June 2018 – Article 3:
In ancient Rome, countless Christians were literally fed to lions.
Today, we face a growing horde of two-legged lions out to silence—and in stands up for the Word of God. Based on what’s happening in other countries, even more dire consequences may be lurking in the shadows.
Whether it’s defending innocent human life, supporting traditional marriage, or just sharing the Gospel, God haters in government, schools, court rooms and special interest groups are becoming increasingly bold in their relentless efforts to stifle people of faith.
This trend potentially poses a serious threat to Georgia Right to Life (GRTL), since the foundation of everything we do is based on the uncompromising word of God.
“No matter what we face, we will always proclaim God’s will in protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said GRTL President Ricardo Davis. “We will not be intimidated. God called us to this mission and we will stand strong.”
One of the most frightening examples is unfolding in California, where the state legislature is in the process of passing legislation many feel could ultimately make it illegal to sell or even quote the Bible.
AB 2943 would use the state’s consumer fraud statute to restrict religious freedom and free speech involving homosexuality or gender identity. Its stated purpose is to prohibit efforts aimed at changing a person’s “sexual orientation.”
However, observers note because the California bill is broadly worded it could easily be used to restrict, or ban, a wide range of issues, including pro-life activities. And as the old saying proclaims: “As California goes, so goes the rest of the country.”
The measure, which easily won passage in the House and is working its way through the Senate, would make it illegal to distribute resources, sell books, provide counseling services, or direct someone to a biblically-based model for getting help with gender confusion or turning from a homosexual lifestyle.
Though not specifically mentioned, the Bible will eventually be on the prohibited list of activities or publications. As an aside, GQ Magazine recently listed the Bible as one of 21 books ‘you don’t have to read.”
Sadly, the developments in California are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to eradicating Christianity from our secular culture.
Nationwide Efforts to Silence Christianity
The following are a few additional examples of efforts to marginalize, intimidate, and silence Christians.
The City of Houston adopted the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) aimed at protecting gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender people from discrimination.
Sensing the hidden danger, five area pastors circulated a petition asking that the ordinance be repealed.
In response, the city sent subpoenas to five area pastors demanding they turn over “all speeches, presentations, or sermons,” pertaining to: the HERO ordinance; anything dealing with openly gay Mayor Annise Parker; homosexuality; or a person’s gender identity.
Mayor Parker eventually rescinded the subpoenas, claiming: “It was never our intention to interfere with clergy and their congregants.”
Really?
Last April YouTube suspended the Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) account for “repeated and severe violations” of its community guidelines. YouTube claimed a scientific explanation of the procedure and three personal testimonies were “harmful or dangerous.”
Also last April The Atlantic magazine fired a newly-hired staffer because it discovered he once sent an anti-abortion tweet.
Earlier this year New Yorker magazine suggested Chick-fil-A doesn’t belong in the state because of the “infiltration” of what the article called “pervasive Christian traditionalism.”
New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, went way off the rails to embarrass Christians during the nomination hearing for Secretary of State candidate Mike Pompeo. The Democratic Senator asked the nominee if he believes gay sex is a perversion.
A California family was ordered to pay a $300 fine for holding weekly Bible studies in their home on the grounds that such meetings violated the city’s zoning ordinance. The San Juan Capistrano couple, also faced an additional $500 fine for future meetings.
Fortunately the city reimbursed the money and said it would re-examine the ordinance after the couple filed a legal challenge.
Universities routinely prohibit Christian groups from having on-campus clubs.
Attacks on Christianity in Canada
And things aren’t any better in Canada.
A school district in Western Alberta has ordered Cornerstone Christian Academy to close by the end of the 2018 school year. Why? It’s the result of an earlier order from authorities telling the school to “refrain from reading or studying any scripture that could be considered offensive to particular individuals.”
The far left Canadian Prime Minister has been quoted as saying “…evangelical Christians were the worst part of Canadian society.”
The list could go on. But the conclusion is clear. The world is getting darker by the day, but followers of Christ are called to keep our light shining.
Sources: thefederalist.com; charismanews.com; cbn.com; lifesitenews.com; chicagotribune.com; christianitytoday.com; davidfiorazo.com; ocregister.com; abcnew.go.com; christianpost.com.
By Wayne DuBois
Georgia Right to Life
Media Relations Advisor