The 3 - June 17, 2012

This edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", includes a type of military Bible that is no longer allowed to be sold on military facilities, an important vote on religious liberties in North Dakota that only received just over one-third of the total number of ballots, and a statement by scores of religious leaders, making a decision to speak out on illegal immigration.

3 - Department of Defense pulls "military Bibles" from store shelves

We have been tracking some of the ways that the U.S. Military has taken steps, in some instances, to remove vestiges of religion from its facilities, under intense pressure from one particular organization.  And, this week, the announcement came that a popular series of military-themed Bibles, which originally contained the insignias of each branch of the service, has been removed from the store shelves.  The Bibles, which have been manufactured by B&H Publishing, now contain a generic insignia, rather than the official branch logo.

According to CitizenLink, the U.S. Department of Defense granted permission for the publishers to use the insignia on the Soldier’s Bible, Sailor’s Bible, Marine’s Bible and Airman’s Bible in 2003, but revoked it last year after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation threatened to sue the government, claiming the insignia amounted to an unconstitutional government “endorsement” of religion.

The Christian Examiner had this story.


While the foundation is claiming victory, Ron Crews, executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, is crying foul.  He has pointed out that military personnel dating back to General George Washington have taken counsel and been encouraged by biblical texts.

"Why should these Bibles be removed because of the demands of a small activist group," he asked. "The MFRR must cease and desist their reckless assault on religious liberty."

The Department of Defense claims that trademarks are the issue, not religion.  But it has certainly been seen as religious in nature.  And, taken together with other activities that have been curtailed at military facilities, a narrative is building with regard to a military member's lack of freedom of religious expression in some instances.  The Bibles have been, and continue to be, quite popular, and apparently will continue to be sold with the generic insignia.



2 - Religious freedom amendment goes down in North Dakota

Citizens across America are concerned that their constitutional rights to practice their religion are declining.   While the establishment of religion has been a principal concern for a number of years, there are those that would want religion practices to go on behind closed doors, rather than in public, and that represents a threat to the Constitutionally-guaranteed free expression of religion.

So, states are taking steps to guarantee that their religious rights do not continue to erode.   Voters in North Dakota went to the polls in the past week to consider an amendment strengthening religious freedom rights.  And, while the chances of passage looked good for a season, groups such as Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, Emily’s List and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State spent nearly $2 on each of North Dakota’s 684,000 residents, asking them to vote against Measure 3.

The measure failed by a 64 to 36 percent margin.

Here's the story from CitizenLink.

Voters in other states have also taken up the issue.  In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the level of protection historically afforded religious protection.  Since then, Congress, with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and 16 states have passed measures restoring a higher standard.   Next up, it's Missouri, where family advocates there will be championing an amendment in August, and perhaps this type of opposition will be seen there, as well.  

Freedom of religion is a basic constitutional right, and we continue to recognize that this nation was founded in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles, as men of faith took a strong stand against tyranny and expressed their dependence on Almighty God.    To continue to allow our freedom of religion to erode sets up a scenario where religious oppression, which was a chief reason for our founders declaring independence, becomes more and more widespread and problematic.   It does make sense that the more tyrannical and overreaching that government becomes, the less tolerant it is of the religious freedom of its citizens.  The reasoning is that if more people become dependent on government, they are likely to be less dependent on God. 

1 - Evangelical leaders sign immigration reform document

The topic of immigration reform has been a rather contentious one, as states such as Arizona and Alabama have passed strong legislation designed to enforce the nation's immigration laws.   And, recently, you have heard discussion of a DREAM act being considered by Congress, which would provide certain benefits for children of illegal immigrants.   This week, the President issued an Executive Order providing similar assurances.

This is an issue that the church can definitely be out front on, and, under the auspices of the National Association of Evangelicals, over 100 faith leaders have issued a document attempting to balance the rule of law with a possible path to citizenship.    These leaders, across the doctrinal and political spectrum, issued the Evangelical Immigration Table document, which says:

As evangelical Christian leaders, we call for a bipartisan solution on immigration that:

• Respects the God-given dignity of every person
• Protects the unity of the immediate family
• Respects the rule of law
• Guarantees secure national borders
• Ensures fairness to taxpayers
• Establishes a path toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and who wish to become permanent residents.

Numerous heads of denominations, as well as Christian ministries, signed on to the document, which is not designed to grant amnesty, but does call for a way that illegal immigrants can either become legal residents or citizens.  

The list is impressive, and gives Christians a chance to demonstrate compassion for illegal immigrants and their families, while still underscoring the importance of the rule of law and secure borders.    Baptist Press had this report.

Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as other leaders of the Evangelical Immigration Table have been promoting comprehensive reform for several years.   Land, quoted in Baptist Press, said:  "...it's time for the politicians to understand that the country has changed on this issue, and they believe it's well past time for the government to get its act together and to pass immigration reform that is in line with these principles...And we as evangelicals are here to say to both parties, 'Get with it.'."   He cited a Pew Forum survey that showed 70 percent of Americans said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who backs comprehensive reform.

According to the article, the statement marks a significant expansion of evangelical endorsers in a cooperative effort.  Notably, Focus on the Family took a stance on the issue for the first time when its president, Jim Daly, signed the statement. The coalition includes evangelicals from both the left and right.

Evangelical left leader Jim Wallis, President of Sojourners, pointed to the agreement between his organization and more conservative groups such as the SBC, Focus on the Family and the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE).   "That doesn't happen very often," Wallis told reporters. "An effort for immigration reform of this size and this diverse has never been attempted in the evangelical community."

Scriptural principles can be applied to so many areas of public policy, and this statement on immigration reform shows how Christians can provide truth and wisdom to what has been a contentious issue.

The 3 - June 10, 2012

On this edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", we first of all take a look at a husband and wife in New Mexico whose photography business is being chastised because they did not want to photograph a gay wedding.  Then we move on to the Federal courts, where this week, there were more rulings by judges concerning the definition of marriage.   And, preserving religious liberties was the theme of rallies in over 150 cities across America, as people of faith gathered to stand in opposition to government's attempt to force people to violate their conscience regarding health care.

3 - New Mexico court says photographers wrong to refuse lesbian clients

A growing trend in the business sector was brought to light again this week in the case of a New Mexico photography studio that was asked to take pictures at a wedding - between two lesbians.   The couple politely refused, saying that same-sex marriage violated their moral beliefs.   The gay couple found another photographer, and you would think that would settle the matter.

Not so - just as in the case of a Kentucky t-shirt company that refused to print gay pride shirts, a complaint was filed with the state Human Rights Commission.   The commission determined that the photography studio, Elane Photography, had committed "sexual orientation discrimination", and ordered the owners to pay over $6,600. 

The photographers contacted the Alliance Defense Fund, and they appealed the commission's ruling.   In 2009, a trial judge sided with the Commission's decision, and this week, the New Mexico Court of Appeals upheld the Commission's decision on the grounds of the state's Human Rights Act.   The owners now intend to appeal the case to the New Mexico Supreme Court--and beyond, if necessary.

Here's the story from the Family Research Council's website.

Jordan Lorance of the Alliance Defense Fund wrote an excellent op-ed piece that was published in the Santa Fe New Mexican.   In it, he says:

We should encourage business owners to operate their businesses with ethics and higher principles so that they do not mindlessly dispense goods and services with no thought to the impact of their actions. The Constitution protects people's expression of their views, even when it comes in a commercial context...Business owners do not surrender their constitutionally protected rights at the marketplace gate.

This is a trend that is being seen not only regarding business owners' rights to choose who their customers will be, but in a variety of other areas, such as sports and entertainment, as well.   Just ask fighter Manny Pacquaio, or Ron Brown of the University of Nebraska, or actor Kirk Cameron.   Those who express their deeply held moral views publicly in opposition to gay marriage have been chastised and ridiculed.   But, while it is discouraging, we should continue to express Biblically-based viewpoints, aware of the consequences that could ensue, and reliant on the Lord to sustain us when we are criticized.

2 - More court decisions on the definition of marriage

This week, more court decisions were handed down concerning the definition of marriage.   The most notable was the decision by the entire 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals not to review the ruling by a 3-judge panel of the appeals court, stating that Proposition 8, the amendment to the California constitution stating that marriage was defined in the state as one man and one woman, was unconstitutional.   This sets up a scenario that likely will lead to the case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In another development concerning marriage and its definition, a New York Federal district judge ruled in a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, striking down a component of the Federal law that defines marriage as one man and one woman.    According to the Christian Post:

U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones said the Defense of Marriage Act’s definitions “intrude upon the states’ business of regulating domestic relations” by re-examining the marriage definitions by the various states - six of which, plus the District of Columbia, recognize gay marriages.
“That incursion skirts important principles of federalism and therefore cannot be legitimate, in this court’s view,” Judge Jones said.
The ruling came in a case brought by a woman whose partner died in 2009, two years after they married in Canada.  Because of the federal law, the woman didn’t qualify for the unlimited marital deduction on her late spouse’s estate and was required to pay $363,053 in federal estate tax. 

The woman sued the government in 2010 and the judge ruled that the plaintiff was to be reimbursed for the money she paid in estate tax.

The issue here is apparently partner benefits, a topic also dealt with in a decision out of the 1st Circuit recently.   And, apparently courts are saying that in order to change the eligibility for benefits, the traditional definition of marriage should be changed.   DOMA is facing a host of challenges, and one of these cases, presumably the one dealt with by the 1st Circuit, could end up at the high court.   The defense of DOMA is being carried on by attorney Paul Clement on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the result of the Obama Administration's refusal to defend traditional marriage.  

In other news concerning marriage, two more states, Maryland and Washington, are on their way to voting on the definition of marriage, as a result of petition drives to reverse action taken by the respective legislatures and governors of those states to redefine marriage.    Maryland marriage supporters met their first deadline last week, and Washington supporters have turned in the required number to get a referendum on the ballot there.

The national debate is continuing on this important issues, and it's important to reinforce the benefits of marriage, not only to the parties involved and members of the families, but to our communities and society at large.

1 - Thousands "Stand Up for Religious Freedom"

In March of this year, thousands took to the streets of a variety of American cities to stand against the mandate by the Department of Health and Human Services that employers, including most religious institutions, provide free contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs to their employees.   And, while Catholics have been most impacted because of the church's teaching on contraception, this is really an affront to people of faith of all denominations, because it is an attempt by government to force someone to take an action that violates their deeply held religious convictions.

I do believe this is a move indicative of somewhat of a "contraception culture" that is seemingly offering a license to engage in premarital sex without the consequences of a pregnancy.   So, in one sense, I think that contraception is an issue here.   And, the fact that drugs that cause abortion are being funded is another issue.

The widespread issue of religious liberty has gained the majority of attention here.   And, people are mobilizing - lawsuits have been filed by dozens of entities against this mandate on religious freedom grounds.   Plus, the first round of "Stand Up for Freedom" rallies in March has now led to another round this past week.   Indications were that over 150 cities were holding rallies, which also coincided, to a certain extent, with the expected U.S. Supreme Court decision on the national health care law.   The date also marked the 223rd anniversary of the passage of the Bill of Rights. 

LifeSite News offered a broad overview of the coast-to-coast rallies.

According to their piece:

Early media coverage showed hundreds of people attended each major rally, holding yellow balloons that say “Religious Liberty” and waving signs that read, “Stop the HHS Mandate.”
In the nation's capital, Michele Bachmann and Lila Rose expounded upon the Constitutional liberties enshrined in the First Amendment.
Jill Stanek spoke in Chicago. The San Francisco rally was emceed by Dana Cody of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. In Montana, a crowd gathered outside the officers of U.S. Senator Max Baucus, a Democrat who supports the mandate.

It's helpful to have a series of events continuing to keep this issue in the collective consciousness of people across the nation.   So often, we take part in "one-and-done"-type of events and lose momentum on important issues of faith - consistent prayer and action can be highly effective in demonstrating public opinion and influencing decisions.  

The 3 - June 3, 2012

On this edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", the spotlight shines internationally first of all on a nation that is experiencing some transition, and the Christians there are quite concerned.   And, a court in the Northeast U.S. has ruled a Federal law defining marriage unconstitutional.   Plus, in the top slot, the U.S. House had a chance to ban a certain category of abortion, but failed to reach the number of votes necessary to pass the bill.

3 - Unsettling days for Egypt's Christians


The first round of voting in Egypt's election for President has concluded, and two candidates will be vying for the title later this month.   The two candidates are:  Muslim Brotherhood candidate Muhammed Morsi and independent candidate Ahmad Shafik, who was former president Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister.  His candidacy may have been damaged by the announcement on Saturday that Mubarak, who resigned under pressure last year, was sentenced to life in prison as a result of deaths of some of the protestors in that uprising, one of the series of "Arab Spring" instances.

According to Crosswalk's ReligionToday.com: ASSIST News Service reports that many Islamists, fearing Shafik if he comes to power, are blaming Coptic Christians for voting for him and bringing him into the runoff.   Copts have been accused of being "traitors" and "anti-revolutionary" for voting to bring back the old regime.   Coptic human rights lawyer Athanasious Williams is quoted as saying that regardless of who wins the election, persecution of Christians will continue in Egypt -- the question is just how bad it will be.

The website also reports that Morsi has declared that he will "achieve the Islamic conquest of Egypt for the second time, and make all Christians convert to Islam, or else pay the jizya [Islamic tax required of non-Muslims]," according to the Gatestone Institute.  Morsi is quoted as saying that, "The second Muslim conqueror will be Muhammad Morsi, and history will record it."   When asked what he thought about many Coptic Christians voting for his opponent, Morsi reportedly said, "They need to know that conquest is coming, and Egypt will be Islamic, and that they must pay jizya or emigrate."

And, the Christian Examiner reports that an Egyptian judge has sentenced 12 Coptic Christians to life in prison for their alleged part in a riot that left two Muslims and one Christian dead in the village of Abu-Qurgas.  Eight Muslims charged with the same crimes in the same riot were acquitted.   That May 21st ruling has added to fears that justice will continue to elude the country's Christian minority.  A second, lesser-known ruling, however, may be a cause for hope.  In that ruling, an Egyptian court upheld a death sentence against a police officer who, in 2011, boarded a train, attacked a group of Christians and shot one dead.   Samia Sidhom, managing editor of Watani newspaper in Cairo, said the ruling went against "an unwritten rule" that judges cannot give the death penalty to a Muslim who kills a Christian.

Coptic Christians didn't have it so well when Hosni Mubarak was in power, and so voting for his surrogate would no doubt have been a difficult exercise.  But, Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood majority in the Egyptian Parliament are likely to implement Sharia, or Islamic, Law, which would make life even more challenging for these brave believers.   We're reminded that living the Christian life in many Middle Eastern countries is an invitation to persecution, and that we need to be in prayer for the believers in that region.


2 - Appeals court rules Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional

On Thursday, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found a way, or created a way, to declare a portion of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.   By rejecting traditional arguments, the court in essence crafted a new path to grant the same benefits to same-sex partners that spouses in traditional marriage receive.   According to Liberty Counsel, the ruling dealt with Section 3 of DOMA, which defines marriage as one man and one woman for purposes of federal law and federal benefits, specifically joint federal tax returns, Social Security survivor benefits, and federal employee health insurance and medical benefits.


The U.S. House of Representatives now has the responsibility to defend DOMA, as the result of the Obama Administration saying that it would no longer defend the act, that was passed overwhelmingly by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.   The House, and its attorney Paul Clement, are likely to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Christian legal advocacy organizations were swift to weigh in on the ruling.    Mat Staver, the Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel said: 

“This ruling makes no sense. A state cannot dictate the kind of benefits the federal government must provide...If a state recognizes polygamy, does that mean that the federal government must also recognize multiple spouses? Absolutely not! This decision is the proverbial tail wagging the dog.”

Alliance Defense Fund  Legal Counsel Dale Schowengerdt stated:

“Society should protect and strengthen marriage, not undermine it. The federal Defense of Marriage Act provides that type of protection, and we trust the U.S. Supreme Court will reverse the 1st Circuit’s erroneous decision.”

And, Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, commented:

"Liberal federal judges in Massachusetts and California have resorted to making up legal standards in order to justify redefining marriage...They realize the legal precedent doesn't allow them to redefine marriage, so they are making up new standards to justify imposing their values on the rest of the nation. It is clear that the US Supreme Court is going to have to resolve this issue once and for all."

There is seemingly growing opposition to the traditional, Biblical view of marriage, but the sociological research shows that marriage is an essential building block of a stable society, so the government should be interested in protecting it.   From a moral and spiritual standpoint, stable marriages contribute to the preservation of the family, the general happiness of the couples, and an environment best-suited for the raising of children.     


1 - House fails to get enough votes to ban sex-selection abortion

The U.S. House of Representatives had a unique opportunity this past week to outlaw an entire category of abortion - for the purpose of gender selection.    Even though a sizable majority of the House voted in favor of the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act (PRENDA), a 2/3-majority was necessary under the rules, and the vote fell short of passage, with a 246-168 margin.  The bill faced rejection in the Senate and a Presidential veto, but it does get lawmakers on record regarding their position on terminating a human life just because the unborn child is female.   Rep. Jean Schmidt of Ohio said, according to LifeNews.com: "Abortion is wrong at any level, but to condone someone wanting to end a life based solely on the sex of their child is horrendous. This is an assault on women. This is gendercide."

This bill came to a vote the same week that the pro-life invesigative media group Live Action released 2 undercover videos shot at a Planned Parenthood center in Austin, Texas, in which a Planned Parenthood employee counsels a woman to have an abortion because it would be born as a girl.   According to LiveAction.com:

The Planned Parenthood staffer suggests that the woman get on Medicaid in order to pay for an ultrasound to determine the gender of her baby, even though she plans to use the knowledge for an elective abortion. She also tells the woman to “just continue and try again” for the desired gender after aborting a girl, and adds, “Good luck, and I hope that you do get your boy.”

“The search-and-destroy targeting of baby girls through prenatal testing and abortion is a pandemic that is spreading across the globe,” notes Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action. “Research proves that sex-selective abortion has now come to America. The abortion industry, led by Planned Parenthood, is a willing participant.”

According to Live Action, there are thousands of missing girls in various nations around the world due to sex-selection abortions.   But, in the name of preserving a "woman's right to choose", a significant number of lawmakers have stood in solidarity with those who accept the termination of a life because she is female.   Opponents of the bill said that the supporters were carrying on a "war on women", but doesn't that ring hollow when you are discussing actually taking the lives of females?

The 3 - May 26, 2012

On this week's edition of "the 3", my week-in-review feature, a new survey illustrates the continuation of a trend for fewer Americans to declare themselves as "pro-choice" regarding abortion, Memorial Day provides an occasion for a Christian legal advocacy group to launch a campaign to protect religious imagery at memorials, and dozens of Catholic groups file lawsuit against the Federal government regarding an Administration mandate to provide contraception services in violation of deeply-held religious beliefs.

3 - New survey indicates decline in number of pro-choice Americans

There has seemingly been a great deal of momentum in the pro-life movement in the last few years - even though the Administration in Washington has enacted and supported policies that serve to remove restrictions on abortion, in the statehouses of America there has been a strong surge in the amount of pro-life legislation that has been passed.  Pro-life events, such as the March for Life in Washington and others, have enjoyed strong attendance, and polling data has begun to show that America is trending pro-life.


And, that was reinforced by a Gallup poll released this week, showing that the number of Americans self-identifying as "pro-choice" has dropped to 41%, which is a record low.   That represents a 9-point deficit between pro-choice people and the 50% identified as "pro-life".   Here's the story from the Christian Examiner, with a piece from Baptist Press.

Pro-life leaders were encouraged.  Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life, said the latest poll "is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, a growing number of Americans are uneasy with the unfettered, under-regulated and unsavory abortion industry as it exists today."

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony list, cited the effort to require taxpayers to fund abortions as a key reason for the public's move away from the pro-choice position, noting, "Those who would have us continue to fund abortion with our tax dollars are arguing in direct opposition to public opinion."

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said that President Obama's "radical abortion agenda is finally putting a face on the 'choice' movement, and it's not pretty...What we're witnessing is the nationwide backlash to three years of Planned Parenthood-style governing," he said. "And led by the next generation, America is on the verge of a social revolution that will ultimately reclaim this nation as a culture of life."

With pro-life people passionately advocating for the unborn and reaching out with compassion to women in crisis pregnancy situations, in addition to the increased information through ultrasound technology regarding the development of pre-born children, there is great momentum for the viewpoint of life consistent with God's Word.


2 -  Legal advocacy group launches Memorial Day campaign

On this Memorial Day weekend, we are reminded of the great sacrifice of the brave men and women who have fought and even given their lives in order to win and preserve our freedom.   And, we can remember the hand of God as He has worked to establish our nation and as He has sustained us.   There are vivid symbols of this symbiotic relationship between deep faith and military strength throughout our land in the form of Christian crosses, Ten Commandments monuments, and other religious symbols that illustrate the dependence on God that has been so vital in the life of our nation.

But, we have seen concerted efforts to remove these displays from the landscape of America, and it its Memorial Day campaign, the Christian legal advocacy group Liberty Institute is standing up for these bold symbols, including the large Veterans' memorial on Mt. Soledad in San Diego that has been in and out of the court system.  Here is a background story from The Christian Post.  

As it stands now, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the cross is unconstitutional, saying that it violates the so-called Establishment Clause of the Constitution.   Liberty Institute is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the veteran's group that has acted as custodians of the memorial, and the U.S. Solicitor General has stepped in on the side of preserving the memorial cross.   Liberty Institute has released a video including a song, "Don't Tear Me Down", that underscores that importance of this case, which could affect how and if religious symbols are used in veteran's memorials and other public monuments.   For more information, you can go to www.libertyinstitute.org.

On this Memorial Day, we can be careful to look for evidence of our Christian heritage through the symbols throughout our land.   It is important that these are preserved.

1 - Dozens of Catholic entities file lawsuits against contraceptive mandate

A new development arose this week regarding the opposition to the mandate by the Federal government that all organizations, including religious entities, must provide free contraception, abortion-inducing drugs, and sterilization in their health-care plans.   43 Catholic entities, including educational institutions such as Notre Dame and Franciscan University of Ohio, health-care providers, and charities, filed multiple lawsuits against being forced to provide these services, which violate their religious beliefs.   CitizenLink has been following the situation, and had this report.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said in a statement.“It is a compelling display of the unity of the Church in defense of religious liberty."   The Conference is not a party in the lawsuit.

This could be the largest religious liberties lawsuit in history, and carries with it some serious implications on the government's right to attempt to force religious institutions, as well as private businesses and others who operate according to Christian principles, to abandon their deeply-held beliefs.  And, as the Catholic Association has pointed out, the President's support among Catholics has dropped significantly since the HHS mandate was issued.   In a nation founded on the premise of freedom of religion, this entire situation has been a troubling series of events.

The 3 - May 20, 2012

This week's edition of "The 3" focuses on a first-grade student's experience with being told she couldn't include a song in his school's talent show because it was "too religious".   Plus, the first religious institution has dropped health insurance because of a government mandate to provide drugs that it finds objectionable.  And, the top story is multi-faceted and includes responses to the nationwide debate over the definition of marriage.

3 - Idaho student allowed to perform Christian song, despite earlier ban by school 

Just in time for the annual debate about students' religious free speech rights centered around graduation, a hopeful outcome emerged for a much younger student, who wanted to perform sign language to Chris Tomlin's song, "We Fall Down", in the talent show at Lena Whitmore Elementary School in Moscow, Idaho.   This first-grade student was told that the content of the song was "too religious", but the school backed off after receiving a letter from the Alliance Defense Fund. 


Here's the story from the Alliance Defense Fund's media site.

ADF Litigation Counsel Matt Sharp is quoted as saying that, “Public schools should encourage, not shut down, the free exchange of ideas. Removing the voice of faith from schools sends a message to all students that religion is something to be ashamed of.”   He went on to say: “The school district is off to a good start in allowing this performance to occur, but it needs to revise its unconstitutional policy so that this doesn’t happen again.”

This makes for great headlines as we are now approaching graduation season, where routinely we find that students' free-speech rights are challenged.   ADF points out the Idaho case that if the presentation is the student's personal expression, then it can't be shut down under the First Amendment.

Regarding the inclusion of religious content in graduation speeches, Liberty Counsel has some helpful information.   In its "Friend or Foe" Graduation Prayer Campaign, the legal advocacy organization is intent on reminding officials that students don't lose their free speech rights when they step to the podium.


2 - Catholic university drops student health insurance 

It was just a matter of time before a religious institution made the announcement that it could not longer offer health insurance because of the government mandate that free contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs, and sterilization had to be covered by the insurance companies that are chose by religious organizations, and it has now occurred.   This mandate was the prime factor in the decision by the Catholic university, Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.   Here's the report from CitizenLink.

The University could have held on for another year under the Health and Human Services provision, but the decision was hurried up because of the economic implications.    Vice-President of Advancement Michael Hernon said, "We may have been able to be grandfathered for a year on our moral objections to the mandate...But the tripwire was the Affordable Care Act’s requirements that take effect later this year that will double, then triple — and more — our costs.”

Hernon said student health policies generally provide limited benefits with a maximum payout of $50,000 per incident.  Under ObamaCare, the school is required to increase the limit to $100,000 per incident this fall, to $500,000 for the 2013-14 academic year, and to begin offering unlimited policies to students in 2014-15.
The school also dropped its requirement for students to have health insurance because administrators don’t want them to buy something “immoral or too expensive,” Hernon said.


So while the health care law promises lower costs, employers are facing a strong economic impact in the other direction.   And, some companies would even rather pay a fine or a fee rather than the escalating premiums under the Act.  

This is, I would anticipate, the first of many religious entities who will no longer provide health insurance under the contraception mandate, which was implemented in a brazen attempt that disregarded the conscience rights of individuals and institutions. 

1 - Ramifications of gay marriage debate show up throughout the nation

The debate over same-sex marriage continues to proliferate across America, as the President continues to stand verbally behind his support for gay marriage and as his Administration continues to enact policies that support gay rights, even at the expense of the conscience rights of military chaplains and others.   A group of African-American pastors have taken issue with the President, as well.   Plus, there have been some recent developments on college campuses regarding the subject of homosexuality or gay marriage.

In a speech this week in New York City, according to CitizenLink, the President openly stated the position to which his officials have held already - that he would like to see the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as one man for one woman, repealed.  And CNS News reports that the Administration "strongly objects" to provisions in a proposed Defense Authorization Bill that prohibit the use of military property for same-sex “marriage or marriage-like” ceremonies, and protect military chaplains from negative repercussions for refusing to act against their consciences, as, for example, in being ordered to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony.

The bill apparently has a number of objectionable elements for the White House - it has passed a House committee, and will face debate on the House floor in the coming week. 

And, there is a report from The Christian Post on a group called the Coalition of African-American Pastors, which called on Mr. Obama to renounce his support of same-sex marriage, speaking strongly against the idea of characterizing gay rights as a civil rights issue.

Rev. Bill Owens, the coalition's organizer and a veteran of the civil rights movement who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, was quoted as saying, "The group of black clergy and civil rights leaders say it is time to turn the tide against the 'hijacking' of the civil rights movement..."  A 50-year-old can only read about the struggles and protests of the civil rights era, but some of us who are older have the battle scars to prove it. And the rights we fought so hard to acquire did not include same-sex marriage."  Two days later, the NAACP passed a resolution stating its support for gay marriage.


And, the same-sex marriage debate has yielded some effects on Christian college campuses.  At Biola University, according to the Christian Examiner, a small group of gay students announced its presence, in opposition to the school's official position.   University officials issued a statement clarifying the school's stance on human sexuality and assuring students struggling with same-sex attraction that they are welcome in the Biola community.

University President Barry Corey wrote in a letter to students, faculty and alumni, which started out by saying, "Biola sees this as an opportunity to live out what it means to be a learning community of grace and love...."


Biola students are required to sign a contract affirming their agreement with the university's belief that "sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife."  The new statement goes into more detail, looking at God's design for marriage, offering help for those struggling with issues of sexuality, and encouraging discussion on campus.


The statement also says the school is a safe place for those struggling with same sex issues: "We pledge to extend compassion and care, providing accountability and assistance as we support all members of our community — students, staff and faculty — in their desire to live consistently with Christian teaching."

So, the school is showing support for gay students without endorsing their lifestyle, apparently.   And, they are promoting dialogue.   Chris Grace, vice president of Student Development, said that students often come to him and other Biola faculty members about their struggles with same-sex attraction.  He said:
"They struggle in ways like everyone else because of brokenness...When we recognize students who come to us, our hope is to walk alongside them... to help them grow closer to what God intended in their lives." 

So, here is a school that has not capitulated to the gay agenda, but is inviting dialogue and encouraging those struggling with same-sex attraction to feel comfortable in seeking help.   


Another Christian school, in Rome, Georgia, Shorter University, is requiring a "personal lifestyle statement" for its faculty members.  It includes the pledge to “...reject as acceptable all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible, including, but not limited to, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality.”  The statement also says they will not engage in illegal drug use or drink alcohol in restaurants, stadiums and other public locations. 


Well, over 50 faculty members have either resigned or cited disagreement with either the lifestyle statement or the school's faith statement.   President Donald Dowless is quoted by Religion News Service as saying that there are “strong feelings on both sides” about the new employment rules but the board decided to “reclaim our Christian roots” even if the consequence was a loss of faculty and staff.

“Our University was at a crossroads to either take steps to regain an authentic Christian identity in policy and practice or we would become a Christian University in name only,” he said.  

So, here is a school that is attempting to reaffirm behavior that is consistent with Biblical truth - and half of its faculty has either resigned or is in disagreement.   Sometimes you do have to evaluate your position on issues to make sure that you are lining up, and Shorter is using this moment in its history to run a "plumb line" and reset its standards.    

The 3 - May 13, 2012

On this week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, some new court action regarding the National Day of Prayer (ugh!), communication from a jailed Iranian pastor, and headline-grabbing activity concerning the redefinition of marriage.

3 - Colorado Appeals Court Finds Fault with Governors' National Day of Prayer Proclamations

The National Day of Prayer was celebrated recently, as I outlined for you last week.  The Day had actually faced a legal challenge from the so-called Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has been showing itself to be an organization that is intent on promoting an atheist worldview in the public square.  Since last April, when the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had dismissed a lawsuit that the Foundation had filed, the interest in the National Day of Prayer has reportedly surged, as the National Day of Prayer Task Force indicates an increase in the number of organized events reported on the Task Force website. 

But, the Freedom from Religion Foundation has certainly not given up, and has been no doubt emboldened by a ruling out of Colorado this week.  Proclamations issued by two Colorado governors between 2004 and 2009 were ruled unconstitutional on Thursday by the state's three-judge Court of Appeals.  The appeals court has also requested a lower court decision on future proclamations and state prayer events.

Here is the story from CitizenLink.

The ruling overturned a 2010 state district court ruling dismissing a lawsuit filed by the FFRF.   A similar lawsuit filed against the state of Arizona by the organization was dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge in December of last year, citing a lack of standing by the FFRF - the Foundation has now appealed that ruling to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  Fortunately, last year, the Obama Administration successfully defended the lawsuit against the National Day of Prayer, and Governor Brewer's administration apparently defended the Arizona challenge.   It is unclear on whether or not Colorado's governor and attorney general will defend that suit.

Unfortunately, it seems the FFRF has unlimted resources to file lawsuits against traditional and constitutional expressions of religious faith and heritage. The Foundation has been active in challenging a variety of
types of religious activities regarding government entities, including schools.  Just last week, in Sylvania, Alabama, officials voted to retain a Scriptural reference on the town limit signs in the face of a threat from the Foundation.  And, when you consider that so many school systems and municipalities are strapped for funds, the playing field is definitely slanted in the direction of those who would remove public expressions of religion.  But, prayer and vigilance, in addition to the skill of organizations such as the Alliance Defense Fund and others, can help to level that playing field and to preserve the rights of students, officials, and others to express themselves.

2 -  Jailed Iranian Pastor Writes Letter to Supporters, His Attorney Jailed

Many believers in America and around the world are praying and expressing concern for jailed Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who reportedly still faces the death sentence for converting to Christianity.   A letter has been released from the pastor, informing believers that he is in "perfect health in the flesh and spirit".   He said in the letter that he has "surrendered myself to God's will".   He acknowledged that churches and officials had asked for his release and that human rights groups worldwide had been standing with him.  He concluded the letter by asking for prayer, "as the holy word has said".

Here is a report from Baptist Press, from the Christian Examiner website.

Pastor Youcef's case has been made more complicated by another recent development.  His attorney, Mohammed Ali Dadkhah, has been convicted and could begin serving a nine-year sentence.  Dadkhah said he was convicted of acting against national security and other charges.   Jordan Sekulow of the American center for Law and Justice, which has been a powerful ally of Pastor Youcef, said, "This development only reinforces the fact that Iran has no regard for basic human rights".  Dadkhah has said that no attorney would be willing to take Youcef's case out of fear of "being imprisoned or disbarred".   He had represented 12 Christians in Iran in April alone who had been charged with several crimes, including apostasy - for leaving Islam.  

This illustrates the pressure that many believers across the Middle East are facing regarding their Christian faith - but even in the midst of great darkness, God's light is shining throughout the region.   Perhaps even this situation can bring an increased motivation for people of faith to intercede for Pastor Youcef, attorney
Dadkhah, and the people of that nation.

1 - NC Voters Affirm Traditional Marriage, President Reverts to Support of Gay Marriage

This week, there was a strange juxtaposition of ideas concerning the institution of marriage.  God established that institution in the book of Genesis, it was affirmed by Jesus, and I believe that our system of laws, based on moral law, is based on the clear assumption that marriage, as recognized and endorsed by government, is the union of one man and one woman.   However, there are those that want to redefine marriage to include the union of a man and a man or a woman and a woman - gay marriage picked up an important endorsement this week as President Obama became the first sitting President to say that the institution of marriage should be extended to include gay couples.   He and former President Clinton - yes, the one who signed the Defense of Marriage Act, providing a Federal definition of marriage - were active in opposing an amendment to the state Constitution in North Carolina, but, in the end, the people affirmed traditional marriage, putting that state in line with 29 others and in line with the Biblical definition.  

So, gay marriage dominated the headlines.  Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has affirmed that his belief that marriage is between a man and a woman, reportedly received his largest round of applause at the commencement at Liberty University over the weekend when he stated that belief.   We now have another social issue that has risen to the forefront in the election of 2012 - and it's been introduced, in essence, again by the White House, who also injected the issue of free birth control to be provided for employees of religious institutions into the national debate.   Now, it's same-sex marriage, strategically making the headlines, perhaps to deflect attention away from the economy, maybe to marginalize people of faith, who knows? - but it's an important issue, and I think it gives Christians an opportunity to decide how to respond - are we merely to speak out, stand up, and say no (which is important!)?  Or is perhaps God calling us to do more - to reaffirm traditional marriage, to live out the truth in our own marriages, and to seek ways to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual tendencies, to point them to the grace and power of Jesus Christ, who can enable them to live above gender confusion and to experience a freedom like none other.

The 3 - May 6, 2012

This week on "The 3", my week-in-review feature, an international Christian denomination wrestles with the issue of homosexuality at its General Conference, a Chinese dissident pursues the cause of freedom, which is appealing to hosts of Christians in China, and the National Day of Prayer unites Christians across America, crying out to God for spiritual awakening.

3 - United Methodists keep language on homosexuality the same

At its General Conference, held every 4 years, the United Methodist Church voted to basically re-affirm what it has traditionally held regarding homosexual behavior and the ordination of gays into the ministry.   The Conference was held in Tampa this year, and there were a host of resolutions that dealt with sexuality, many specifically attempting to loosen the church's stance on homosexuality as "incompatible with Christian teaching". In the end, by about a 60-40% margin, the delegates voted to keep the current language.


CitizenLink offered this report.



It has been largely held that if the denomination were to reject changes in its position on homosexuality, that the strength to do so would come from the African delegates, which represent some 30% of the denomination's membership.   The Church in general has about 40% of its membership in overseas countries, where members generally hold to a more conservative view of the Scriptures.

“Thanks to its global membership, United Methodism uniquely is growing in members and rejecting liberal accommodation of secular Western culture, unlike declining U.S. mainline Protestant denominations,” said Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, quoted by CitizenLink.

According to church reports, membership in the U.S. fell by 100,000 last year, while African Methodist churches grew by 200,000.

Several other denominational churches have previously changed doctrine to accept homosexuality, including the Episcopal Church in the United States of America,  the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the U.S. Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ.  All those denominations ordain openly homosexual clergy members; the United Church of Christ also condones same-sex marriage.

2 - Chinese dissident who escaped prison apparently headed to America

He's reportedly not a Christian, but he has championed a cause that is of great concern to Christians in China, as well as those who are outside the large nation who are trying to help.   Blind attorney Chen Guangcheng, who has been outspoken in his opposition to China's brutal one-child policy, which includes forced abortion and sterilization, for years has been a thorn in the side of the Chinese government, and has been arrested and reportedly tortured.    About two weeks ago, he decided he'd had enough, and crafted an intricate escape plan from so-called "house arrest".   He sought protection in the U.S. Embassy around the time that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Time Geithner were due in the nation for high-level talks.   Both countries were trying to avoid embarrassment, and ultimately, Chen, who had initially said he would like to stay in China, will apparently leave the nation and study in the United States.

Bob Fu of the Christian organization ChinaAid, stood with Chen and actually reached him by cellphone so he could talk to members of a U.S. House subcommittee this week.   And, members of the underground church are supportive of Chen's actions, according to a piece in the Christian Post:

 "Chen Guangcheng isn't a Christian, but we Chinese Christians pray for all those in pursuit of the truth," Zhang Mingxuan, a house church pastor from central province of Henan, stated, according to the news agency. Activist and lawyer Chen's case, the pastor added, "has been a blow for China's legal and government officials."

The Chinese have been called into question for their human rights record, and there are fears that a crackdown on house churches is underway and may intensify in light of the situation.   And, while U.S. officials stress that they call attention to human rights abuses and religious freedom issues in their conversations with the Chinese, our government, which has borrowed over a trillion dollars from China, has lost leverage to speak to those topics.  So, Chinese Christians continue to suffer, but they continue to thrive and explode numerically.   And, while the Chinese government doesn't want their oppressive tactics on people of faith or their forced abortion policy to be part of the international consciousness, the case of Chen Guangcheng has served to expose the policies of China and its leaders.  

1 - National Day of Prayer encourages Christians to seek God

Thursday, May 3rd was the 61st annual observance of the National Day of Prayer since Congress passed legislation making it an annual event, and directing the President to make a proclamation of it.   The day was cemented on the first Thursday of May during the Reagan administration.    Observances took place from sea to shining sea, as Christians gathered at state capitols, at city halls and county courthouses, and at churches across the land.   A national prayer event took place at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC on Thursday morning, and it was streamed live on the Internet.   That evening, Christian radio stations across America, led by 2 large, influential networks, broadcast a concert of prayer, called the "One Cry Prayer Summit", which featured a variety of Christian leaders offering prayers for our nation and encouraging believers to unite their hearts in seeking God for spiritual awakening in our land.  

And, the work of organizations such as One Cry and the National Day of Prayer Task Force continues, as their desire is for prayer for our nation to be more than a one-day event, but a consistent focus for believers across the nation.  Shirley Dobson continues to lead the Task Force, and the Honorary Chairman this year was Dr. David Jeremiah, Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego and speaker on the Turning Point radio and television broadcasts.  More information on the observance of the National day of Prayer can be obtained at www.nationaldayofprayer.org or www.onecry.com.

The 3 - April 29, 2012

This week on "The 3", my week-in-review feature, people are reading God's Word continuously in the nation's capital and other locales across the nation, leading up to the National Day of Prayer.   Also, residents of the South took a few moments to look back on the devastating tornadoes of April 27, 2011.   And, Christians were reminded of the power of the Internet and creative ways it can be used as a tool to share the gospel.

3 - Bible-reading marathon kicks off in nation's capital

In advance of the National Day of Prayer, which is coming up on Thursday, May 3rd, people have gathered in Washington, DC for the 23rd Annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon, which will be attracting hundreds of people to Capitol Hill, each of whom are reading portions of God's Word.   The Bible reading in the nation's capital is one of a number of such events across the country and around the world, organized in association with Bible Pathway Ministries.


Terry Shaffer Hall, one of the directors for the DC Marathon, told The Christian Post that the purpose of the marathon was to promote biblical literacy and understanding.  She said that it was, "To call people to daily read their Bibles and look to it, as the inspired Word of God, for guidance, truth, hope, peace in troubling times...Standing on the West Steps of the Capitol looking westward and reading God's [Word] across this great nation fills your heart with hope for this country."

The Global Bible Reading Marathon will originate from Bible Pathway's headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and will continue until May 3rd and feature 95 hours streamed on the Internet.   Because of a Congressional scheduling conflict, the Washington event will conclude Tuesday; other marathons are scheduled through Thursday, the 3rd.   Organizers believe the Bible reading marathons lay a solid foundation for the National Day of Prayer.  To learn more, go to http://www.biblepathway.org/.



2 - Christian and governmental leaders mark one-year anniversary of day of devastation
This past Friday, April 27th, was the one-year anniversary of a major tornado outbreak that caused death and damage across a number of Southeastern states.  The outbreak was the second-largest such event in history, with an estimated 349 people losing their lives, 239 of them within the state of Alabama, which experienced major tornadoes, such as the F5 which destroyed Hackleburg and Phil Campbell, and the powerful F4 that ravaged parts of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.   Other communities that suffered significant damage included Cullman, areas close to Huntsville and Decatur, and cities in DeKalb County, such as Rainsville and Sylvania, as well as Elmore and Tallapoosa counties.  

Churches and ministry organizations were again on the front lines, bringing not only physical relief, but also a sense of hope through Christ.  To observe the one-year anniversary of the event, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley was part of a special prayer time on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.   Franklin Graham, whose Samaritan's Purse organization worked extensively in the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham areas, returned to West Alabama for a special prayer breakfast.   And, The Alabama Baptist released a 56-page commemorative edition which highlighted some of the churches that were damaged and their rebuilding efforts, the work of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams, and the hope that was evident throughout the recovery effort. 

I highlighted 4 lessons that we could take away from the storms:
1 - We don't always know why bad things happen.  But, we can rest assured that crisis becomes an opportunity for the glory of God - we live in a fallen world, and adversity will come - the storms will blow through, as Jesus illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount. The question is: how will we handle them? If we respond in faith, then He will do amazing things either inside our hearts or around or lives - and if we don't respond properly, still God can show us by His Spirit how we can be ready the next time.


2 - We can always be better prepared. During this past year, people have evaluated their personal emergency plans. Organizations that provide relief are looking at ways they can respond even better. We can look for definite areas of improvement.

3 - Working together brings more effective results. There are great benefits when we as believers can lay down our differences - of doctrine, culture, ethnicity, or geography - and seek after the common goal of bringing relief to those who have been affected and glory to God. Partnerships have been key in the restoration effort.

4 - Our God is a God of restoration.  Even where lives have been devastated and livelihood destroyed, we can know that the Lord is a builder...He always brings hope, and His people are often called to be communicators of that hope - with our mouths, our hands, and our hearts. The display of the love of Christ is a powerful force in letting other people know that He is interested in them, He loves them deeply, and He desires to repair what is broken.


Special commemorative events were held on Friday, bringing people together to reflect on their losses and to recognize the incredible efforts that were expressed by devoted relief workers.   This series of events, tragic as they may be, remind us of the dependence that we can have on Almighty God in those tough times we experience.

1 - "Internet Evangelism Day" encourages Christians to use technology to spread the gospel

Sunday, April 29th was set aside as "Internet Evangelism Day", which is an effort to recognize the power of technology to communicate the truth of the gospel, and to encourage Christians and their churches to be more involved in using technology in this way.   Tony Whittaker, IE Day coordinator in the United Kingdom is quoted by Christian Today as saying:  "At last it has become remarkably easy for any Jesus-follower to build relationships and discuss truth appropriately, especially within social networking platforms...Our digital communication culture has become highly visual and dialogue-based, and the sharing of conversation-starting video shorts on Facebook and Twitter is as easy as a mouse-click, though only if we know where to find them."

More information can be found at http://www.internetevangelismday.com/, and free e-books were made available on Sunday at that website. 

The opportunities to reach people through the Internet continue to expand - there are an estimated 2.3 billion people online and 4 billion mobile phone users.   And mobile apps are continuing to be released - some recent additions include:

Talking About Jesus, which is directly evangelistic and offers 18 short videos by insightful speakers such as Philip Yancey, Anna Robbins, Andrew White, Krish Kandiah, Nick Pollard and Gary Habermas.

A second new evangelism-related web app is called God’s GPS.   That app is designed to guide Christians on ways to share the good news appropriately and conversationally. The interface operates in 40-plus languages and explains the principles that Doug Pollock - author of God Space - offers in his books and seminars.


The ways to use technology to share our faith and to grow in our faith are increasing, and Internet Evangelism Day provides a reminder of the electronic tools that God has given us to share His truth.

The 3 - April 22, 2012

On this week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, we look back at an event involving students across America who are devoted to speaking out about God's plan regarding sexuality, an awards ceremony recognizing quality in Christian music, and the loss of a legendary Christian leader.

3 - Ministry promotes "Day of Dialogue", encourages a breaking of silence over sexuality


This past week, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network held its annual "Day of Silence", encouraging gay teens and those who sympathize with them to engage in not speaking during an entire school day, in order to call attention to their plight - presumably, they are trying to show that silence somehow contributes to the solution to alleged bullying of those that participate in homosexual behavior.   According to the Focus on the Family website, dayofdialogue.com:

Participating students take a “vow of silence” and distribute cards proclaiming they are a part of a “national youth movement bringing attention to the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies … My deliberate silence echoes that silence …” Some students even wear duct tape as part of the protest throughout the school day. GLSEN encourages students celebrating this event to lobby for legislation supported by homosexual-advocacy groups and to pressure school officials to implement things such as a “queer friendly” prom.  During this event, GLSEN also encourages teachers to display homosexual-themed books and other materials about transgender topics in the classroom and to “Discuss Day of Silence with your students.”

Focus on the Family, with its public policy arm, CitizenLink, now sponsors a "Day of Dialogue", which took place on Thursday, April 19th, one day prior to the scheduled "Day of Silence".   The purpose of this day is to engage in discussion about sexual issues, including God's plan for sexuality.   This year, thousands of students in some 40 states across America participated.   As the organizers put it:

The Day of Dialogue is also meant to help students like you have a safe space and equal opportunity to express a faith-based viewpoint in a loving and respectful way. The event provides a critical opportunity for thousands of thoughtful teenagers, as well as college students, to be able to discuss more than one perspective on important social issues in our nation’s public schools.

In some cases, students would pass out conversation cards in order to stimulate dialogue.  Where permitted, students were encouraged to put up posters promoting the day.    The "Day of Dialogue" is an effort that is intended to build bridges and to encourage conversation about these issues free from confrontation or stigmatization.    It is a Day that is intended to perhaps change the tone of the debate regarding gender identity, while also seeking to promote Biblical truth.

2 - Christian music recognizes talent, achievement

This past Thursday in Atlanta, the Gospel Music Association recognized its talent and achievement during the 43rd Annual Dove Awards.   The actual awards ceremony, from the Fox Theatre, will be broadcast on Tuesday night, April 24th at 7pm CT and 9:00 Central on the Gospel Music Channel.  Plus, a host of awards were presented in a special Pre-Show event on Thursday afternoon.

Overall awards in major categories such as Song of the Year, Male & Female Vocalist, Group, and Artist of the Year were given out.   Plus, there were category-specific (or sub-genre-specific) awards, ranging from Rap and Hip-Hop to Rock, Urban to Southern Gospel, even Country and Bluegrass.   Other areas of recognition included Praise & Worship, Instrumental, Children's, Special Event, and even Short- and Long-Form Videos.  In most style categories, a song and an album were showcased.

And, the awards presentation was packaged in a way that showed the breadth of gospel, or Christian music, and effectively communicated that though there is a wide range of styles, these artists seek to glorify the same Lord and shared the same message. 

The combinations of artists during the televised awards show effectively contributed to the narrative that there are different styles, but the same Lord, and that these styles can come together in creative ways.   When you see Crystal Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Angie Stone, and Karen Peck on the stage at the same time, accompanied by a choir, you really gain a sense of the unity these artists have in Christ and how artists can combine from different perspectives and backgrounds to achieve a creative mix.   In another example, Michael Tait (Newsboys, DCTalk), Todd Smith (Selah), Group1Crew's Blanca, and Rawsrvnt put together an entertaining tribute to music inspired by "The Story".

Some of the major awards presented include:
Song of the Year - "Blessings" by Laura Story (winner of 4 Doves)
Male Vocalist of the Year - Jason Crabb (also, Artist of the Year)
Female Vocalist of the Year - Natalie Grant (5th time!!)

Group of the Year - NEEDTOBREATHE (won 3 Doves)
New Artist of the Year - Jamie Grace

Artists who had a big night included Kirk Franklin and Karen Peck and New River, each taking home two Doves - their first ones!   Todd Smith of Selah and rapper LeCrae were recipients of 3 awards, including recognition for their part in "Music Inspired by 'The Story' - the Special Event Album of the Year. 

This was the first time I had ever "covered" the Dove Awards, and while it is quite a glamorous evening, with plenty of cameras clicking and a plethora of accolades to go around, I would hope that the main purpose is to point to the God who has gifted these artists with talent to be used to glorify Him.

1 - Colson passes away at age 80 following brain surgery

On Saturday afternoon, legendary Christian leader Chuck Colson died as the result of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 80.  Mr. Colson had fallen ill at the Wilberforce weekend conference a few weeks ago, and had taken a turn for the worse this past week.  

Chuck Colson, who had gained a reputation as a hard-nosed, ruthless White House counsel - Nixon's "hatchet man" - had accepted in 1973 as the result of Tom Phillips, then the president of the Raytheon Company, witnessing to him.

According to a release by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assocation, Phillips himself had accepted Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade at Madison Square Garden in 1968.  “This is how the Gospel spreads, from Graham to Phillips to Colson,” wrote Colson in the book Billy Graham: A Tribute from Friends by Vernon K. McLellan.    Graham is one of the host of Christian leaders who have paid tribute to Chuck Colson, saying: "When I get to Heaven and see Chuck again, I believe I will also see many, many people there whose lives have been transformed because of the message he shared with them."

Colson was incarcerated as the result of Watergate-related charges - he served seven months in prison, and spent time at the Maxwell Federal Prison in Montgomery, where the Lord essentially called him into prison ministry.   Answering the challenge of a fellow prisoner who basically said that Colson would forget them once he left, the seeds of what would become Prison Fellowship were planted in his heart, and the ministry was established in 1976.    From Prison Fellowship came Angel Tree, which provides Christmas gifts for the families of prisoners, which also has Alabama roots.

Chuck Colson's observations about how prisoners actually became involved in crime were instructive in showing him that the condition of the human heart, a life without Christ, led to people ending in prison.   He became a leading voice for Biblical truth, challenging Christians to apply a Biblical worldview perspective in their lives and to engage the culture.  Through his daily radio commentary, "Breakpoint", his involvement in the Manhattan Declaration, upholding the bedrock principles of life, marriage, and religious liberty, and in founding the Chuck Colson Center for Biblical Worldview, equipping Christian people to become more influential in the culture, Chuck Colson has established a remarkable legacy that has inspired many.    For more information, you can go to www.chuckcolson.org.

The 3 - April 15, 2012

This week's edition of "The 3" highlights the need for prayer for the nation of North Korea, a gathering attracting thousands this week at which attendees were encouraged to devote themselves more fully to the gospel, and a shift in the GOP Presidential race that directly affects many Christians.

3 - Prayer focus turns to North Korea in light of rocket launch, leadership change

The eyes of the world were focused this week on the planned launch of a rocket from a site in North Korea, the purpose of which their government said was to put a satellite in space, but that much of the geopolitical community felt was to prepare to deploy a nuclear warhead - the attempted launch was reportedly a failure. This event and others give Christians the unique opportunity to call attention to the isolated nation so that we can pray for it and its people. Open Doors USA, which has North Korea on top of its "World Watch List", on Sunday encouraged a different sort of launch, the deployment of prayers before the throne of God on behalf of North Korea.

As the country is celebrating its "Day of the Sun", and as a new leadership structure is being put in place, believers are being called to pray. We read on the Open Doors website that:

Christians in North Korea are bracing themselves for the April events as they wake up every day in a country that is full of the idolization of its leaders. Even worse is the increased terror level of the government. One church leader described this in his letter, “All executives, citizens and even students are forced to attend meetings. Between December 30th and January 8th there have been thorough investigations to find anyone who has not participated sincerely or has not participated at all in the national mourning of the death of the leader. Therefore all criticism meetings and self-reflection classes are being closely watched and secret agents are seen everywhere. All these movements are to prevent any sort of individual dangerous elements who may not devote themselves to the ‘military first’ policy and protest against its current system. It seems like it is part of an extreme reign of terror just to create a terror atmosphere. It is very difficult to speak our minds, even to our friends and family. There is a good chance we will be arrested if we speak freely.

According to an interview with Dr. Carl Moeller, President & CEO of Open Doors in The Christian Post, "For Christians inside North Korea their fear has increased as the government has mandated all the people to bow down to the gods of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un and participate in the celebration...scrutiny of the estimated 200,000 to 400,000 brave underground Christians has increased during the last few months. Some have been thrown into prisons. There are 50,000 to 70,000 Christians of the estimated 150,000 to 200,000 people living under horrific conditions in those prisons. Also, many North Koreans are chronically malnourished and unemployed."

For more information, you can go to www.opendoorsusa.org. The nation of North Korea represents not only a challenge to those it perceives to be its enemies, but its government is an enormous threat to the thousands of Christians within its borders who wish to worship God in an atmosphere of religious freedom.

2 - Christian leaders gather in Louisville for biennial "Together for the Gospel" conference

In 2006, four long-time friends -Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C. J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler - joined together to create a conference called Together for the Gospel, in order to encourage other pastors to stand together for the same gospel, the gospel of Christ. The conferences were repeated in 2008, 2010, and in 2012, with another scheduled for 2014.

This year, some 7500 to 8000 came together in Louisville to hear the 4 friends as keynote speakers, in addition to Thabiti Anyabwile, Matt Chandler, Kevin DeYoung, David Platt, and John Piper. The messages were centered around a theme of the "The Underestimated Gospel". There were also a number of breakout sessions that were offered, as well as worship through music.

Prior to the conference, it was announced that Chandler, Pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas, would be assuming the leadership of the church planting network known as Acts 29, replacing Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll, who also stepped down from his board position at The Gospel Coalition, which is a network of pastors and speakers who are devoted to a strong adherence to the gospel and the proclamation of Biblical truth. You'll actually find that many of the keynote speakers of Together for the Gospel are also associated with the Coalition.

During the Together for the Gospel conference, the announcement was made that the entire library of preaching by noted theologian Martyn Lloyd-Jones would be made available for free download through the website of Lloyd-Jones' trust, which is found at www.mlj.org.uk. There are some 1600 recordings that are available.

1 - Santorum's withdrawal forces many Christian voters to evaluate Romney

It was an improbable candidacy to say the least - a two-term U.S. Senator, who was defeated in his re-election bid by double-digits, experiencing single-digit numbers in polling data leading up to just before the Iowa caucuses, then out of nowhere winning Iowa, then scoring wins across the Midwest before taking his campaign to the South and pulling out wins in Alabama and Mississippi. However, Rick Santorum was greatly outspent by the presumptive nominee Mitt Romney, and lost some big states like Michigan and Ohio and was actually trailing in the polls in his home state of Pennsylvania.

A health scare involving his 3-year old daughter brought the Santorum family to their home and before the throne of God to evaluate their campaign. And, after admittedly a great deal of prayer, Rick Santorum suspended his quest for the Republican Presidential nomination.

One group that had supported Santorum and brought energy to his campaign was evangelical Christians. Even though he is a Catholic, his devotion to oppose abortion and gay marriage, and pronouncements that he made, such as quotes about the source of rights - from God, not government - brought him a great deal of support from that group. There were also a number of evangelical leaders who had galvanized behind Santorum, as well. Looking ahead, we do know that Mitt Romney already has a measure of support from evangelicals, and combined with likely a good deal of Santorum's evangelical support going to Romney as the nominee, he should have a sizable amount of that voting base.

Now, Newt Gingrich still enjoys some pockets of support from evangelical Christian voters, but his polling numbers and financial numbers suggest that he is incapable of mounting a significant challenge to the former Massachusetts governor.

But will there be enthusiasm for evangelicals as a whole to support Romney? There has been quite a bit of debate regarding Romney's Mormonism, as well as his positions on abortion and gay marriage, which seem to have shifted. And, people will have to weigh and pray about those issues.

One thing that has been very beneficial to Romney all along is that he has been perceived as the candidate who is best position to defeat Barack Obama, and evangelicals who do not want to face a second Obama term, it is thought, will turn out for Romney (although a new Barna poll does show that Obama may do better with evangelicals this time around).

So, it appears the general election campaign season has begun, and it's important that Christians are in prayer regarding the upcoming choice in November - not only for the man to inhabit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but those who will serve down the street in Congress.

The 3 - April 8, 2012

On this Easter weekend edition of "The 3", consisting of 3 stories of relevance to the Christian community, I wanted to highlight the story of a sidewalk counselor in Florida who has been released from an overbearing lawsuit, students in Oklahoma who are now free to promote their events in the same manner as other organizations, and the ultimate freedom in Christ, proclaimed in pulpits and by the lives of parishioners on Easter weekend and beyond.

3 - Lawsuit against sidewalk counselor dropped

According to Liberty Counsel, after 18 months in court, the Justice Department has dropped its appeal in a lawsuit against a sidewalk counselor in Florida, Mary "Susan" Pine. The U.S. Justice Department had sought thousands of dollars in fines against Susan, as well as a permanent injunction banning her from counseling women on the public sidewalk outside the Presidential Women’s Center abortion clinic.

Federal Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp had stated that Attorney General Eric Holder had failed to present any evidence of wrongdoing, and identified what was described by Liberty Counsel as a "cozy" relationship between the DOJ and the clinic. He also mentioned the joint failure to preserve video surveillance footage of the alleged “obstruction". Judge Ryskamp wrote, “The Court is at a loss as to why the Government chose to prosecute this particular case in the first place...The Court can only wonder whether this action was the product of a concerted effort between the Government and PWC, which began well before the date of the incident at issue, to quell Ms. Pine’s activities rather than to vindicate the rights of those allegedly aggrieved by Ms. Pine’s conduct.”

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, commented, “It is irresponsible for the U.S. Department of Justice to place politics above principle when deciding to prosecute, and thus attempt to silence, a pro-life sidewalk counselor without any evidence of wrongdoing. When the nation’s highest law enforcement officer files suit against any citizen, the suit must be based on the law coupled with compelling evidence. Anything less is an abuse of the high office. Susan Pine will not be silenced or detoured from her mission to save the lives of innocent children.”

The DOJ also agreed to pay $120,000 in legal fees, taxpayer-funded of course (not that Liberty Counsel shouldn't be compensated, but Susan Pine should not have been in court in the first place). Pro-life sidewalk counselors go to clinics all across America, and some face rather adverse circumstances. 2 Montgomery, AL counselors will be in court soon to defend themselves in a lawsuit filed against them because they dared to step on a clinic's property in order to avoid sprinklers that had been used against them.

The work of sidewalk counselors is being used of the Lord to bring a saving knowledge of Christ to abortion-minded women. In fact, in the midst of her court case, Susan Pine counseled a woman outside of the clinic and convinced her not to have an abortion, thus saving the life of the child and possibly the mother as well. Her email to Liberty Counsel read, “We saved a life today.”

And, in another abortion clinic note, Birmingham's New Woman All Women clinic will be closing next month, due to its continued failure to meet the standards of the state department of public health.

2 - Settlement reached in case involving students' ability to promote Christian events

On Monday, the Alliance Defense Fund announced it had settled a lawsuit involving the Kids for Christ club in Owasso, Oklahoma, which had filed suit against the school district because it had in place a policy that stated, “No literature will be distributed that contains primarily religious, objectionable, or political overtones which may be beneficial to any particular group or business at the expense of others.” Based on this policy, the Owasso Kids for Christ club was not allowed to promote its activities to the community, even though other groups such as the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and local businesses were able to promote their activities to students. Here is the story from the Alliance Defense Fund website, adfmedia.org.

The district has revised the policy that the plaintiffs had claimed to be unconstitutional. According to ADF, the settlement stated that the club could post fliers on a community bulletin board and place them on a literature table in each school. Also, the club can participate in an information night held each semester for community groups to promote their activities and have announcements made over the public address system regarding cancellation of club meetings, just as other groups are allowed to do.

So, here is a case where a school district did not allow a Christian club the equal opportunity to promote its events that other clubs and organizations had. Thinking that they had to protect themselves from some sort of Establishment Clause violation, the district put in place a policy that denied the Kids for Christ club their constitutional rights - all across America, school administrators erroneously think they have to keep religion out of their schools...but this denies students their First Amendment free expression rights.

1 - Christians around the world mark the resurrection of Jesus

Across the nation and around the world, Christians celebrated Easter Sunday, or as it has come to be called in some churches, Resurrection Sunday. And on this occasion, we can think about how we can demonstrate the power of the resurrection - we can do that by living a life that shows that we love and know Him, allowing Christ to live His life through us. And, we live out the resurrected life not only in our personal holiness, but also in the way that we serve others.

According to a new Rasmussen poll, 77% of those surveyed believe that Jesus rose from the dead. 86% of American adults believe the person known to history as Jesus Christ walked the Earth 2,000 years ago. Just seven percent (7%) don’t share this belief. So, the question becomes: if over 3/4 of the population says they believe that Jesus rose from the dead, then why do we sense that the Christian faith is losing ground here in America? If 77% truly believed in the resurrection and demonstrated the power of it in a transformed life - well, imagine the possibilities!!

Palmcroft Church in Phoenix believes in the power of resurrection...they have organized a campaign to raise thousands of dollars to bring clean water to the poorest of the poor in Haiti and Ethiopia. On Thursday of this week, college students gathered for a 12-mile walk to raise funds and bring awareness. During its Easter services on Saturday and Sunday, Palmcroft brought the campaign to thousands - participants were given the opportunity to walk a 100-yard course carrying 47 pounds of water in a five gallon jerry can, in order to experience the average daily four-hour walk that most these kids have each way to get dirty water.

On Easter Sunday morning attendees were given a bottle of "Dirty Water" and encouraged to drink nothing but water for three weeks. On April 29th, people will bring back the money they saved on coffee, soda and other drinks and give it towards the clean water projects. This is one of many examples of churches that live out the power of Christ's love and His resurrection.

2 professional athletes lived out the power of the resurrection on Easter Sunday - NFL quarterback Tim Tebow spoke to some 15,000 people at an outdoor Easter service in Georgetown, Texas (near Austin). And, a professional golfer named Bubba Watson celebrated His Savior's birth by winning the Masters. Here is a profile from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Christians celebrated their Savior's birth in Jerusalem, including a number of Coptic Christians who are, for the first time since Pope Shenouda's death, visiting Jerusalem.

There are many churches who utilize a host of creative elements in order to illustrate the story of Jesus and His death and resurrection. As attendance at churches swelled this past weekend, it gave an opportunity for pastors to not only proclaim truth from the pulpit, but for the people in the pews to be challenged to live out the power of the resurrection.

The 3 - April 1, 2012

On this edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, a health update on a major evangelical leader who became ill and had surgery this weekend, plus faith-based movies making an impact in theaters. And, the top story involves activity at the U.S. Supreme Court this week concerning the massive health care reform law.

3 - Colson taken ill at Wilberforce conference, has surgery

According to The Christian Post, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, was hospitalized during the Wilberforce Weekend Conference in Virginia, which was sponsored by the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He had surgery Saturday morning and reports are that he is resting and should be released early in the coming week. The Conference is designed to "encourage Christians to break the spiral of silence when it comes to the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage, and religious freedom." Well-known advocate for people with disabilities Joni Eareckson Tada received the 2012 William Wilberforce Award at the conference this year.

2 - Faith-based movies make an impact at hundreds of theaters

The life-affirming film "October Baby" remained in the top 12 of movies over the previous weekend, which was led yet again by "The Hunger Games". Showing in less than 400 theaters, "October Baby" depicts a young girl who, after learning that she was adopted and an abortion survivor, goes on a protracted search for her birth mother. "October Baby", produced by the Birimingham-based brothers Jon and Andy Erwin, still held to a per-screen average of over $2000. The movie will likely roll over the $3 million mark in total box office this week. Check out the website at www.octoberbabymovie.net.

Meanwhile, last Tuesday, over 500 theaters hosted a special live event coinciding with the release of the film from Kirk Cameron, "Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure". The event featured a message from Kirk, as well as a screening of the film, which debuted at a selected number of theaters this past weekend, including the Rave in Montgomery. The film is a documentary that traces the philosophy of some of the founders of our nation and is designed to illustrate some of the Christian principles upon which the nation was built. For more information, go to www.monumentalmovie.com.

These films, along with the anticipated release of "Blue Like Jazz", based on the Donald Miller book, which is coming up in a couple of weeks, continue to illustrate that there is an interest in films that are consistent with the Christian faith - now, it's important that these types of films are supported, in order to reinforce what the distributors are sensing.

1 - Supreme Court considers national health care law

It was a series of court sessions greatly anticipated ever since the passage of the massive national health care law two years ago. Christians and Christian organizations had expressed concern over the expansion of government control into health care decisions, as well as the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions. The structure of the law could lead to rationing of care, which is a threat to some of the most vulnerable Americans, including the elderly and those with disabilities. Two Christian legal advocacy organizations, Liberty Counsel and the Thomas More Law Center, had filed lawsuits against the law, as did 27 state attorneys general. Polling data shows that the law is unpopular with the American people.

So, against this backdrop, the U.S. Supreme Court held 3 days of oral arguments in appeals of lower court decisions. The first day's testimony concerned where the penalty for those who do not purchase health insurance could be considered a "tax" - if so, a challenge cannot be filed until it is collected. The second day concerned the constitutionality of the individual mandate - i.e., can an American citizen be forced to buy a particular product? And, on the final day, the court considered the so-called "severability" of that mandate - could the law go into effect, even without that mandate, which is intended to provide the funding for the law? And on the third day, the court considered how states' Medicaid funds would be affected by the law.

There are plenty of experts to go around on this case, and judging from reports of the questions and comments from the justices, there is compelling evidence that the individual mandate could be struck down. But, how that would affect the implementation of the health care law is unclear. The justices are presumably writing their opinions after voting on Friday on how they would rule, and it does seem that if they strike down the mandate, then the law will be sent back to Congress to rewrite the law so that it would work without that mandate.

It does seem to be a slippery slope - if Americans can be told one day that they have to buy health insurance, then what will the government tell them they have to purchase the next day? There certainly is an element of our basic freedom that is at stake here. I believe that, from a Christian perspective, if we are told we have to purchase something, even items, such as contraception or abortion-inducing drugs, that are against the dictates of our consciences, then it opens the door for a centralized power to force us to make other decisions that we may find objectionable. And, overall, this law can contribute to the whole mindset of a greater dependence on government, rather than a reinforcement of our own individual liberties, including our right to depend on God.