Category Archives: First Amendment

Special 2024 Election Essay: Understanding the Moment: A Call to Courage, Discernment, and Wisdom

October 30th, 2024 |

Political propaganda and partisan passions aside, next week’s election is very important at all levels (local, state, and federal). We are in a moment of contention and polarization, yet there are signs of hope and moderation as people pause and think about what really matters.

We do not elect messiahs. Jesus Christ alone holds this title. We do not elect kings and queens, for our Constitution prohibits royal titles. We do elect women and men to represent and serve. We bear great responsibility in our free society. We also have an unelected bureaucracy that wields real influence but is ultimately subject to elected officials.

Writing as a thoughtful Christian, my hope for our country (and all countries) rests upon a spiritual awakening that renews church and society, welcoming many to faith and seeing virtue influence all spheres of the public square. Prayer, unselfish service to others, and thoughtful conversation about serious issues are all part of seeing every neighborhood and nation renewed.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some of the obvious and sometimes hidden issues that we must consider as we make the wisest choices for our world.

Families matter and parents have primary responsibility for the worldview of their children. Far too many people are yielding control of their children to governmental agencies that may not align with their enduring values.

The economy matters and there are policies and principles that can help life be better for many. But underneath the daily issues of work and shopping is a debt crisis of historical proportions. We must elect leaders that will steward the public trust and present balanced budgets and more efficient administrations.

A hospitable and secure border is possible. It will require more security, streamlined immigration processes, and deportation of criminal elements. There must be courage from both political parties, eschewing cheap labor and cheap votes in favor of safe and welcoming policies.

We must have compassion for all people, from conception to coronation. This means no to most abortions and active euthanasia, as well and making sure the needy are cared for and our veterans are served well.

Poverty alleviation must focus on access, empowerment, and opportunity in free markets. Neighborhoods are only renewed when all sectors (church, business, social services, education, government, etc.) cooperate and create the conditions for flourishing. And ever-increasing welfare apparatus is not enough.

Peace in the Middle East must be rooted in Israel’s safety and prosperity for all. We need to remember that the only place where a rainbow flag flies safely is in Israel. When local Arab leaders courageously acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and renounce violence, there will peace.

We must reaffirm that human beings are made in God’s image and come male and female. Though there are rare intersex individuals and some truly struggle with body dysphoria, these afflictions must not be allowed to overrule nature and science. If adults want to alter their chemistry and physiology on their dime, they can; however such life-altering and permanent changes should not be allowed for children.

True toleration means living peaceably with our differences, without coercion, cancellation or threats of violence. Toleration does not mean celebration. I can disagree and still be a good neighbor.

Freedom must be rooted in virtue. We are not free to do anything we please without regard for others. We are free to follow our conscience and help build a thriving society on first principles affirmed by all thoughtful women and men.

Love must be founded upon unselfish attitudes and actions, not just passions. The phrase, “Love is Love” is meaningless. We can differ on how people arrange their lives and fulfill their desires without intolerance.

Freedom of conscience/religion is the first freedom that anchors all other (speech, assembly, redress of government) First Amendment rights. There should never be a state religion or coercion in matters of faith. At the same time, people must bring their finest values to their public lives. Religion is never, “left at the door.” Proselytizing at the wrong times and not forcing one’s faith on others are important decisions for peace in a pluralistic world. At the same time, publicly expressing convictions and quietly praying must not be subject to prosecution.

I am certain there are many more issues bearing on this moment. Global empires such as China and Russia are uniting against the West and the USA. More than 300 million Christians face severe persecution around the world. Our VUCA (volatile, uncertain, chaotic, and ambiguous) world needs faithful and forthright, holy and humble people who will worship only God, hate only sin, and desire that all find peace and purpose in Christ.

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Exilic and Influential: Church and Society in a Pluralistic Age

November 19th, 2020 |

The American Experiment continues as a beacon of freedom in a world where billions live under oppression. Our founders and framers made many mistakes (especially retaining slavery and failing to start the road to emancipation, among others.). As the Bill of Rights was presented, the first sixteen words of the First Amendment changed history: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” For the first time among modern nations, there is no state religion and the federal government cannot interfere in freedom of conscience or faith. This is NOT a prohibition of religious influences in politics or public speech. The “wall of separation” Jefferson affirmed in later writings was protection for religious communities, not divorcing faith from society.

The Church (and other religious communities) have enjoyed much favor for over two centuries. In the last half-century, secularizing forces have sought to limit Christian influences from public institutions. Christians have felt marginalized and persecuted as the civil consensus has devolved from universal affirmations of reverence of God and moral absolutes to a fragmented, pluralistic competition among narratives and “truths.” Many academic and political elites view Christianity as belonging in the rearview mirror of history.

Biblical believers in America and the West find themselves in a similar place to the Jews who were exiles in Babylon in the 6th century BC, and later established small enclaves in Judea and throughout the Mediterranean world under multiple empires. Although limited in direct political power, Jewish communities and leaders exercised significant influence in economic, political, and social circles for centuries. The stories of Daniel, Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah, along with historical narratives outside the Bible all affirm these positive influences.

This current moment offers the opportunity for the Church to be a different voice than the polarized political powers or the amoral and anarchistic cultural “influencers.” Though we have less direct influence, the commissioned and empowered members of local churches can be “salt and light” in their arenas of work and play, influence and service. Just as the Jews were purified from their idolatry through divine judgment, perhaps this moment will help Christian believers recover the depth and breadth of God’s kingdom and become effective witnesses in deed and word.

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