Babbling Babes

“Out of the mouth of babes,” said Jesus to His detractors livid that He was being praised by children, “…thou hast perfected praise” (Matthew 21:16, KJV). Jesus is quoting Psalm 8:2 as a reference to himself. What is astounding about this is that Psalm 8 concerns the excellence of God and that He alone is worthy of praise. By sighting this verse, Jesus is welcoming worship from the children. By doing so, Jesus is declaring Himself God.

“Out of the mouth of babes” has come to mean something different today, however. It has become a phrase hailing the wisdom of youth. This was on full display in last Sunday’s front page article: The News Tribune’s 2012 All-Star Grads: Dedicated dozen inspire “a lot of hope” (The News Tribune, June 17, 2012). Twelve graduates from area high schools were honored for their classroom prowess, community involvement, and leadership. The article began this way: “There’s no end of things that can divide us—race, sexual orientation and technology, to name a few. But some of the South Sound’s most outstanding high school graduates this year believe their generation will close some of the gaps that their parents and grandparents could not.”

So what can 2012’s brightest and best do that those who preceded them could not? Regarding race relations, most of them said racial tension is not as big of deal as it once was, sighting the benefits of racially diverse schools; though Chris from Thomas Jefferson said if we are not careful “the racial divide could lead to a civil war.” Really, Chris; a civil war?

They had lots to say about homosexuality. Tony from Rogers compared present-day objectors of same-sex marriage to yesterday’s segregationists. Danielle from Washington High School said that homophobia is their generation’s issue to solve just as previous generations had to knock-down racial barriers. Jennifer from Emerald Ridge was encouraged that her school was “evolving”; she was particularly proud of her school’s “Gay Pride Day” which was evidence to her that her classmates are more accepting than her parent’s classmates. Chris from Thomas Jefferson said that homosexuality is no big deal “because we’re so open about it.” Then he added, “We’re like, ‘Do whatever you want.’”

The article closed by asking the graduates where they saw themselves 10 years from now. Tony from Rogers summed up their confidence: “I am going to be saving the world, teaching music, as well as trying to figure out how to make existing buildings more energy efficient.”

But if I may address Chris, Danielle, Jennifer, and Tony for a moment—I commend your enthusiasm. But your answers don’t inspire a lot of hope from me. In fact, most of your responses are frightening. You are moral relativists. You are appalled when someone suggests there is right and wrong. You are disgusted when someone says there is truth and falsehood. When you say to your friends: “Do whatever you want”; what you really are saying is: “I want to do whatever I want.” Because if your friends can do whatever they want; then so can you!

And there is one more thing; would one of you let Tony know we don’t need him to save the world. Please inform him Someone already has.