Rick Warren: If the contraceptive mandate passes, it will ruin a core U.S. ideology

Washington Post ^ | 03/24/2014 | Pastor Rick Warren

[SeekAndFind]

Does our Constitution guarantee the freedom of religion, or does it merely allow a more limited freedom to worship? The difference is profound. Worship is an event. Religion is a way of life.

Specifically, does the First Amendment guarantee believers of all faiths the freedom to practice their ethics, educate their children and operate family businesses based on their religious beliefs, moral convictions and freedom of conscience? Do Americans have the freedom to place our beliefs and ethics at the center of our business practices — or must we ignore them when we form a company?

These questions will be brought before the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The outcome of Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby will affect every American because any religion allowed to be practiced only inside a house of worship, and not in the day-to-day business of life, is a worthless faith.

Since I wrote “The Purpose Driven Life” 12 years ago, I have received more than 500,000 letters and e-mails from people trying to live in ways they believe honor God. For millions of Americans, faith is something you live by. It colors every decision and action, both at home and at work. It is personal, but it is not private.

David and Barbara Green are one example of a purpose-driven family leading a purpose-driven business. From the time the Greens started Hobby Lobby in their garage, building picture frames with their sons, they committed themselves and their company to one simple purpose: “Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating our company in a manner consistent with biblical principles.”

[Alex Murphy]

Since I wrote “The Purpose Driven Life” 12 years ago, I have received more than 500,000 letters and e-mails from people trying to live in ways they believe honor God. For millions of Americans, faith is something you live by. It colors every decision and action, both at home and at work. It is personal, but it is not private.

Just had to slip in that plug for your book, didn't you Rick?

[Gamecock]

Good for Rick, though the plug on has book was uncalled for.

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[Coldwater Creek]

Not really a Rick Warren fan, but this an RXCLLENT argument for Hobby Lobby’s case. This should be a day of Fasting and Prayer.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

There's not a lot of love for Rick Warren on FR, but if Rick is going to bat for Hobby Lobby then there's a glimmer of a chance that the Supremes might side with them as well.

Still I believe that whichever way this goes it's going to come back to haunt us.

[Coldwater Creek]

This is not about Rick Warren. I’m not an advocate for him, but this a great piece on our First Amendment.

[Coldwater Creek]

EXCELLENT

[Nextrush]

The legalization of gay marriage is not about gay marriage as much as its about getting back at religion and prosecuting and persecuting it in violation of the First Amendment. Once gay marriage is ‘normalized’ those not supporting it will be marginalized.

I live in Pennsylvania founded by William Penn, who brought the Quakers here to freely practice their faith, something that wasn’t allowed in England.

It looks like we are going backwards in time to a time when there was no freedom of religion.

[darkangel82]

The plug was out of place, and I’m no fan of his, but I’m not finding much to argue with Warren here.

[GBA]

Mr. Warren, who/what were you working for when you advocated voting for the man and party responsible for this?

How could you who claim sight be so blind?

[Coldwater Creek]

I think that you are right!