In 2002, Five by Two produced a film that was, to say the least, thought provoking. Time Changer is the story of Dr. Russell Carlisle, professor in a Bible Seminary in 1890. It begins as Dr. Carlisle is presenting a manuscript for approval to other staff at the school. But approval is not unanimous. One professor, Dr. Norris Anderson, will not endorse a document that teaches Christian morality without the person of Christ is still effective.

Tension between these two professors grows until Dr. Carlisle accepts the invitation to visit Dr. Anderson at his home. There he is introduced to a time travel machine Dr. Anderson has created and is finally talked into trying it. Immediately he is taken from 1890 to the early 2000’s for a few shocking days of seeing what society is like when morality is taught without theology. Dr. Carlisle is compelled by this experience to rewrite his manuscript upon his return.

When asked what is wrong with society, Alexander Solzhenitsyn answered, “It has forgotten God.” In other words, emphasis on kindness and love and morality is not enough. It only takes one generation to forget why they are acting that way at all. Daniel Boorstin stated, “Trying to plan for the future (conduct) without a sense of the past (foundation of conduct) is like trying to plant cut flowers.” George MacDonald put it another way. “No teacher (including story writers) should strive to make men think as he thinks, but to lead them to the living Truth, to the Master himself, of whom alone they can learn anything.”

To illustrate this, consider an elementary school in the western US that prides itself on teaching character. In fact, the primary character qualities are written in mosaic tile at the entrance, qualities such as honest, diligence, and no put-downs. Daily the fifth grade students recite this in unison: “I am wonderful; I am important; I am worthwhile; I make a difference; I am smart; I care about myself; I smile a lot; I am brave; I am successful; I am confident; I am strong inside; I can say No; I keep trying; I am a precious worthwhile mistake-making person.” This is a public school so, of course, God is left out. What does this list mean without Christ at the foundation? Will reciting it daily convince a student it is true? Now add the Person of Jesus Christ. ‘In Christ I can make a difference. In Christ I am precious to God. In Christ I have strength to continue.’ See the difference?

It is similar to the story of the King’s Garments. Seven tailors claimed they could weave the most beautiful garments imaginable but only those wise enough could see them. No one in the palace wanted to admit they were not wise so they all praised the invisible clothes. Even on the day of the procession, all praised the magnificent creation until one little boy revealed the deception by shouting, “The king is naked.”

So character without God is naked of the foundation on which it must stand. When that foundation is removed, it can do nothing but collapse for the next generation will say, “Why should we act that way?” There is no reason. Morality is naked. And indeed, apart from God, it is.

Jim Swanson has tried to remedy this situation by writing character stories that clearly present the reason for the values taught. Many biographies are also available on his website, including the stories of Hudson Taylor and Isaac Newton.