Anyone who still doubts that the normalization of homosexuality and the legalization of same-sex marriage will represent a seismic shift in the culture at large needs only to look to New Mexico to see that nothing less than religious liberty is now under threat””and in a big way….The court’s ruling sets a very dangerous precedent: “If a commercial photography business believes that the [New Mexico Human Rights Act] stifles its creativity, it can remain in business, but it can cease to offer its services to the public at large. Elane Photography’s choice to offer its services to the public is a business decision, not a decision about its freedom of speech.”
A business decision, but not a decision about freedom of speech? The New Mexico Supreme Court’s ruling points to the comprehensive scope of the moral and legal realignment likely required by same-sex marriage””and eagerly demanded by its proponents. The addition of sexual orientation as a denominator of a protected class was sufficient to drag the Huguenins before a court in a state that itself does not legally recognize same-sex marriage.
“So the price of citizenship is the denial of religious liberty when the Christian convictions of this couple run into a head-on collision with the “contrasting values†of others. This is a “compromise†that requires the Huguenins to give up their convictions or go out of business.”
Of course. Jesus Christ was the first, and most innocent, victim of this secular, evil logic. Early Christians by the dozens had to give a pinch of incense for Casar or be killed. Diocletian in the 4th century demanded that Christians “compromise” in most horrific ways.
And Rowan Williams scolds us for having thoughts of persecution.
In theory Constitutional provisions for freedom of Religion should have prevented this ruling, but this shows just how flimsy such protections are when a Court or any other instrument of the State is determined to nullify them.
Christians must be prepared to expect suffering, loss of income, fines and imprisonment in the coming persecution. We need to pray and we need to support each other across denominational lines.
Surely this decision will be appealed, and, at least, thus stand a very good chance of being remanded. Although I’ve read only this article, the decision appears to have inadequately dealt with the fact that clearly a professional photographer may be involved in engaging in providing highly-specialized and ‘individualized’ professional services, the nature of which is distinct from providing ordinary commercial services that others provide to the public. That is a key fact and should have lead to a different result than was the case in what appears to be an flawed decision.
Kendall, I’m glad you gave this important matter special emphasis by saying, “[b]Read it carefully[/b]” as well as read it all. You are right in flagging this NM case as very, very ominous.
This is a clear wake-up call, for all with the eyes to see the handwriting on the wall. And you don’t have to have the Spirit-inspired wisdom of Daniel to interpret the sign; it’s blatantly clear.
Woe to all the “mainstream” Protestant churches! Their leaders still haven’t grasped the fundamental fact and the primary reality of our time for all churches in the Global North (GN). Namely, that our public culture has turned its back on its Christian heritage, so that the dominant cultural currents now flow strongly against us instead of working for us. And that leaves us with a major dilemma, a crucial fork in the road that many are still loathe to admit and face.
Simply put, the dilemma is that soon NO ONE will be able to simultaneously be loyal to the mainstream of the classical Christian tradition and the mainstream of GN culture. Just as, according to Jesus, “you CANNOT serve God and Mammon,” so likewise we are ALL going to have to choose which of the two competing and rival mainstreams we wish to stay in, as the two traditions and currents diverge further and further apart. Like Moses in Deut. 30, or Joshua in Joshua 24, we need brave spiritual leaders like Mohler who will issue a fatefull call to take sides and make a momentous choice: “Choose you this day whom you will serve!”
Soon all of us who uphold classical Christianity are going to be widely perceived as “extremists,” because we refuse to go along with a confused culture that has lost its bearings and is in moral free fall. The days are coming, and they may be much closer than any of us now imagine in our worst nightmares, when real persecution will come to the GN, just as it has long been a reality in the Global South.
Albert Mohler speaks the truth, and he is not an alarmist. Neither is George Carey.
David Handy+
Very true David+
In the last two weeks or so, in addition to this article, I have seen the following:
*in Ohio which does not allow “gay marriage”, the dying partner in a “gay marriage” will have the status “married” placed on a Ohio death certificate by a judge’s order
*Raleigh, NC police threatened to arrest a ministry group that feeds the poor and homeless [and has done so for years]
*Columbia, SC has now declared being homeless a crime. And “looking” homeless as a valid reason for arrest
*A new trend in Weddings is “morning after photos”. In New Mexico, will a Christian Photographer be compelled by the state to take “gay morning after photos”?
And this stuff just touches the surface of what is going on. It is already far worse in Canada, http://www.visionamerica.us/article/preaching-about-to-be-criminalized/
One word: Secede.
As long as the notion that sexual preference equals race stands, this sort of thing will proceed. There is no stopping it. The existence of “sexual orientation” is not scientific. It is a lie.
I found these comments from Cardinal Pell of Sydney very helpful in thinking about the religious liberty implications of same-sex marriage.
http://tinyurl.com/q7z53sh