Who is the child, here?

When did we, as adults become so childish?

What happened to having an intelligent, well mannered discussion of politics, religion, social or economic issues?

When did we, as a nation, lose our tact and sense of decency toward one another?

These questions were plaguing my man and I this evening as we seemed to read one thing after another that really seemed like childish name-calling from those who claim to be adults... intellectuals, even.

I came into the dining room after reading this article and it's related comments about how James Dobson is considering endorsing John McCain. Personally, I don't care who anyone endorses... I've got my beliefs and they most closely line up with McCain, and that's who I'm voting for. But the venom that was spewed in the comments was worse than any group of teenage mean girls. I just sat there and shook my head.

Then Mike was reading this article on creationism vs. evolution. He said the article was good, until it's author took a parting shot in calling it "gross stupidity" to "repose their faith in divine providence and godly design." Wow... he just called me grossly stupid. Was that really necessary?

And it comes from all sides. We've seen it come from Republicans as they take shots at Democrats and liberals. And, unfortunately, from Christians and church-goers as they are involved in the politics of governement or even the politics of church.

So, from where has this childish manner of relating to other people come?

Is it a self perpetuating one-upmanship contest between the public and the media? Where a trend begins and the media (be it tv, movies, or whatever) mirrors it and in an effort to be edgy takes it a little further... then the public catches up and takes it a little further... and so on.

Is there any thing we can, in particular, point the finger at? The Baby-boomers? The "hippies" (two groups that my man loves to blame for anything)?

I've heard it said that women in families tend to be the holders of traditions. So, is it a function of the feminist movement and we, as women, have thown off those traditions and failed to pass on the ideals of good manners in conversation? I tell you, women have certainly become so much more coarse in conversation in the last 15 - 20 years. So I, personally, think that this possibility cannot be ruled out.

Ladies, let us guard our words and teach our children to do the same.

Psalm 19:12-14 (NIV)

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(emphasis mine)