Posted on 02/25/2014 4:49:35 AM PST by iowamark
It is sad that we, in the 21st century, are at this point in the United States of America.
We should be willing to leave each other alone and have basic respect for one another. We should not wish to impose our views on others or force others to serve us against their will. Unfortunately, in the name of tolerance, a group of activists nationwide believes that if you do not worship at the altar of gay marriage, your business must be shut down — you must be punished. Sadly, they are also winning in court.
This necessitates legislatures passing religious liberty legislation to protect people of faith against the intolerant forces of tolerance. Such legislation has already passed Arizona’s legislature and I hope Arizona’s Governor will sign it into law.
Despite the left’s obfuscations, no one is claiming that Christians should be allowed to simply not serve gays. No one is claiming that or even arguing that. What we do claim is that a Christian butcher, baker, candle stick maker, florist, photographer, or priest should not be forced to provide goods or services to a gay wedding or risk losing their business on orders of the state.
That’s it.
Because there are gay rights activists in this country who will not allow conscientious objectors, religious liberty legislation has become necessary. The Arizona legislation, like that under consideration in a number of states, would allow Christians to opt out of serving a gay marriage.
You may disagree with their decision, but the government should not force them to do so. Practicing, sincere Christians believe in a doctrine of vocation — that they are to honor God in their work and glorify him through their service. Forcing them to provide goods and services forces them to violate their conscience.
We should, in the United States, be willing to leave each other alone, to go where we are wanted, and do business with those whom we please. But it is clear that is no longer possible. The forces of tolerance, in their intolerance of others’ world-views, intend to make the rest of us care.
Jan Brewer should sign the legislation and preserve the right of Christians, Muslims, and others of faith to opt-out of government forced coercion against their consciences.
If she vetoes this law (I hope she doesn’t), does this mean that Christian churches, as well as synagogues, will not be able to refuse to perform a pretend wedding for two mixed-up people of the same gender?
I am surprised that the homosexual mafia has not yet started coming after the Bible-believing churches. I suppose that will be next. God help us.
Shame on the cowardly GOP members in the legislature now urging her to veto it. If Brewer does that, it’s the final nail in her political coffin. Sign the damn bill and protect Christians from the insane judiciary.
My Pastor has already been briefed on what to do when arrested for refusing to perform a homosexual "marriage".
It will happen sooner than you think.
> I am surprised that the homosexual mafia has not yet started coming after the Bible-believing churches. I suppose that will be next. God help us.
The Satanists, athiests, liberals / progressives, and homos will join forces (not that they already haven’t) when they do. I think Christians have been expecting it. I predict a War of the Worlds ending where HIV flourishes and saves the day...: )
If it gets vetoed, does that mean I can go to any women-only group/school/gym, tell them I am gay and they have to admit me?
A pastor can refuse to perform any marriage so long as it isn’t discriminatory. And why would he turn it down? A chance to preach to the unrepentant? I would think a pastor would jump at that chance.
The wedding homily from Romans 1?
A much better column than yesterday’s Jesus Baking a Cake nonsense!
Is this the legislation we’re talking about? http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/2r/bills/sb1062p.pdf . If so, I don’t see how it could be controversial. It doesn’t grant any new rights, or rescind any existing rights.
I disagree on all kinds of levels with what you said......!!!!!
Actually surprised you said it????......
I disagree on all kinds of levels with what you said......!!!!!
Actually surprised you said it????......
Are you asking why any pastor would turn down a chance to perform a wedding which is contrary to biblical beliefs? I don’t understand your statement.
“contrary to biblical beliefs”
You are on shaky Theological grounds. Remarrying divorced people is prohibited by Jesus because they are committing adultery. We aren’t exactly obeying those Biblical beliefs now.
Romans 13 instructs us to obey the government authorities (Note: I didn’t write Romans so don’t blame me for what it says). So pastors have to follow the law. But the law doesn’t instruct them regarding what they must say. If they want to use Romans 1, have at it.
Note : I did not write this.
Rom 13:1-5
(1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
are you saying that Romans I requires that pastors have to follow the law whatever it is, regardless if it is contrary to the commandments or biblical teaching and because they continue to marry divorced individuals, then they cannot refuse to marry homosexuals? Sorry, not buying it. I do not read Romans I to require adherance to governmental law regardless of what it is. Nor does the Catholic church. The time is imminent when the left will bring this to a head and attempt to require priests to perform gay marriages, and then the wheat will be separated from the chaff. You’re saying that protestant ministers will cave and perform them. OK.
sorry, i mean Romans 13.
I actually feel sorry for her. She is in a tough place right now. She is getting so much pressure from both sides. I think if it was just the gays that were pressuring her, it would not be a big deal. The straight’s are coming for her to not veto this. What is wrong with the “normal” people today?
Hey - YOU know that's homophobic and discriminatory writing - you're talking jail time, brother.
Are you saying you want her to veto it?
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