It Can’t Happen In America?

A government founded upon explicit Christian principles with a desire to foster religious freedom would never seek to silence, restrain or interfere with the practice of Christianity would it? Fifty years ago, most Americans would say no. Welcome to 2008 folks.

What follows is a citation from SB 200 a new bill signed into law last month [May 2008] in Colorado:

Section 8. 24-34-701. Publishing of discriminative matter forbidden. No person, being the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation... shall publish, issue, circulate, send, distribute, give away, or display in any way, manner, or shape or by any means or method... any communication, paper, poster, folder, manuscript, book, writing, print, letter, notice, or advertisement of any kind, nature, or description that is intended or calculated to discriminate or actually discriminates against... Sexual orientation, marital status... in the matter of furnishing or neglecting or refusing to furnish to them or any one of them any lodging, housing, schooling, or tuition or any accommodation, right [marriage], privilege [adoption], advantage, or convenience... on account of... Sexual orientation, marital status... [which] is unwelcome or objectionable or not acceptable, desired, or solicited."  Source: http://www.worldnetdaily.com (emphasis Added)

The law exempts churches and other places of worship. However, one can be certain this law will be used in an attempt to disallow the dissemination of those beliefs beyond that limited zone. Publishers could not publish books, tracts, websites that might teach what the Bible says regarding homosexuality.  Beyond that, Christians or churches that are involved in providing convalescent homes for seniors or children’s homes for orphans or have involvement in Christian Camps, will be directly impacted because the exemptions in the bill apply only to worship facilities. Christian publishers and broadcasters will be banned as well.

Many who have examined this bill have come to the conclusion that it will be used to censor and marginalize the impact of the church. Truth has nothing to fear. Those who advocate such ungodly, false ideas, however, seek to silence criticism and reasoned debate. They don’t want people to know the truth.  Truly,  our enemy walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

It is time to redouble our obedience to Paul’s command to pray for our leaders so that we can lead quiet and peaceable lives in all reverence (1 Tim. 2:1-2). It is also time for us to stand up and be counted in communication with our leaders and at the ballot box. If we refuse to do these things, what will America look like in another fifty years?

—Darryl Tripp,
minister
Bostonia church of Christ