When An Equal Chance To Be Heard Is Not Enough

   There is a general rule that applies to how we justify and defend our actions. When we are acting in accord with what we know to be true, and in line with Biblical teaching, there is a self satisfaction that doesn't need to prohibit or punish every view contrary to the one we hold to. Christianity works both privately and corporately because it seeks to win those in disagreement not destroy them.  However if we hold an opinion that disregards Biblical scripture and is at odds with our God given moral sensibilities, the more we will find it necessary to censor or silence any opposing view.
   If we are in power we will protect our error with the law and sword. If not we will protect it with slander and defamation of character. In my study of history I saw this pattern play out over and over in politics, in the struggle for religious liberty, in church, science, morality and social justice. The view that was furthest from Biblical truth was often the most violent, extreme and oppressive. I would like to mention a few historical examples in this post.
   When Jesus Christ came upon the scene He was received gladly by the common people. He fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies. Yet the Pagan secular and Jewish religious leaders of the day for reasons of envy as well as the fear of  loss of prestige, money and position, mostly rejected Him. They tolerated all kinds of religious views and practices without persecuting them. However Jesus was different. His claims were backed by the Holy scriptures.Christ was eventually crucified His followers harassed and martyred for almost 400 years, and they still are in many parts of the world today. The fact is; Jesus Christ and His apostles, including Paul after his conversion, never had anyone arrested  and/or spilled blood in any way while promoting their view of faith.
    When promoting truth, liberty is your ally. When protecting error, freedom is an enemy..It is no accident that the freest and most advanced societies in history have been built on a Biblical and Christian foundation. Before the Bible was widely read and understood there were setbacks, but for the most part historically Biblical Christianity did not need to prohibit other views, it only needed liberty and a forum to promote the truth. On the other hand . Error can not thrive in the light of liberty. Neither can it prosper if truth is allowed to sit at the same table..
   During the Scopes trial Clarence Darrow the lawyer for John Scopes, and the evolutionary position, made the argument " to not allow either creation or evolution a seat at the academic table would be a terrible blow to free speech."  He was right. It was a smart defense because science had already, (especially in the area of genetics and biology), had proven macro-evolution a farce. The victory evolutionists eventually won ( although not at that trial ) was not enough. Because evolution is in error it can not allow truth at the same table.Since the 1970s cell biology, newer dating methods, discoveries in geology, archeology, and paleontology have drove nail after nail in evolution's coffin. Yet because no victory or concession is ever enough for those who promote this error, evolution's corpse sits alone at origin's table. No dissent allowed!
    Prior to the French revolution atheists and the irreligious demanded a spot in French politics. When the revolution was under way they gained control. The result was the murder of thousands of French nobles and clerics, bishops and cardinals. The Communists in the twentieth century demanded a seat at the table. When they got it they seized control. Because their politics were based on envy and atheism, millions of  innocent people died as a result.
    Historically, causes that are antithetical to Biblical teaching are never satisfied with equal treatment. They must dominate and eradicate those who oppose or disagree with them. They are not satisfied with having an equal opportunity to bring their argument to the public square. Neither is rejection of their argument an option for everyone else. My advice to anyone thinking of promoting a cause or behavior that the Bible warns us about....Think and study long and hard... The precedents set by those who thought they knew more and better than the God of the Holy Bible are not good ones. They often led to misery and death for their fellowman.
   
                                           Wesley Jones

Marriage, Sacred Or Archaic ?

  Whether we like it, or accept it, the statistics prove the institution of marriage is beneficial to both the male and female of our species. Males tend to be more violent, less responsible and have a propensity towards addictive and/or destructive behavior before marriage. Women to a lesser degree have the same tendencies. In cultures where society has broken down, or they do not honor marriage as something to be respected and nurtured, women and children are more likely to be victims of  violence and sexual  assault and used for corrupt financial gain. In places where the Biblical teaching of mutual respect, love and honor are taught, or at least mimicked, marriage is as beneficial to females as it is to males. Before we declare marriage to be out dated or attempt to alter it to something it has not been in the past. We need to look very hard at the alternatives and the historical benefits visited upon mankind by past generation's adherence to this sacred institution.
   Political candidates that are being vetted by the American press are often asked about their stand on marriage and civil unions. There is a very real legal, moral and religious difference between the two. I am for allowing them both. The caveat being; without watering down the moral and religious connotations of marriage between one male and one female, while at the same time protecting the financial, property and religious liberty of those who live outside of a Biblical sanctioned relationship.
   In a society that was founded upon a Biblical understanding of personal religious liberty we have a moral obligation to protect the right of all people to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Knowing that none of us have a perfect understanding of our God's Biblical will. We can only strive to give equal protection under the law as well as the liberty to grow and make mistakes to all our citizens no matter what their religious beliefs.
   Having friends and family that live outside the Biblical understanding of marriage, it is my hope that our laws can reflect my desire for the protection of their property and financial well being, as well as of their personal liberties. Even if they choose to be involved in a " live in " relationship not sanctioned by scripture.... Civil unions address this problem while not asking society to sanction something that is not Biblical. Those living outside of our understanding of God's will have the right to function equally and openly in our society. They do not have the right to make the rest of a society agree with and sanction their religious choice. Majorities have religious liberties as well as minorities.
  I am a Biblical Christian I believe our creator is the Biblical God. I also know we live in a fallen and imperfect world. Our chance for each couple to live as Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is over. We all have our faults and make mistakes. None of us can demand perfection of others without being hypocritical ourselves. That being said there is truth and a way to live that is in our own best interest. We often do not do what we know is right. This is where religious liberty is our friend and protector. Not only for ourselves but for our fellow citizen.
   Without compromising  on Biblical instruction I can see the importance of letting homosexuals legally protect themselves and their wealth by allowing civil unions. I also can see the down side of not allowing them to serve openly and honestly in the military and in any other secular endeavor. They could be blackmailed and threatened with exposure. This would be detrimental in any capacity they served or job they were involved in.
However as a person that knows and understands history and the basis of personal and national liberty. I know we can not thumb our noses at the God of the Bible. He is the author of and protector of our liberties. The more we as a society, nation and people try to please and seek God the better off we all are. Liberty is the freedom to error, and the freedom not to be forced to agree with, or sanction  what is wrong.

                                        Wesley Jones