I have been saying...
There was never a time when I would have allowed my child to watch Sesame Street, I had turned against TV as a young teen and never wanted TV in my own home, and least of all PBS.
I thought they were already defunded in the big beautiful bill
The way Sesame Street went downhill, I’m surprised Bert and Ernie haven’t gotten married yet.
Maybe this is a little off topic. My mom died in 2014. I have always thought we only have one Mother because to go through that pain twice would kill you.
I’ve always thought that Sesame St was a little left leaning even from its inception. For one thing, they always depicted daily life from a gritty urban perspective. That means a lot of “diversity” in representing a lot of different cultures, races, and ethnicities. Not that these are leftist in themselves, but leftism definitely had an easy “in” with this environment.
In Jonathan Cahn’s compelling book, The Return of the Gods, he explores the fascinating resurgence of ancient deities and their influence on our modern world. Cahn dives deep into how the gods (demons) of old—Baal, Molech, and Ishtar—have returned in various forms, subtly yet profoundly impacting our lives today. Understanding the connection between these ancient entities and contemporary issues offers valuable insights into the spiritual dynamics at play in our society. For an interested student of the Bible, it is intriguing to understand that the same demonic influences that shaped the world during the lives of Elijah, Elisha, David, etc continue to impact our world today. The situations we face today are more spiritual than many would like to admit.
Baal, known as the god of fertility, weather, and storms, was a major deity in the ancient Near East. Worshiping Baal involved rituals and sacrifices to ensure agricultural prosperity and favorable weather. However, Baal’s influence went beyond just the physical realm. His followers believed that he could bring success and power, often leading them to engage in morally questionable practices to gain his favor.
Cahn suggests that the spirit of Baal is alive and well in today’s society, manifesting through our relentless pursuit of materialism and the abandonment of traditional moral values. The modern-day obsession with success, wealth, and power often leads us to forsake ethical principles, mirroring the ancient practices associated with Baal worship. Cahn further elaborates that Ishtar’s influence always preceded the destruction of a society, as her worship would pave the way for Baal. By promoting sexual immorality and the breakdown of societal norms, Ishtar’s spirit would weaken the moral fabric of a culture, making it more susceptible to Baal’s corrupting influence. This sequence often led to societal decay and eventual collapse, demonstrating a clear pattern throughout history.
Molech, another ancient deity, is infamously associated with child sacrifice. His worshipers believed that offering their children as sacrifices would bring prosperity and favor from the god. This brutal practice represented the ultimate form of devotion, reflecting a profound level of spiritual deception and moral corruption.
Cahn draws a stark parallel between Molech and contemporary issues like abortion and the exploitation of children. He argues that the spirit of Molech is evident in the disregard for the sanctity of life and the willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for personal or societal gain. This serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive consequences of abandoning godly principles and embracing practices that devalue human life.
Ishtar, the goddess of love, fertility, war, and sexuality, was a complex deity embodying both sensuality and conflict. Her worship often involved sexual rituals and acts of violence, reflecting her dual nature. Ishtar’s influence permeated various aspects of ancient society, from intimate relationships to warfare.
Cahn’s exploration of Ishtar extends to her associations with gender and sexual identity. Ishtar was known for her fluidity, often depicted as both male and female, and worship practices included androgynous priests and gender-bending rituals. This aspect of Ishtar’s worship can be seen as a precursor to contemporary discussions on gender fluidity and the LGBTQ+ movement.
According to Cahn’s book, Ishtar (Astoreth) intentionally sought to diminish the role of masculinity in men and glorify the power of women and nonbinary identities. Her worshippers dedicated a month-long series of parades and other rituals to worship Ishtar in the month we now know as June. In America, Father’s Day has been celebrated since June 19, 1910. Further, June has been recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month since 1994. Cahn argues that Ishtar aims to draw focus away from men and fathers in the family unit, using this time to parade her confusion of blurred gender identity on society in order to weaken and make it vulnerable.
Cahn posits that the spirit of Ishtar is alive in today’s culture, seen in the normalization of sexual immorality and the celebration of gender fluidity. He links the breakdown of traditional family structures, the rise of promiscuity, and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ identities to the ancient influence of Ishtar. The modern acceptance and promotion of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities can be seen as a reflection of Ishtar’s ancient characteristics.
When and by whom?
I have never considered EITHER of them wholesome or educational for anyone.
Were they ever “on the rails”?