A Supreme Victory in the Courts

Today, Christians and conservative voters are reaping the benefits of going to the polls for the 2004 Presidential election. Conservatives across America are cheering with the news of Samuel Alito's confirmation as the 110th Supreme Court Justice of the United States of America! Without question, disgruntled opponents will continue to refer to the closeness of the vote and the partisan politics; but as with the upcoming Super Bowl, a close score at the end of the game still dictates who won! The bottom-line is, there is a new "conservative" voice on the Supreme Court!


I'm not sure where Judge Alito stands on all of the contentious issues, but I know that he practices a literal interpretation of the Constitution. His past record and decisions during the Reagan administration indicate that he has been true to form throughout his judiciary service. The integrity he displayed by refusing to discuss his views on abortion and other divisive issues earned my respect. I also respected the strength of character he revealed by refusing to play into anyone's hand during the hearings. In a day when judges hold so much authority, I'm glad to see the scales tipping toward conservatives. Who knows if "Roe vs. Wade" will be reversed or any other rulings for that matter; but Justice Alito will add another conservative voice and a champion for the literal interpretation of Constitutional law in the future.

Today is a good opportunity to remind people of faith that believers have a God-given responsiblity to be good citizens and to participate in the Democratic process. Some people try to separate church and state. They foolishly and very ignorantly state that politics and religion don't mix. I vehemently disagree! Edmund Burke said it best, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing." It only makes sense that Christians would be leaders, catalysts for change, run for office, and more... especially in America. After all, our national slogan is, "In God We Trust!" So, get out of the stands and get into the game...We're counting on you!

Don't Get Trapped in the Web

Did you know that the website, www.myspace.com is the latest trend among teenagers? I took a peek to see what was happening among our youth culture and was shocked! Some of the sites were okay; but others were filled with profanities, some linked to pornography, and others led users toward forums for gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, swingers and even Satanism. While myspace.com provides a way for kids to communicate, it also introduces them to people and issues that are less than desireable for their well-being. The "interesting" thing is that most parents are naive to what their teens are involved in, the "sad" thing is that some don't care.

A recent report by CNN discussed the link between abductions and the myspace site. Principals of public schools commented on the safety risks the site was posing to their students and justified the expulsion of any student with a myspace site. Dr. Phil got into the action as he addressed the issue on a recent talk show. Even major corporations are blocking this site, due to the decreased productivity as a result of their employees spending too much time on it.

Myspace.com is a pedophile's playground! Users give their names, ages, city of residence, and what school they attend. This puts EVERY student on the user's school campus at risk! Some parents and students believe that simply making the site "private" eliminates these risks -- WRONG!!! Students don't realize that the Internet is a WORLD WIDE network, extending far beyond their circle of friends.

So what can a parent do? 1) Do NOT allow a child to have Internet access in his bedroom, 2) Move the computer to a common area with the monitor facing out, 3) Discuss Internet safety, 4) Install a good filtering software, better yet use a server based filter, 5) Obtain your child's password and check his site regularly, and 6) Check the history trail -- if it's been erased, you'll know you have a problem!

Finally, let me offer some websites that may be helpful to parents: 1) The FBI website offers online safety tips at http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguide.htm, 2) Compare Internet filters at internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com, 3) Check out the best family filter (in my opinion) at www.afa.net. Your child may feel like you are invading his privacy, but he is publishing his page on the WORLD-WIDE Internet. Why should you be the only one who DOESN'T know what your child is doing?

Your child may not appreciate your intervention on this matter, but parents have a God-given responsibility to protect their children. Take time to educate your child regarding both the benefits and dangers of the Internet. Like a gun, the Internet can be a great tool if used properly; but used contrariwise, it can also destroy a life!

Remembering the Sanctity of Life

January 22 is the day set aside to honor the "Sanctity of Life" in 2006 and remember those who never experienced it outside of the womb due to abortion. It is estimated that 6 million Jews were exterminated by Nazi Germany and 20 million people died under Stalin's tyranny in the Soviet Union; but America surpasses their combined total with over 35 million lives having been lost to abortion in just 25 years.

Many women claim they have the right to decide what happens to their body, but Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Ronald Reagan noted that, "Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born." Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, stated that not once in his entire medical career, did he ever see one instance in which an abortion was necessary to save a mother's life. The truth is that abortion is not a medical issue, it is a moral issue. It is not a medical decision, but it is a selfish one.

The following bumper sticker slogans give cause for contemplation. "Aren't you glad your mother was pro-life?" "Abortion doesn't make you unpregnant, it makes you the mother of a dead child." "If it's not a baby, then you're not pregnant." "Abortion stops a beating heart." And one of my favorites, "As a former fetus, I oppose abortion."

Ronald Reagan said, "We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life - the unborn - without diminishing the value of all human life." While abortion is a devisive issue, even among Christians, it is not the only "Sanctity of Life" issue. On "Sanctity of Life" day, let us also consider other issues such as 1) Research on human embryos, 2) Physician assisted suicide, 3) Violent crimes toward others, and 4) Quality of life issues - i.e. Terry Shiavo.

Listen to the following mission statement of one pro-life group: "We believe the weak, vulnerable, infirm, handicapped, preborn, and needy deserve our respect and our care. We reject the notion that there are some lives not worthy of living and embrace the belief that we should graciously receive and protect all human life God gives."

Listen to the Scriptures: Gen 1:27 - "God created man in his own image..." Jer 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Ps 139:13-16 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place... 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Ex 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill."

Challenging thoughts for Changing Times will call us to do some introspection. Where do you stand on these "Sanctity of Life" issues? Do your personal views conflict with Scripture? Knowing that James 4:17 (Message) says, "In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil (sin)." Where will you stand and what will you do with the issues of life?

2005's Top News Stories with Religious Impact

Every New Year, multiple “Top Ten” lists of general news headlines from the previous year are produced. Following is a list of some top stories that specifically impacted “religion” in 2005. These stories are being referenced repeatedly in magazine reviews, various news organizations, and on personal blogs.

1. THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II drew the eyes of the world back to the church. The College of Cardinals clearly chose a Conservative successor. Some believe this new Pope will be a transitional pope due to his age; but he will likely appoint conservative Bishops which will keep the Catholic Church firmly committed to its present views on issues such as women priests, homosexuality and abortion for many years to come.

2. THE "CHRISTMAS SERVICE" CONTROVERSY arose as many churches canceled their services because Christmas fell on a Sunday. Rationale included Christmas Eve services, the "family" day excuse, and a “day off” for overworked volunteers. The media pressure made some churches reverse their decision. The thought of cancelling Christmas services gives insight into the sad condition of modern evangelical churches.

3. CHANGES IN PASTORAL ICONS included the death of Adrian Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist, after a battle with cancer. Dr. Jerry Vines also announced his retirement from First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Rick Warren is in the pulpit of Saddleback Church less frequently and Bill Hybels is no longer the teaching pastor at Willow Creek.

4. A NEW CHURCH EMERGES and many evangelicals are perplexed. Led by pastor Brian McClaren, Emergent Churches target postmodern young people through cultural and generational relevance. At issue is whether or not they are watering down the gospel and orthodox doctrine in their effort to be relevant and remain on the cutting edge.

5. HOLLYWOOD COURTED THE CHURCH after the success of "The Passion of Christ.” They offered special deals and previews to churches for their movies that had family-friendly themes and "The Chronicles of Narnia" ended #4 for total box office receipts in 2005 after only starting in December.

6. TERRY SHIAVO died after her feeding tube was removed. Her “husband” initially launched a campaign to end her life just four months after he received $2 million to pay for her long-term care. Multiple courts denied Terry’s parents’ requests to care for her and rekindled debates surrounding the right-to-life. Debates over abortion, euthanasia and suicide are now littered with discussions about one’s “quality of life.”

7. RETAILERS BEGAN RECOGNIZING CHRISTMAS and the American Family Association canceled a national boycott against Target as the retailer promised to make more references to Christmas and in its advertising. Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Macy's and Walgreen’s also reversed marketing decisions and specifically referenced "Christmas" rather than "holiday" products.

8. INTELLIGENT DESIGN WAS DROPPED as a Pennsylvania school district halted all discussion of intelligent design in its high school biology classes after a federal judge declared the policy unconstitutional. (Like teaching the “theory” of evolution is scientific or Constitutional.) Most of the school board members who had championed the policy have been voted out of office.

9. CHRISTIANS RESPONDED TO NATURAL DISASTERS around the world in the wake of the Tsunami, the earthquake in Pakistan, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters. Churches became shelters, gathered supplies, and sent teams of volunteers. The crises caused denominations to put aside their differences and work together toward a common goal.

10. BUSH’S SUPREME COURT NOMINEES should excite all conservatives and those who desire original interpretation of Constitutional law. Contrary to popular belief, the Constitution does not state “separation of Church and State” but in its purest interpretation, it does protect the Church from the State and not visa-versa.

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of “religious” news from 2005. Other top news items included the debate over homosexuality in mainline denominations, the posting of the 10 Commandments on government property, Billy Graham’s farewell campaign in New York City, Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank, stem cell research, and the Democrats rethinking how to reach out to people of faith. It will be exciting to see what 2006 holds in store!