Every math student knows that problems can only be solved when there is enough information given to which one can apply a formula. Sudoku enthusiasts use the process of elimination to fill in missing information without which the rest of the puzzle cannot be completed. So it is with the very real puzzles of our times—social unrest, environmental degradation, international conflict, and relational dysfunction, among others.

Beginning any investigation with the wrong clues could lead a careless detective down back alleys, wild goose chases, and dead ends. When reliable evidence is discarded or ignored, the likelihood of a successful solution is decreased…or at least postponed. When lives hang in the balance, delay is critical and methods matter. Firemen want to know where the fire is, where the nearest fire hydrant is, are there any people in the building, etc.

In recent decades, social planners and law enforcement agencies, courts and legislators, schools, media, and a vast array of advocacy groups have sought to understand and respond to the destructive events and trends of our day; they inevitably assess situations through the lens of their own training and perspectives. Lawmakers and high-level bureaucrats can’t avoid the issues of the day: the soaring national debt, toxic air and water, purposeless and unmotivated youth, suicide, disease epidemics, broken homes, senseless mass murders, falling literacy and functional incompetence, alcohol and drug abuse, teen pregnancies, homelessness and poverty, terrorist violence, partisan rancour, corporate corruption, and more.

As our society has moved away from a Christian world view, away from a shared commitment to biblical morality, so we have consciously or unconsciously begun to interpret circumstances differently and to apply solutions more suited to a socialistic, “new age” paradigm…even if they don’t work! Fishing in a bucket is way easier than fishing in the ocean but the likelihood of catching a fish for dinner is considerably smaller.

Here are a few examples of current issues, misguided responses and some Better Solutions from the CHP:

Childcare: Since many families are struggling to pay their bills, often both parents feel the need to work outside the home. Therefore, some claim that the government must use taxpayer dollars to pay for institutionalized childcare.

Better Solution: Provide a “family care allowance” to make it possible for one parent to stay at home nurturing the children, creating stronger family bonds and reducing the tax burden. Job openings created will reduce unemployment.

Brutal violence and murder: The tendency in vogue is to blame weapons, not people. We saw this in the recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Radical Islamists used guns but in 9/11 they used utility knives and airplanes. It’s the ideology and the hatred that lead to murder.

Better Solution: Hold people accountable for their violation of God’s laws against murder. Restrict gratuitous violence on TV. Teach the sanctity of human life by protecting human life at all stages.

Sexual disease and teen pregnancies: Our educators have told them to use condoms for “safe sex.” We see the results all around us. Moral restraint has been cast off. STDs are epidemic.

Better Solution: Teach young people that their bodies are a sacred trust from God and meant to be kept pure for a lifelong marriage to one individual; endorse abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage.

Government spending: Governments tend to raise taxes or run deficits, passing along our unfunded expenditures to future generations.

Better Solution: Cut spending. Focus on real needs. Stop buying votes with boutique handouts to certain demographics. Government MUST live within its means.

Youth anger, gang activity, graffiti and bullying: The tendency is to say, “Kids have nothing to do. Build them a pool or a pool hall.” However, crime doesn’t occur because of lack of entertainment but because of a lack of an eternal perspective.

Better Solution: We know that much anger, resentment and insecurity results from divorce and broken families. Work harder to prevent divorce. Eliminate the concept of no-fault divorce. Restore tax incentives for those who keep their marriage commitments and remove economic incentives for divorce and common-law relationships. The Darwinian view of life taught in most schools robs children of a sense of purpose and destiny. We should teach schoolchildren that they are made in the image of God and that He has a plan and purpose for their lives. They are not meaningless blobs of tissue; they are moral beings with potential and responsibilities. Teach them that actions have consequences, either good or bad.

Sexual perversion: Since some citizens struggle with gender identity and some choose homosexuality, many believe that children should be taught that homosexuality is “normal.” In schools, young children are instructed in all aspects of sexual behaviour and are encouraged to make their own choices.

Better Solution: Recognize that the biblical narrative is correct, that God made “male and female” and warned mankind against violating these natural boundaries. Teach children to respect others but encourage them to choose biblical marriage—a lifelong commitment between “one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.”

Summary: So often the “easy way” to solve social problems seems to be to hire more people, send more money and create new departments. Except that it rarely solves the problem. If we really want to change our nation and reduce poverty, debt, and violence, we will have to properly identify the problems and then look for answers that are reliable. Our problems are not new and neither are the answers. In Jeremiah 6:16, the Lord implores His people to “look for the old paths, the good way; walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” As of today, Canada has not done so. Our society is addicted to “change for the sake of change.” If we want real solutions to our real problems we will have to return to the Lord. To help bring CHP’s Better Solutions to more Canadians, join CHP. If you’re already a member, thank you!

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