I am not a promoter of Boy George or Cindy Lauper (popular counterculture music artists since the 1980s), but I did recognize their talent (though some folks would question my sanity or my spirituality). I also realized they had an appeal and an inroad to the confused youth of the day, but I did find their style and some of their songs to be revealing and entertaining.
For instance, Boy George sang, "Karma Chameleon" addressing the issue of being "authentic," regardless of the cost. Of course, the "authenticity" promoted by Boy George was the rising subculture of homosexuality. Now look at the outcome of opening that, "Pandora's Box." Cindy Lauper also pushed the envelope of deviant self-assertion (as in her song, "Time After Time," while drawing untold millions of followers from all over the world.
These two songs ushered in the spirit of the age we are dealing with now. Our world has always been moving away from God. But after the 1960s we saw a major shift in social mores, which became evident in the popular music scene of the day.
"The spirit of the age" is a phrase that has Biblical as well as societal implications. The word, "zeitgeist" comes from two German words. Geist means, "mind, spirit, ghost," (remember, "poltergeist" refers to a "noisey ghost," or "knocking ghost." Zeit means, "time." Therefore, Zeitgeist means, "the mind(set) of the time," or "the (ghost) spirit of the age."
"The spirit of the age" is a phrase that has Biblical as well as societal implications. The word, "zeitgeist" comes from two German words. Geist means, "mind, spirit, ghost," (remember, "poltergeist" refers to a "noisey ghost," or "knocking ghost." Zeit means, "time." Therefore, Zeitgeist means, "the mind(set) of the time," or "the (ghost) spirit of the age."
Here is Paul's statement concerning the "spirit of the age."
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
There is an underlying attitude that is indicative of a specific time period. There was a popular rebellion against the authority and rule of God in the days of Noah. Jesus said that the last days would be like the days of Noah. In recent decades we have seen a similar mindset developing in the western world, to that of the world in the days of Noah.
We are seeing a mindset of wickedness, perversion, violence, rebellion, which is reflective of the days of Noah, when the thoughts of the heart (mind) were only evil continually. We are seeing an attitude today that reminds us of the corporate mind in the days of the Tower of Babel, when men thought they had outgrown the God of creation. It was a spirit of the age, which would show up from time to time in human history, each time more lawless than the previous, which is leading to the Tribulation Period.
In recent decades (and with greater frequency), we are seeing more apostasy in the name of Christianity. Popular preachers, teachers, musicians, movements are turning away from the authority of Scripture and changing the moral standards to immoral standards. Divine reality is being exchanged for deviant religion. It is not unusual to see Bible preachers or children of Bible preachers teaching and leading gullible people in anti-Biblical doctrines and behavior.
This is why Scripture tells us to be part of a strong local body and to submit to Biblical leadership in the last days. God is not pleased with the rise of self appointed teachers, preachers, leaders.
Hebrews 10:22-31
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:22-31
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
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