Yes, religion serves as a crucial restraint on human behavior, providing guidelines and a moral framework necessary for societal survival.
According to Les Feldick, religion, even if not Christian, supplies a system of behavior that keeps people under control, without which a society cannot endure. However, mere religiosity does not guarantee moral purity; many pagan religions incorporate immorality into their practices. Ultimately, it is Christianity and the presence of believers that act as the primary deterrent against iniquity in the world.
Romans 1:24 — This verse illustrates the consequence of rejecting God, leading to moral decay, which supports the need for religious restraint.
The Bible indicates that when humanity rejects the true God, moral corruption follows. In Romans 1:24, Paul writes, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves." This follows the description of idolatry, showing a progression from false worship to immorality. The text implies that without the restraint of acknowledging God, people indulge in degrading passions.
Les Feldick teaches that religion, in a general sense, is a necessary guide for societal behavior. He quotes a secular university professor who stated that "unless a society is guided and controlled by religious values, they cannot last." He emphasizes that even religions we disagree with provide a moral spectrum that holds society together. However, he also notes that many pagan religions are inherently immoral; for example, the temples of Greek and Roman gods were "glorified houses of prostitution." Thus, while religion can restrain, it does not guarantee moral purity. Christianity, specifically, has served as a brake on moral decay in the Western world, and believers are the primary deterrent to wickedness until God's intervention.
Les Feldick explains that without religious values, a society falls into anarchy and no restraint, which leads to its collapse. He cites the Roman Empire as an example, which became so corrupt that it defeated itself. Therefore, religious guidelines are essential to maintain order and prevent self-destruction.
No. Les Feldick points out that many pagan religions are steeped in immorality. He notes that idolatrous religions, such as the mythological Greek and Roman cults, often had immorality at their core, with temples serving as places of prostitution. Thus, religion alone does not ensure moral conduct; it depends on the nature of the religion.
Les teaches that Christians are "the greatest hindrance to progress" if progress means losing moral fabric. They are to "hold back these forces of iniquity until God comes." Christianity has served as a brake on the loss of moral principles in the Western world.
What Are the Signs of the End Times? Matthew 24 Explained
These are going to be the things in trade that God will use to pay Satan off in full. Verse 9. Then, in other words, once this tribulation begins this last seven years of Daniel chapter 9, when these last seven years begin, then they shall deliver you. Now remember He's talking to what people? To Jews. So it's the Jews again that are going to come under the particular wrath of this period of time.
Society Needs Religious Values
Les cites a secular professor's statement that a society cannot last unless guided by religious values, showing the necessity of religion for behavior regulation.
Religion Does Not Guarantee Salvation
Les explains that even 'good Muhammadans' or followers of other religions are religious but still fall short of God's holiness; religion itself is not enough for salvation.
Christians as Hindrance to Iniquity
Les says Christians are called the greatest hindrance to progress because they work to hold back forces of iniquity and maintain a moral fabric.
Consequences of Losing Restraint
Les uses the Roman Empire example to show that without restraint, societies destruct from within, highlighting the importance of moral guidelines.
Idolatry Leads to Moral Rot
Les teaches that once mankind replaces the true God with idols, moral fabric begins to rot, as seen in pagan cultures with no moral standards.
Be Not Conformed: What Romans 12:2 Really Means for You
Well God hasn't changed, those same wicked sins are just as wicked today as they were back then, but it's not in the legal context that it was back then. And so here again we have to abhor those things which are evil, and cleave to that which is good.
Idolatrous Religions Are Immoral
Les notes that idolatrous religions, like those of ancient Greece and Rome, had immorality at their core, making their temples places of prostitution.
Romans 1:24: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
This verse shows the consequence of rejecting God, leading to moral degradation, and is central to Les's discussion on the need for religious restraint.
Romans 1:23: And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
This verse describes the idolatry that precedes the immorality in verse 24, illustrating the connection between false worship and moral decay.
No, but it is a major factor. Les cites that without religious values, a society cannot last. However, religion alone, especially false religion, does not guarantee moral purity; it only provides guidelines that can restrain behavior to some degree.
No. He distinguishes between true Christianity and other religions. While he acknowledges that even non-Christian religions can provide moral guidelines, he also points out that many pagan religions are themselves immoral, and that only faith in Christ provides salvation.
According to Les, a society that abandons religious values falls into anarchy and moral corruption, eventually destroying itself from within, as seen with the Roman Empire.
Watch the Teaching: What Are the Signs of the End Times? Matthew 24 Explained