I refuse to give up. I reject the notion that post-modern lies are impenetrable by eternal truth. I resist the temptation to draw back as an alienated imbittered cultural observer and allow the inevitable to cripple society. Despite the challenging times biblical Christians are experiencing, we must not lose heart.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
The Apostle Paul was writing to believers facing intense persecution by the hands of Imperial Rome. Pax Romana (i.e. roman peace) was based on Greek logic, human conscience, and their gods of power. It was not based on objective moral truth as revealed by the Creator. In the eyes of Rome, monotheism was a simplistic concept practiced by the unassimilated Jewish people. Their commitment to their temple God in Jerusalem was tolerated by the emperors but converted gentile Christians were required to adhere to the polytheistic religious views of Roman tradition or face legal repercussions. Yet, this oppressed religious minority of faithful Christ followers had hope! As those believers in the first century, we also must lean on the historic truths that were recorded for our encouragement.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court to redefine the word “sex” to include sexual desires and subjective non-binary identities is an assault on the Constitution. The courts can not legislate from the bench. Their limited power can only rule if a current law is unconstitutional and must be readdressed by the Legislative branch – Congress. Monday’s decision did not send the 1964 Civil Rights Act back for further debate and congressional deliberation. It simply changed the meaning of the word “sex” as the Supreme Court changed the meaning of the word “marriage” in 2015.
This is the post-modern view of reality – a world where words have no clear objective meaning.
As significant as this is for the nation, New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination already included sexual orientation in 1991 and gender identity in 2006 as protected classes of employment. The aftermath of the Supreme Court’s ruling is unknown but troublesome. Religious organizations, such as churches, are protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Unfortunately, religious employers – people of devout faith who own private businesses – are not. Sadly, there are extreme voices on the Left, such as Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney D- N.Y., who claims “religious liberty is as a bogus term for discrimination.”
This is why our work at Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey® is so important to you, your family and your church. We are committed to advocating for public policies that protect life, religious liberty and parental rights in education; in addition to identifying and electing legislators who will uphold your values in the legislative chambers in Trenton. Would you consider a gift this week to strengthen our efforts?
Let’s make NJ better,
Shawn Hyland
Director of Advocacy
