Advent 2006
Caesar Augustus

Caesar Augustus (63 BC-14 AD), the first Roman Emperor. Under Augustus came the golden age of Roman literature and the building of many roads, buildings, aqueducts and bridges. Under him, the Roman Empire flourished.

This Caesar plays a role in Christianity. Not the great Emperor of Rome who carried the republic to an empire. Not the historical figure portrayed in history books. Caesar Augustus is the messenger boy of an almighty and sovereign God. A census decree issued by Caesar began the Greatest Story Ever Told…the birth of the God-Man in Bethlehem. Undoubtedly Caesar was attempting to determine the extent and coverage of his rule and influence. He was establishing tax roles that would lead to assessments to file the royal treasury. In reality, he was a bit player in a drama that brought to earth the King of Kings. This King would rule forever without end. This King would need no census to determine His subjects. He knows everyone, the living, the dead and the yet unborn. Augustus had no idea of the importance of his decree. He was oblivious to the birth of this King Who has no equals, not unlike the millions today who are unknowing of this King. There is no evidence that this Caesar was ever face to face with the God-Man while they walked the earth. But, the day and hour is coming when Caesar Augustus will meet face to face with King Jesus. And, when he does, this Roman emperor will bend his knee and confess with his tongue that Jesus is Lord and King. Then comes the judgment by the One born in a manger based on a decree by one who lived in a palace.

Living in the World
Turkey and the Pope

As the entire world knows, Turkey is attempting to enter the EU. We are also aware that Pope Benedict enraged the Muslim world with a speech at the University of Regenburg in Germany. At that event on September 12, a lecture to 1,500 university professors, Big Ben [sorry Steeler fans, the Pope is the “real” Big Ben, especially with Pittsburgh Ben’s less than steller performance this season] cited Manuel II Paleogus, Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425 who opined to a Persian Muslim that what Mohammed brought to Islam that was new were “things only evil and inhuman…”

Now, Benedict is going to Turkey. It will be interesting to see how the press reports this. For now, we see Muslim protestors in force. While the Pope apologized for unwittingly offending the sensitivities of faithful Muslims, that is not enough. The real purpose of the Pope’s visit is to meet with the leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
This is a meeting that has been in the works for over a year. Do you think the Turks wished they would have approved the meeting before Sept. 12? Maybe not.

If the focus of the visit is the Pope and his “insulting” Muslims, Turkey may not have to worry about examining their “tolerance” of Christianity. President Bush and Prime Minister Blair support the EU petition. They also continue to enunciate Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance hijacked by extremists. This is a test for Turkey, however. After Benedict’s Regensburg speech, Salih Kapusuz, deputy leader of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, declared that “Benedict is going down in history in the same category as Hitler and Mussolini.” Hardly the sentiment of a liberal democratic government that belongs in the EU.

Those who object to Turkey’s entrance in the EU point to its complete difference to all European cultures. The influence of EU open borders is seen everywhere in Europe. On a recent visit to Italy I witnessed first hand hundreds North African Muslims who pedaled their wares on the streets of Florence in front of the legitimate shopkeepers. The police would come to disperse them and as soon as the authorities departed, the peddlers were right back where they were. All over Europe this is occurring so that the phrase Eurabia has been coined. After Poland joined the EU, a half million Poles entered Britain and Ireland. What will happen when Turkey joins?

Remember that the subway bombers in London were homegrown Muslim terrorists. All over Europe, Muslims have not integrated into their “new home” cultures. The approach is not to seek to live by “common values” but as if they were already living in a Muslim dominated culture. But, because they are living in a liberal democratic society, they expect and demand others to respect their choice to live as Muslims in a foreign land. Unfortunately, government after government capitulates to their demands. This is a sure recipe for the death of all cultures, languages, histories and civilizations build on western European principles and virtues.

So, the Pope enters onto the Turkey scene when much is at stake. And, it is not about the tolerance of Big Ben. It is about Turkey and Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance. Will the Pope’s visit to the gates of the Phanar that were welded shut in 1821 when the Ottoman Turks hanged Patriarch Gregory V bring to view the position of Turkey toward Christianity? Or, will this visit be more of the same from the press covering the visit…the Pope unnecessarily inflaming the Muslim faithful? Another interesting chapter in the struggle of civilizations.

The Church
Christmas 2005 Dust-up

Remember last Christmas when many mega churches canceled Christmas services because Christmas fell on Sunday. This was as big a story as secular culture banning Christmas symbols from the public square. However, the “church canceled” movement was justified on good old “family values.” You know…Christmas should be a family time together. So, we closed the doors of churches on the Lord’s Day on the day we celebrate the birth of He after Whom we name the day. Odd. But, odder still is the idea of choosing between family and worship.

I used to decry the folks who dropped their kids off for Sunday school and failed to attend themselves. It was like church school is for the young and immature. It is for those who can’t read the Sunday paper. Many believe the old commercial: Sunday is made for the NY Times. There is a fundamental flaw in the thinking of modern American Christians. Worship and family go together. Worshiping corporately as a family does not interfere with families. Worship is the ultimate family time.

Remember how the mega-churches distributed videos to look at between package unwrapping and Christmas dinner? It was the substitute worship you could do at your leisure without having to interrupt your family time by going to church. Another misconception and error of the contemporary church. Somehow we have convinced ourselves that private worship is the same as public worship. While trying to placate families the church is unwittingly helping to make the local church a thing of the past. Is that not aiding and abetting the secular culture that intends to privatize faith?

Thankfully Christmas is on Monday and not Sunday in 2006. Maybe the church will not be joining the culture in marginalizing the Incarnation and keeping Jesus out of the public eye. But, we will have to wait and see. The capacity for the church to stray from true faith and practice seems to be unlimited these days. Stay tuned.

Thanksgiving Day 2006

It was one week ago today that my mother-in-love, Louise S.Walker, entered into her eternal reward. I am thankful for the 94 years our gracious God gave her. She was a special person who God used in a magnificent way to affect many lives. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are remarks made by her grandson, Lucas Walker Kriner, and me at her funeral celebrating the resurrection hope of the Christian and remembering her life.


The Meaning of Mom-Mom

It is a real honor to speak here today and honor an incredibly special lady. Usually when the Walker clan gets together, we participate in two things. The first is, of course, when Pop-Pop offers a cash reward for the lucky family member who can guess the tailor date of one of his suits. The second was my favorite. It was when we celebrated Mom-Mom’s birthday. It was summertime and there was time for visiting and swimming at the pool. I saw it as a highlight of the summer. But, what made it special was each grandchild and great-grandchild had the opportunity to come forward when we cut the cake and shared a story or two about Mom-Mom and how she was so special.

That is why this is such a great pleasure for me. I am most happy to talk about my Mom-Mom. And, while in this short time I cannot begin to express all the things she did for her grandchildren, I hope that I can give a flavor of what she meant to us.

As long as I can remember, the grandchildren of the Walker family have referred to our Grandmother, who we honor today, as Mom-Mom. Now, the question may cross your mind, what is a Mom-Mom?

As legend has it, long ago, my sister, Barb, designated the name of Mom-Mom. Without knowing as a youngster, the name caught on and came to be the name that would go down in history as a woman of wonderful qualities.

First of all, we all know what a Mom is-an intimate term used to describe someone who cares for us, loves us, nurtures us, raises us. Imagine this essence of that terminology for a mother times-two. A Mom-Mom. What results? Double the love, double the care, double the nurture.

Now, imagine with me this love and care times ten and individually dispersed for each grandchild. I am not a math person, but the amount of love outpoured in that particular dimension of our family is something special. We could go into the details of that double love, the essence of a Mom-Mom, extending beyond children and grandchildren to great grandchildren, other family members, in-laws, friends, acquaintances, and etcetera. Now, I am not mistaken when I omit the familiar and often clichéd category of “enemies,” because our Mom-Mom had no enemies. She loved all and was loved by all and accepted everyone unconditionally.

Mom-Mom was motherly to all. Mom-mom is a matriarchal term. She was at the top of the family totem, but not in that she ruled over all of us- she cared for all of us. She was the caretaker of her flock. As our matriarch she poured herself out for us. Another astounding attribute about Mom-Mom was she always knew exactly what was going on in each of our lives. Her care was doubly genuine and she was always intent to know what was going on in our lives.

There are other doubles as well that constitute a Mom-Mom. Double the purses: One thing that impressed me about Mom-Mom was she always was equipped with two types of purses: a purse for money and a purse for cosemetics. Double Score: Mom-Mom was the most apt scrabble player I’ve ever known. Double the disposition: This one takes a moment of explanation. Mom-Mom was both assertive and gentle. She was not afraid to let you know what was exactly on her mind on any occasion. Even if what she had to say was little brusque, a moment later she’d be giggling about it with her contagious laugh.

Probably my favorite memory of Mom-Mom’s assertiveness was the first time I met Tom Ridge. Mr. Ridge was campaigning for governor in Ridgeway, Pa. I don’t remember the specifics of where we were, but I do remember looking after Mom-Mom during the get together. Upon spotting Mr. Ridge she said something like: “Lucas, let’s get you over there to meet Tom Ridge.” So, in a moment, Mom-Mom, who usually would cling to me was pulling me, the reluctant and shy teenager, along. Whereupon she tugged on his sleeve, Mom-Mom said, “Tom,”… “Hello, Mrs. Walker,”… “I’d like you to meet my Grandson.”

As my last double, I would like to express the most important. Along with Mom-Mom came Pop-Pop- always in tandem. We can splice the term any way you desire: Dynamic duo or perhaps, Double Trouble. But, any meal or family gathering, Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop would be there together. Some of the most pleasurable times were at family meals where Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop would describe stories from another time and place making history real. Some of my favorite time with Mom-Mom was spent from our front door to her car after the meal was through and it was time for them to go home. Often when it was time to leave, Mom-Mom would bundle up (in the case that it was wintertime) and she would come in right beside me and latch on tight to my arm. Helping Mom-Mom get around arm-in-arm. This was one of my favorite memories.

With all this said, one important distinction remains. The characteristics of A Mom-Mom, generally explained are specifically understood as the characteristics of THE Mom-Mom, our beloved Mom-Mom Walker. We’ve lost THE Mom-Mom. God in his providential timing has taken her home and afforded us this time to reflect on a special Grandmother. There was and never will be any lady like her. She had been all over the world, loved her family dearly and outpoured a distinctive love for each of her family members. We must carry the torch of what she held dear: love and care. She did so much for all of us.

Thus, we mustn’t lose hope. Death, in a way, reveals to us how much we’ve been blessed and makes real to us what it is to live a good life. May we celebrate today a life well lived. We were truly blessed to have Mom-Mom for so many years. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to share, but what is more, the opportunity to hear so many great stories about Mom-Mom Walker. She truly was one of the most selfless, caring, and loving people I have ever met.
Mom-Mom was God’s gift to us. Though she is no longer here in body, she will remain in spirit in the good memories we have. The goodness she outpoured to each of us will never find an end. This will be her legacy.
Lucas Walker Kriner

Adoption

I represent all who do not have Walker blood running through our veins but are part of the family. Those of us who have married Walkers, and there are quite of few of us. We are the ones who were adopted into Mom-Mom’s family. We have already heard what a wonderful person she was, but I am going to relate to you the best thing about Mom-Mom Walker.

We adopted ones were loved just as if we were biological children. We were loved…she was kind, considerate and caring to each of us. We were treated no differently than her biological children, grand-children or great grand children.

Adoption is a family idea conceived in terms of love. When I was a young lawyer, I used to love adoptions because of the joy they brought. Then, the US Supreme Court got into the act and made it complicated so that adoption became an agency matter. Louise took all of us adopted ones into her heart with closeness, affection and generosity. She loved one such as me. She did not have to love me. She loved me because she WANTED to and because she CHOSE to.

Now, we could stop here and say…how wonderful and nice that was. But, if we do, we miss how lovely and profound Louise’s life really was. For at its core, adoption is a theological concept. Adoption is the highest blessing and privilege the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ offers. When you were outside His family, through Christ, He loved you and brought you into His family. He chose you and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you became His.

Do you see why Louise’s life was so special? She lived what she believed. In Galatians, the Great Apostle teaches us that the “fruit of the Spirit”, that is, the qualities exhibited by a Christian life are: love…joy…peace…patience…kindness…goodness…faithfulness…gentleness…self-control. Let me repeat that:
love…joy…peace…patience…kindness…goodness…faithfulness…gentleness…self-control.

Does that describe anyone you know? That describes the Mom-Mom who brought me into her family by adoption. Today, I hear many people say they are Christians but their lives fail to be lived like a Christian. But not Mom-Mom. As Lucas has already stated: Her’s was a life well lived. I thank God for using her as an example for us all of how to live a Christian life. And, that is the greatest gift that she has left us. Amen.
William C. Kriner

The Church
Church Services On-line…just like being there

In this morning’s Centre Daily Times, there was an article with a by-line of Joseph Maldonado, York Daily Record. It concerned downloading church services to the World Wide Web. A good use of technology…yes!? This allows people to enjoy church without having to be there. You know, church at your convenience. Oops…what about the fact that Jesus was attended church [Luke 4:16] or that we are commanded not to forsake the gathering together of the saints for worship [Heb. 10:25]? Just another example of what happens when the church gets caught up in technology to the detriment of the Word.

The Zion Lutheran Church has a technology committee that ensures that the services get on-line and that they are “glitch free before the first word is spoken”. Sounds like a production not a worship service. This is indicative of the entertainment aspect of contemporary services. It’s the packaged product, not the substance that is important. And, just think of the time and money that goes into the continual changes in technology to be ahead of the curve.

In regard to money, Zion also has a better idea…giving electronically. To quote the article:

Rather than deal with checks, envelopes and collection plates, a preset amount of money will be withdrawn from a parishioner’s account and deposited into the church’s account.

Just like paying your other bills and dues to social clubs, you automatically give to the church every week. But doesn’t Scripture say God loves a cheerful giver:

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [2 Cor. 9:7]

Somehow I do not believe Paul had in mind a payroll giving plan for God.

However, I have an idea for the parishioners at Zion. Why not divert 10% of all monies deposited into their accounts to the church as what is owed to God. Then, each week the parishioner can decide what he/she will give to the work of the Lord over and above their tithe. There is a mechanical standard from God and with the opportunity for each man/woman to weekly be a “cheerful giver.” Anyone have the Zion Lutheran’s address…I’m sure its on the web.
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Sir Elton John

In a Sunday interview in London, Elton John was quoted as follows:

I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate. The world is near escalating to World War Three and where are the leaders of each religion? Why aren't they having a conclave? Why aren't they coming together? I said this after 9/11 and people thought I was nuts. Instead of more violence why isn't there a meeting of religious leaders? It's like the peace movement in the Sixties. Musicians got through to people by getting out there and doing peace concerts but we don't seem to do them anymore. If John Lennon were alive today, he'd be leading it with a vengeance.

Of course John is a homosexual who had his “partnership” sealed with a “civil partnership” in December of 2005. By organized religion, he obviously means the church. And, there is a lot of what he espouses in non-Biblical main line Protestant denominations…coming together in support of the homosexual agenda. You can also see the cultural elite’s next move…entertainment and concerts for homosexual rights.

It would indeed be easier for “same sex” marriage and other such issues to be accepted without any religious impulse against it. As we see more and more argument about genetics and/or socialization with respect to homosexual behavior, the church will be an important cultural bulwark. For, where else can it be argued that God’s revelation condemns homosexuality as sinful behavior and not an alternative lifestyle. Now we must speak the truth in love but above all we need to point homosexuals to the truth that will set them free from their genes or their choices. Without the supernatural message of a Savior from sin, it is all about biology. And, that is where Sir Elton and his kind want it.

Living in the World
The War on Terror…the next stage

Now that Rummy is out what happens next on the War on Terror? I hope we do not lose sight of the issue of Islamic fascism. While America is not God’s chosen people Christians must never forget that we are at odds with Islam. Scripture is the story of Christ and His redemption of His people. The Qur’an, on the other hand, is the final received word of Allah. It is a book of law, and as Paul says the law cannot redeem but kills. This is a conflict of the ages. Light against darkness; good against evil; truth against lies. And, while this country may have trouble deciding what it stands for, the ancient conflict is again in full swing.

No doubt that our dependency on oil fuels [no pun intended] the conflict. The Jihad party has never changed. Now, they have the wherewithal to wage their deadly battle. And, no policy of the USA will change it except capitulation to the radical Islamists. Only seriously religious folks can see the issues. The secularist believes there are answers in negotiations and “we are the world” and “can’t we all just get along”. So, we have a problem. As the USA slides more deeply into secular humanism as its guiding philosophy, how will policies reflect the great divide between Christianity and Islam?

In an era of political correctness and religious pluralism it is easier to call Islam a religion of peace and grant it moral equivalence with Christianity. It is all part of the trashing of western civilization and believing it to be the greatest threat to mankind. But, that is what our academic, media, political and religious elites want us to think. Gender, race and sexual repression within our own culture is a more dire threat than Islam. We must continue to blow away that smokescreen and defend a western culture that was brought forth from a Judeo-Christian belief and ethic. And, Christians must be willing to defend Scriptural truths that have convicted those who gave us the inheritance we have squandered by living in a way that fails to reflect who we are in Christ.

We cannot know what is next. But, we can walk by faith in Christ and live in the light of Christ. Many who profess Christianity do not really have any idea what that means. They do not know what they believe. And, if they know not what they believe, how will they defend it? And, more importantly, how will they pass it on as the faith once and for all delivered? While the world may turn a blind eye to the threat of Islam, the true believer does not because we learned Christ, heard Christ and have been taught in Christ [Eph. 4: 20, 21]. The War on Terror…He has won it.

Election Day 2006
The Day After

The Repubs have been turned out of power by the Dems in the House and probably the Senate. Probably a good thing…that Lord Acton saying about absolute power corrupting comes to mind. Lots of queasy feelings about the new Speaker of the House, the third in line for the Presidency. But, as always we get what we deserve from a sovereign God Who is in charge of all things. Just think of it, God wants Nancy Pelosi, a pro-abortion, homosexual rights supporter to be the first woman to be Speaker of the House in the USA!

Our God is not subject to popular vote…He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings because He is in charge. He takes no polls to see what the sentiment of the people is. His platform never changes. He rules absolutely without consent of the ruled. He is the over-ruler of all rulers and all who rule serve at His pleasure…whether they know it or not. That is certainly a comfort but a comfort not available to those who do not believe in God as Creator-Redeemer-King. But, whether believed or not, it is true.

I always receive a kick out of the bumper sticker: “God said it, I believe it; it’s true”. Well meaning but incorrect. Remove that middle phrase. It matters not whether you, I or others believe it. God said it…it’s true. That’s what makes Him God. He is dependant on nothing but is self-existent and complete in Himself. What He wills is done, period.

So, whatever the new Congress wants to do…stem cell research, homosexual rights, abortion rights…it is what we deserve and it will not surprise the sovereign God of the universe. He has ordained it as so. We need to be about examining ourselves. Why would our God will such things for us? Might be a good time to launch into His Word where he lays out how He brought about the overthrown of both Israel and Judah because of sin and disobedience. Hmmmm…there is nothing new under the sun as Solomon said. Time to get on with loving what God loves and hating what God hates, being faithful and obedient to our only Sovereign, being holy as He is holy. I repeat…think about it…we get what we deserve.

Election Day 2006
Liberal or Conservative

As people head to the polls to cast votes in the mid-term elections, they must be registered to do so. Registration is recognized as Republican, Democrat or Independent. But, that doesn’t tell you much today. The parties are in many ways indistinguishable. Sure, each has its headline grabber extremists. But, the vast majority of legislatures are alike…interested in staying in power!

In this most recent campaign, that was agonizingly long, attacks on the character of the opponent were in vogue. They have been for a long time. Why? Negative campaigning works, that’s why. The only positive positions politicians take is “look what we have done for you”. In other words, as an incumbent I have ladled the pork for you and if you want more, return me.

Many want to fix the line of demarcation on liberal v. conservative. But, what do they mean? Is being for the Iraq war liberal or conservative? Is being against capital punishment liberal or conservative? Fact is that liberal and conservative political positions are of recent vintage. Most peg them as being adopted in 19th century England as a replacement for Tory and Whig designations. In this country, conservative is only a 20th century phenomena.

Liberal has a much longer pedigree than conservative. Burke and de Tocqueville, whom we like to identify as conservatives, were liberals or at best “conservative” liberals according to historian John Lukacs. Lukacs says liberal originally meant civilized, open hearted, free and generous. Jane Austen used it that way. And, what can be wrong with that. It was only when being a liberal was hijacked by unfettered personal autonomy and unrestrained progress that fractures appeared. The individual pursues a rational self interest as he thinks best because humanity has certain individual rights adhering to each of us became the standard liberal position.

This was all made possible beginning with Thomas Hobbes who posited that there is no common good as described by ancient philosophers but only goods in each person or pursued as each person desires. This leads indirectly to state involvement for it is the state’s purpose to accommodate and maximize the individual desires in the most peaceful way. Liberalism is about individual sovereignty and it has no time for any claims of any other sovereign except for a state to insure your sovereignty.

Conservatism is not really an ideology of its own but a response to liberalism. Russell Kirk called conservatism the “politics of prudence” as outlined in his book of the same name. To conserve is to keep or maintain something over against that which intends to eliminate it over time. What unites conservatives is a desire to keep tradition and the culture as it is. But, of course the question is: “What tradition are you conserving?” Robert E. Lee was offered commissions in both the Union and Confederate armies. We know which one he accepted. Was he a liberal or conservative? Depends on where you live on what answer you give. Were the Reformers rebelling against tradition or recovering tradition? You position on that question determines whether you see them as conservatives or liberals.

Not much thinking is required to see this liberal/conservative thing is a problem. When I voted today I saw a bumper sticker that said: “Jesus never rode an Elephant.” What’s the point? Jesus was not political, He need not be because He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Jesus is not for liberals or conservatives, He is for the redeemed, His people. We are privileged to be able to help choose our secular leaders. And, our leaders are ordained by God. We get the leaders we deserve. But for the Christian voter and voted, it is time to dial down the rhetoric and attacks. It is time to stop bringing attention to ourselves. It is time to forget about conservative or liberal. It is time to start living a life pleasing to God as His child.

Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians, inspired by the Holy Spirit, lays down some sobering words about living a life pleasing to God:

…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
I Thess. 4: 11, 12

Know many politicians like that? Know many voters like that? Are you like that? Am I living like that? The terms Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative melt away when exposed to the light and heat of living a life pleasing to God.

The Church
Here we go again.

Ted Haggard was the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and the pastor of the 14,000 member New Life Church in Colorado, Springs. Was because he resigned as pres of NAE and is on adminitative leave from his position as senior pastor at the church. Why? Because of accusations of sexual misconduct and/or soliciting drugs from a male escort, Mike Jones.
When the story first broke, Dr. Dobson quickly jumped to Haggard’s defense arguing that this was the allegation of one man that really was trying to affect the outcome of Tuesday’s election. Now, it appears that Haggard has admitted to his church overseers some of the “indiscretions” alleged by Mr. Jones. Indiscretion? Is that not a major problem with the modern evangelical church failing to call sin sin?!
Here we go again. When will the church learn that its job is ordained by Almighty God because it is the supernatural creation of God? Let me assure you I am convicted of the need for professing Christians to affect the culture. But, not by slick programs of para-church organizations know-towing with political power brokers. The purpose of the church is to proclaim the Gospel to the world, nurture and equip the saints to be faithful and obedient to their Lord and Savior and equip them to do those good works God has ordained them to do from the foundation of the world. Why do we have an NAE anyway? Is not your responsibility as a Christian to discharge the Great Commission? That is the way the culture is changed…one life at a time.
By all means Christians should participate in the political process. But, evangelicals as a whole have sought worldly political power at the expense of the only true power we have…the Gospel. As an officer of the court, I am surely not ready to convict Ted Haggard without hearing his side of the story…innocent until proven guilty. But as a Christian, I, and he, must avoid the appearance of impropriety. We live in a society that is already hostile to Christianity. They do not need proof to say: “here they go again…the hypocrites”.
Are we learning our lesson, or are we doomed to repeat our folly? Pastors make sure you vote on Tuesday but in the mean time preach the whole counsel of God as the pastor and teacher you were called to be. Then just maybe, we in the pews will become the persons we are called to be…hearers and doers of the Gospel. Did we not just celebrate the recovery of the Gospel by the church? Oh, that’s right we were too busy stumping for our favorite candidate who will make a difference for Christians in the state house or Washington. What pathetic creatures we are! I said it the other day and I will say it again….Soli Deo Gloria. Our only hope is in Him alone!

Living in the World
Lewis v. Harris

“And the beat goes on.” Sonny & Cher

By now you know the New Jersey Supreme Court has made a foray into the culture wars. All 7 justices cited the state’s desire to end discrimination based on sexual orientation as the impetus for deciding that the legislative branch of New Jersey must create some sort of same-sex-union basis similar to marriage. There was a 4-3 on what ot name this arrangement. The majority opined:

The name to be given to the statutory scheme that provides full rights and benefits to same sex couples, whether marriage or some other term, is a matter left to the democratic process.

How interesting! The decision whether same sex unions should be permitted is NOT for the democratic process but naming it is. This is a classic example of form over substance…naming same sex unions “bubblegum” doesn’t change the fact that it is marriage.

Back at the time of Lawrence v. Texas, when the USSC decided sodomy could not be outlawed on moral or ethical local bases, this writer commented on the ridiculous notion that unelected judges should be making public policy. But the NJ court adds insult to injury by determining that all the democratic process is good for is labeling what they decide is best for the constituents of NJ. Maybe the NJ assemblymen should have their pay reduced commiserate with the reduction of their responsibilities!

In the Red State/Blue State era, legislatures, federal and state, have punted on their responsibilities knowing that half the folks will be upset if they make decisions on controversial social issues. But, isn’t that the process? If this new “arrangement” is to have the protection of the law, should not the people affected be able to debate, deliberate, argue and reason with engagement of the ideas and the expected consequences? What we have had for some time is a disgruntled minority, knowing their ideas cannot pass the muster of the legislative process, resorting to the courts to have their positions adopted by judicial fiat.

As Justice Scalia stated in his blistering dissent in Lawrence, inane decisions lead to extreme results. Allowing marriage to be redefined for homosexuals leaves the door open for polygamy and man/boy woman/girl arrangements. Principled arguments against such perversions are strangled when all of life is redefinable by courts without participation in a way that respects the freedom and equality of all citizens. How much longer can we allow courts to define the folkways, mores, morals and public policies of this country?

Augustine spoke of the “slippery slope” long before this republic was formed. Yet, we did not heed his warning and have firmly placed ourselves on that slope. Challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) are working their way through the federal system. If federal judges act in accord with the conventional wisdom, it will meet its end and be struck down as discriminatory. We will see. And, the beat goes on…….