The Times They are Certainly Changing

When Bob Dylan released his classic song “The Times They are A Changin” in 1964, we was witnessing a dramatic shift in American culture. The civil rights movement was in full swing and it seemed to many that America was being remade. For some it was a sign that the nation was growing up and fulfilling its destiny. To others it appeared the nation was coming apart at the seams and on the verge of collapse. For everyone in America it was a time of tremendous turmoil and rapid change.

Looking at America today it seems we are at that place again, and Bob Dylan’s words are just as relevant now as they were then. If you haven’t listended to his original lyrics in a while this might be a great time to check it out. Here’s a link https://youtu.be/90WD_ats6ez

As a student of history I can’t help but see the parallels. Our nation, our states, our cities, our neighborhoods are in turmoil as we wrestle with big questions about our social structures, our values, our ideas, our cultural core. It is hard to imagine where this will lead and what America will look like when this wave of change has run its course. One thing I believe, though, it is critical that we talk about it.

That’s why I started this blog. I wanted a place to write about what I am seeing and talk about what I believe are really important issues facing our culture. I wanted a place to have an open conversation about big subjects with other people who care as I do about all this works out. So, here I am.

This blog will be an open discussion. I want to encourage as many people as are willing to join in the discussion, but I hope and pray we can avoid the kind of uncivil discourse that seems to plague the social media pages. I confess, I have been a contributor to that at times and my own anger has had the best of me. If someone reading this has been on the receiving end of one of my less civil posts, please accept my apology. At the same time, I believe the changes in our cuture are deserving of a passionate response and I intent to offer my ideas passionately and honestly. I encourage others to do the same.

Shalom,

Kevin