports a few years ago that pointed out the similarities between liberals and children. It is perhaps for that reason that liberals make atrocious parents; they are still mentally and emotionally "children" themselves.

McCollough explore his thesis through the example of John Edward's answer last week to the question of whether he agreed with having second graders read a story about two homosexuals:

But it was John Edwards that summarized for liberals everywhere what they actually believe: "I don’t want to make that decision on behalf of my children. I want my children to be able to make that decision on behalf of themselves, and I want them to be exposed to all the information... even in second grade to be exposed to all those possibilities, because I don’t want to impose my view. Nobody made me God."

Edwards gave voice to words that liberals have thought and practiced for years.

Liberals, by the strictest understanding of the definition of the word, believe in lack of restraint, defying of limits, and excess - whether it's taxes, education, or sexual practice. Truth can never be known and all focus must be given to the unknowable.

In and of itself the term "liberal" isn't necessarily a bad one. For instance in the scriptures we are instructed to be liberal with generosity for those in need, forgiveness for those who repent, and mercy for those who suffer. But Clinton, Obama, and Edwards have taken it far beyond that.

Liberals today mean it as an excuse to wipe away other important elements of behavior like self-control, purity, moderation, and even delayed gratification. It's my opinion that the lost virtue of restraint has in fact become one of our nation's most important deficits - so much so that I devoted an entire chapter to the idea in MuscleHead Revolution.

As McCollough points out, with their "I can't impose my values on my children" drivel, they completely abdicate their responsibility as parents.

I remember seeing a Goldie Hawn movie 15-20 years ago which had a scene where she needed some vital information from a neighbor's child. The child was being obstinate and bratty, and the (liberal) parents were sheepishly trying to rationalize the child into giving up the information. Goldie finally said in exasperation, "Oh, for $#%* sake, isn't anyone in charge here?" That to me exemplifies the liberal approach to parenting: non-directional and non-authoritative. But if you're a Christian or at least acknowledge the wisdom of the Christian worldview, that's not how you're supposed to parent.

Contrary to Edwards' assertion that you have to be God in order to teach your children right from wrong, we have been instructed by God to teach our children right from wrong:

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:15 from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

These verses of wisdom not only illustrate the instruction for parents to teach their children right from wrong, but show that children are incapable of making good decisions without what? Without parental discipline and instruction.

As McCollough points out, we wouldn't hesitate to teach a child not to reach out and touch a hot stove; why do we quibble over teaching a child to reach out and touch extramarital sex, irresponsible behavior, poor work ethic?

Don't go the liberal way. That way is filling up juvenile detention centers and jails across the country. It's also leaving new generations that are incapable of governing themselves or discerning right from wrong.

Dare to parent.