CHRIST IN THE MARKETPLACE

(THESE THOUGHTS ARE CHANGED THREE TIMES A WEEK)

It is scary how often government fights religion in so many places in America. Such as the Christian Light House Youth Center in York, Pennsylvania. They were told that they had to be licensed to stay open, and that they could not be licensed until their Center had a kitchen that was completely outfitted with commercial equipment. This was interesting since they only served juice and cookies. And this idiocy is not an isolated case. Others, in different cities, have been told the same thing.

In California the minister of a homeless shelter was told by officials to simply lie and say they were not requiring attendance at Christian gospel services. They would then receive government funds. The minister said he couldn’t do that. He no longer receives government help.

A reason for Christ in the marketplace?

The very freedoms we enjoy and the style of living we have previously been blessed by come as a gift from Christianity. Over 2000 years ago, before Christ walked this earth and set up a new standard of humanity, life in the Greco-Roman world was cheap and expendable. Killing of infants was readily accepted. Child abandonment was commonplace behavior. Abortion and suicide were widespread and fully legal.

Would you make the application more current? Look at those Middle East countries, in a part of the world where Christianity has had no say, and look at the lack of freedom among its women. Where thieves still have their hands cut off. Where public beheadings are not uncommon.

Then, there is the question I hate to ask because we both know the answer. The question? What do you think would happen if a Virginia politician today wanted references about God inserted in an important piece of legislation, or urged that the Fourth of July be made into a quasi-religious holiday? The answer is obvious. “Separation of church and State!” would be shouted from a million rooftops. The ACLU would have an attack of apoplexy.
Of course, it has already happened. It was over 200 years ago, but it happened. Thomas Jefferson wanted God stuck into the Declaration of Independence and his request was unanimously accepted on July 4, 1776. And it was Jefferson’s eventual good friend, John Adams, who thought the Fourth of July should be an occasion of joy… and worship.

Indeed, George Washington once wrote, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Nor should it be forgotten that John Adams wrote, “Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.”

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