Understanding the Reprobate Mind in Our Modern World
We live in a time when our world faces deep religious, racial, and political turmoil. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the news, the arguments, and the stark divisions that seem to grow wider every day. But beneath all the headlines and heated debates, there’s a deeper problem at work—one that the Bible calls a “reprobate mind.”
What Is a Reprobate Mind?
The term “reprobate mind” comes from Romans 1:28. In simple terms, it describes a state where people ignore what’s right, blur the lines between good and evil, and lose their sense of conscience. It’s like failing a test of character—where, after repeatedly turning away from what’s true and good, a person or even a whole society is left to its own destructive choices.
Key Signs We See Today
- Moral Confusion: Actions that once shocked us now seem normal. Sometimes, people even celebrate what used to be considered wrong.
- Spiritual Numbness: Many feel disconnected from any sense of higher purpose or conviction, as if their conscience has gone quiet.
- Justifying the Unjustifiable: Harmful or selfish actions are not only excused but sometimes promoted as virtues.
- Rejection of Truth: There’s a strong dislike—even hatred—for uncomfortable truths. People often prefer comforting lies or stories that fit their own opinions.
- Resistance to Correction: It’s harder than ever to admit we’re wrong or accept guidance. Many dig in their heels, no matter the evidence against them.
Why Does This Happen?
According to Romans, this “reprobate mind” isn’t something God forces on anyone. Instead, it’s the natural result when we consistently ignore God, truth, and our own conscience. When people push away the light, choosing darkness instead, they end up unable to tell right from wrong. It’s like being lost and refusing to ask for directions until you’ve wandered too far to remember the way back.
How Does This Show Up in Today’s Culture?
The evidence is all around us. In some places, hatred and prejudice based on race or religion still fester. Political arguments can become so heated that people stop seeing each other as human beings. Instead of listening and seeking understanding, we often react with anger or dismiss anyone who disagrees. Our culture sometimes treats selfishness as strength and humility as weakness.
A Warning and an Invitation
Romans 1:28 warns that when we abandon reason, conscience, and truth, we risk falling into a kind of spiritual and moral confusion that’s hard to escape. But this warning isn’t meant to crush us—it’s meant to wake us up. It invites us to look honestly at our own hearts and actions. Are we living by the light of truth, or do we avoid it because it’s uncomfortable?
This challenge applies to everyone, no matter your background, beliefs, or politics. We all have blind spots and areas where we resist what we know is right. The call is not just to point fingers at others but to examine ourselves. Are we letting our conscience guide us? Are we open to being corrected, or do we always insist on our own way?
Moving Forward: Choosing Light Over Darkness
The story of the reprobate mind isn’t just about judgment—it’s about hope. It’s a chance to change direction, to seek truth, and to ask for renewal. In a world filled with confusion and division, we can choose to seek understanding, to show compassion, and to listen to the voice of conscience.
Let’s not grow numb to the suffering around us or harden our hearts against those who are different. Instead, let’s strive to be people of reason, compassion, and light—so that together, we can overcome the challenges of our time and build a more just and loving world.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 