Modern Problems / Ancient Solutions

by Denny Petrillo, Ph.D.

The modern philosophy called “wokeism” is having a tremendous impact on our society. What is
“wokeism”? Here is a rather thorough definition:
Wokeism is a term used to describe the promotion of liberal progressive ideology and policy as
an expression of sensitivity to systemic injustices and prejudices. It is often used in a derogatory
manner to describe the behavior and attitudes of people who are sensitive to social and political
injustice. Some describe wokeism as the ideology of America’s contemporary totalitarian left,
with four intellectual pillars: anti-white racism, rejection of traditional morality,
environmentalism, and intense hostility toward Christian religion. Others describe wokeism as a
system of thought and behavior characterized by intolerance, policing the speech of others, and
proving one’s own superiority by denouncing others.
The “four intellectual pillars” are worthy of individual discussion on how they have impacted
modern society, and how they are counter to biblical teachings. In this article, we want to
consider how this ideology has impacted us in the area of depression.
Recent studies have indicated that politically left-leaning people are more likely to be depressed.
This is because of a number of factors:
First, there is an emphasis, even an over-emphasis, of thinking about self. It has always been true
that our society has encouraged self-evaluation. Even the Bible encourages this (more on this

point later). However, this is way beyond such objective analysis. Now, the “get-in-touch-with-
yourself” mantra puts a person front and center. It takes the “it is all about me” mentality to a
whole new level. When it is “all about me” and my focus, thoughts, and energies are expended
inward, disaster is sure to follow. This creates a victim mentality, an entitlement mentality, and
an unhealthy jealousy and envy when others have what you think you deserve. The result?
Depression. 
This depression is further magnified when one is encouraged to think about how he/she feels
regarding various world events. The war in the Ukraine, COVID-19, the death of George Floyd,
and school shootings are no longer just reported. They are turned into “How do you feel about
these?” events. 
Those who are politically right-leaning see events as indicators that the world has problems, but
good people have solutions. They are also more likely to have faith in God and trust in Him.
They believe that the ultimate solutions are found in God and in the Bible. As a result, they are
more optimistic. Those who are politically left-leaning see events as indicators that there is no
good anywhere in the world, no one can be trusted. Their minds do not see any good that might
be happening. They only see the bad. This perspective brings about depression.
Second, politically left-leaning people are negatively impacted by social media. They are
inundated with “what’s wrong with the world,” “what’s wrong with Republicans,” “what’s
wrong with religion,” “what’s wrong with the United States,” etc. The continual flow of negative
perspectives would naturally wear anyone down. It creates an anger that also fuels political
activism. 
Anger and depression are common companions. The level of depression among political activists
is well-documented. Those who are politically right-leaning see the news with a more positive
outlook. All is not doom and gloom, despite what is being reported. Faith in God enables them to
not overreact to world troubles. The conviction that “God has got this” brings great peace.
Third, politically left-leaning people are more likely to accept the worldview of educators. From
college professors down to elementary school teachers, the mantra of wokeism is being pushed.
As noted in the definition, this ideology concentrates on “systemic injustices and prejudices.”
When people accept the rhetoric that our nation is filled with racial hatred and abuse of power, it
leads to depression. 
Those who are politically right-leaning typically see the Bible as the ultimate standard. College
professors, no matter how many degrees they may hold, are not omniscient. Their views are
flawed because they are just people. Solomon said that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Those educators are not starting with a fear of the Lord, therefore
their claimed “knowledge” is going to be wrong. Those who start with God and the knowledge
He provides are optimistic. This is because they are convinced they have the truth.
Fourth, politically left-leaning people pass on their negativity to their children. As a result, our
nation is filled with depressed children. Jonathan Haidt, NYU professor, said, “the real reason
that left-of-center kids are more likely to be depressed compared with right-of-center kids is that
left-of-center kids have been taught to catastrophize events, to assume the worst, while right-of-
center kids are being taught to be more optimistic.” 
Left-leaning parents, having embraced the negativity from educators and social media, are now
passing those negative perspectives on to their children. What compounds the problem is that
these children are not in an emotional or maturity state to adequately handle this negativity. This
leads to depression and an increase in child suicides.

What ancient solutions does God provide for the problem of depression? Consider the
following: 
First, use self-evaluation in the way God intended. In II Corinthians 13:5, Paul says “Test
yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about
yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” The most important
aspect of introspection is to see if we are “in the faith.” How we feel is not paramount, despite
what the woke crowd says. James says:
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if
anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a
mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what
kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed
in what he does. (James 1:22-25)
Notice that James encourages a person to ‘look at himself.’ Yet this is done through the mirror of
God’s perfect law. The world may say, “It is how you feel that is important.” God says, “It is
how you abide in My word that is important.”  
Second, practice (truly practice) I Peter 5:6-7. There Peter says, “Therefore humble yourselves
under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety
on Him, because He cares for you.” The last part of that is what we’re focusing on here. When
life’s troubles come barging in (and they will barge in), what does the Bible suggest we do? Give
them to God. His care for us is so great, that He gladly receives the heavy burdens we give to
Him. What person will not find comfort in such a promise? When believed and practiced, it
creates happiness and optimism. Why be depressed when our God has control?
Third, get busy with worthy, God-approved works. When the prophet Elijah battled depression,
God gave him three jobs to do (I Kings 19:15-16). Notice how this got Elijah “out of himself,”
and focused on doing the will of God. Jesus taught, “We must work the works of Him who sent
Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
Fourth, trust in God. When we are convinced that God has control over all things, it brings a joy,
satisfaction, and peace. This is how God sets us “in a large place.”
“From my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.
The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those
who help me; therefore, I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take
refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Psalm 118:5-8).

denny@rockymountainchristian.com