In response to a state Supreme Court decision upholding incarceration of an Amish group for refusing for religious reasons to install orange triangles on their buggies, the Kentucky Legislature has, by a veto proof margin, passed a measure (HB 279) which is designed to prevent the government from substantially burdening an individual’s freedom of religion.
In Pakistan, mob burns homes in anti-Christian violence (ANN)
Residents of a Christian community in eastern Pakistan, among them Seventh-day Adventists, are reeling after a mob torched their homes and businesses in response to alleged insults against Muhammad.
Hungary: Constitution Changes Warrant EU Action (Human Rights Watch)
New Hungarian legislation will limit religious freedom by giving parliament the sole right to decide which religious organizations are considered ‘churches’ for the purpose of domestic legislation. (Human Rights Watch)
Love Your Enemies – Except Those Slimy Politicians?
By Stephen N. Allred – As I mingle with Christians these days I’m hearing a lot of hateful speech toward those on the “other side.” Angry, demeaning and sometimes untrue words are spoken, yet all is considered acceptable since it’s ostensibly done for the cause of righteousness.
Legislative Round-Up 2013
Legislative Roundup This year a number of state bills are being introduced that involve religious liberty. Here are a few highlights with more to come in following weeks. Alabama On February 19, by a margin of 67 to 28, the Alabama House of Representatives passed the Religious Liberty Act, HB 108, sponsored by Lynn Greer (R…
Opinion: Social Justice – Popular Piety or Modern Mania?
By Gerry Wagoner – In spite of the efforts of social justice proponents to explain away its historical relationship to totalitarianism, we cannot escape the fact that authoritarian brutality is the not-merely-possible-but-inevitable outworking of the nature of “social justice” itself.
Lawrence Geraty – Diversity: Friend or Foe? (Video Presentation)
An inspirational presentation by Dr. Lawrence Geraty, former president of La Sierra University and noted archaeologist, speaking at Newbold College on how God’s creation of a world of diversity should inform how we value the human rights of each individual.
Atheists Face Severe Discrimination in Several Countries, says Report to UN
The Human Rights Council, an organization of people who reject religion, has issued a report that indicates atheists face severe discrimination and persecution because of their beliefs in many nations around the world.
Praise in Midst of Torture: Letter from Pastor Imprisoned in Iran
It is interesting that because I am a Christian pastor, I am carefully watched. I am expected to smile at them despite what is being done and to understand why they are doing all of these things. But, of course, I can clearly see what is going on and because I want to serve God, I see all of these difficulties as golden opportunities and great doors to serve. There are empty containers who are thirsty for a taste of the Living Water and we can quench their thirst by giving them Jesus Christ. Maybe you are also in such a situation, so pray and seek God that He would use you and direct you in the pressures and difficulties of your lives.
Five Requirements of a Knight of Faith
Soren Kierkegaard identifies five requirements to be a knight of faith. I do not consider these requirements to be hard and fast rules (in fact I will challenge at least one of them), but I do think that these are good things to think about if we are going to live a life of faith.