In 1989, Stephen Covey published what came to be his blockbuster book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Well, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken this idea and created their own version to help managers become more effective. This list was sent out to all DOJ employees and is specifically written to make sure managers are “inclusive” of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) employees. Here is a summary of the list (see the actual document at: http://www.lc.org/media/9980/images/pr_doj_lgbt_directive_052113.pdf).
1. Make the right assumptions and avoid making the wrong ones – Make sure the language you use is accepting and respectful to LGBT employees.
2. Use inclusive language – Use the kind of language that shows approval.
3. Speak up when appropriate – Act as the office police if you hear any references which don’t show approval of LGBT lifestyles.
4. Acknowledge and engage with LGBT employees – Make LGBT employees your friends.
5. Come out – Openly support and advocate for LGBT issues.
6. Ensure that advancement, development and mentoring opportunities are fair and effective – Encourage LGBT employees to advance up the ranks and provide them opportunities.
7. Know how to respond if an employee “comes out” to you – Respond with affirmation, interest and curiosity.
The bottom line is, it is not good enough to “live and let live.” Rather, DOJ employees are being required to affirm and encourage not only LGBT employees, but their lifestyle, as well. And those who don’t are being threatened with sanctions.
Those who agree with the LGBT lifestyle see these seven elements to be very good things. But those who don’t agree are being forced to outwardly accept and affirm something they see as immoral. This creates a particularly hostile work environment for Christians. It is interesting that those who are so seeking the “tolerance” of others are, themselves, so absolutely intolerant of dissent against their beliefs.
Recently, Gallup released a national poll which asked people their views of the state of moral values in America. The not so surprising result was that 72% responded that they believe it is getting worse. In the same poll, 68% believe divorce, 63% believe premarital sex, 60% believe out-of-wedlock births, and 59% believe homosexual behavior is morally acceptable. In fact, more Americans have a problem with wearing fur than with aborting a human life.
All of this adds up to a moral climate that is completely messed up. But it is not at all surprising. We elect local and national leadership who passes laws and makes rules which promote immorality and we don’t hold them accountable when they do it. We pay entertainers mega-millions to entertain us with immoral acts. Frankly, we are getting what we pay for.
And where does all this come from? It comes from a naturalistic worldview perspective that is becoming increasingly prominent in the culture. And this worldview is violently anti-Christian.
Frankly, I expect things to get even worse. For the most part, Christians who are now being suppressed are just allowing it to happen. Beyond that, many who claim to be Christians actually agree with the naturalistic presuppositions which are the root of these attacks and which are responsible for the degradation of the culture. There is only one cure. Genuine Christians are going to have to stand up and be counted in a way they have not been willing to do up until now. What about you?