"America is a bit prudish."
Lately I’ve been reminded of this statement an Englishman made to me in the 1980's when my family was living in Europe. He was right. America had standards about the display of pornography and advertising far higher than European standards.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..." 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Living in Germany in the early 80's with two school-aged children was challenging. I often had to divert their eyes from graphic posters in store windows and magazine covers on open display.
European standards for pornography have always been lower than U.S. standards. That's one area I'm proud of my country.
Sadly, America is in severe moral decline, and I wonder how long we will be "prudish" when compared to Europe. This is one of many areas where our country needs prayer.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..." 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Let's pray for our country, dear Christians. May we be a country where children and adults need not divert their eyes from open pornography.
Hi Gail, I'm with you and welcome some good old fashioned prudishness. Thanks for taking the time to stop over and visit me at Quirky Vistas and share your encouraging words about my post. I appreciated your visit.
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One more thing...I got distracted while writing my comment to you earlier and forgot to ask you to thank your husband for his service. I'm in awe of those who devote their lives to protecting America, and the families who stand beside them. I know there are many sacrifices made when someone you love serves. It does not go unappreciated!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Thanks, Liz. I appreciate my husband's service too. And we did have to do a lot of moving and be very flexible as a military family, but the current military families have it much rougher with all the deployments.
DeleteI was thinking that America was not "prudish" enough! Such moral decay, but now I am thankful it is not quite as public as the other countries. I have turned around magazines in the check out lines, warned my boys "don't look" and have been forced to have "a conversation" at a younger age than I thought would be necessary. So sad and maddening at the same time! God must be so grieved!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Brenda. I always think we are so far gone, but compared to other countries, there are still some areas where we're more conservative. I actually looked it up to see if there is a law in the U.S. against wearing profanity and having nude pictures on t-shirts, and as far as I could tell there's no law, but I haven't seen any there. I'm not saying that everybody here wears things like that either. There are godly, modest people here too. But I've probably seen 10 t-shirts since I've been here that really offended me. And the ads and magazine displays are always more graphic than ours.
DeleteThank you for this post. Where have I been?! I didn't realize how it is in other countries where modesty in magazines and advertising was concerned!! That makes sense, though, because when I went to school in British Government schools (ooops, years ago) the children, once in the middle school and above were verbally very, very crude!! When I returned to the States, there was a vast difference for the better!! So, it makes sense that it has deteriorated in Europe since these children are now the adults.
ReplyDeleteI always love how you contrast a fact like this and give a spiritual challenge to pray for the continued and improved standards of purity in our country.
Thanks for often visiting my blog :-) I always appreciate your encouragement.
That's an interesting perspective, Judith, from your time in British schools. Our country still has some major problems, but I'm glad they aren't worse.
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