During our 1999 interview with Ogden S. Manware, he
shared some of his views on social problems plaguing America today.
Here are a few interesting excerpts:
SNC: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing Americans in the new millennium?
Mr. Manware: "There are, of course, many challenges; but, most cannot be successfully conquered
with current day thinking. For example, the uncontrolled youth movement, which has allowed youngsters to remain ignorant and irresponsible, continues to grow, essentially unimpeded. When I was in high school during the late 40's, a school of 2400 students, we had only one pregnancy; and, that was at the hands of the young girls father. Strange, a pregnancy was a pregnancy back then; so, I think we would have been equally as shocked if one of our male classmates had been found to be the father.
Since immaturity and hedonistic behavior is now routinely portrayed as acceptable and commonplace among young adults, I see no peaceful or non-disruptive means of
slowing the progression of this extremely counterproductive philosophy."
SNC: What about stepping up our efforts to educate and counsel our children on the
value of morality?
Mr. Manware: There are far too many forces that oppose returning
to a mass moralistic and protective nature that civilized people once held for children. This is particularly true in the United States.
SNC: Can we reintroduce religious teachings that had been successful during the previous 2 or 3 thousand years
of man?
Mr. Manware: I sincerely doubt that. Again, those "forces" will not permit looking back in a positive manner. Modern
communications places the history of our religious actions at the finger tips of our youth; and, doesn't place those images in good light. Look at what our youths can observe. For example,
life on earth for humans currently seems to be around 50 to 80 years; however,
premature death, that occurring prior to those ages, is usually by a deliberate action, accident or illness and has been
shown statistically to effect mostly those that are less prepared to deal with or protect themselves against the event that caused their death. By the way, premature death has risen steadily and dramatically in only the past 50 years. And, that is not counting losses due to war.
Prior to his death in 1960, Lynn Montross, a leading authority on ancient
war machines, was researching the great religions of the world. A
byproduct
of his research found that those possessing the strongest religious
convictions
on earth suffered the most in life through tragedy, disease and mental
suffering.
The survival of any religion through the ages, necessitated the
extermination of differing spiritual beliefs. Complete civilizations
where butchered and wiped out in the name of some God.
The major followings of today such as Christianity, Mohammedan,
Confucianists and Tsoists of China, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism are
examples of surviving systems. Another 100 or so religions of increasing
population have surfaced in the last century or so. This is mostly due
to
strong missionary work and the lack of existing religious authority
to wage war against competing theologic notions.
Additionally, the world powers
have further and further separated themselves from church influence and
are much less likely to enter into conquest for a God's sake.
It is said that if not for the sword of the Roman Empire, there would
be no trace of Catholicism remaining anywhere on the globe.
Our advances in science and technology have permitted closer and more
accurate observations of what goes on in our world than ever possible
before.. However, even in face of new and irrevocable knowledge which
has
changed our understanding of nearly all things, most religions
continue to be inflexible. Learned and educated minds in the world; however,
feel
some adjustment to doctrines of several religious systems are necessary
to
allow educated followers to feel more comfortable about retaining their
membership.
SNC: As we have become more educated and knowledgeable in the sciences, what conclusions can we, as a civilization, draw about which god or system prevails and directs our existence.
Mr. Manware: Obviously, there is no "known" correct or incorrect religious convention. For over 98 percent of the earths population, ones religious belief depends on where he or she was born or raised and the spiritual stand of his or her parents.
From the beginning of recorded religious organization in ancient Greece
over 4000 years ago, to todays diversification into many religions, the
same
philosophy holds true in nearly all systems: Civil behavior and human
decency.
Regardless of belief among followers whether a supreme being rules or
everything is under the control of nature, it is essential for societies
to
understand that some form of religious structure continues to be a vital
recipe for civil behavior and human decency.
SNC: You say civil behavior and human decency. Would that not be the responsibility of government to ensure compliance?
Mr. Manware: Government sets standards of civil behavior so as to maintain law and
order; and, tries it's best to compel adherence; but, within any society, the family and church can better develop and foster human decency.
Ogden Manware
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Lynn Montrose - Explains the fall of Godless Rome.