Ogden S. Manware 1929-2000

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