Blog
ARE CASINOS MORE ESSENTIAL THAN CHURCHES?
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court in Calvary Chapel v. Sisolak denied granting an injunction to churches in Nevada that were seeking to open in a manner similar to other businesses in the state. While some businesses like casinos and restaurants were allowed to have people up to 50% of their total capacity, churches were only allowed to have fifty people total.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM & LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
In 2017, the Health and Human Services Department under the Trump administration expanded exceptions to mandatory contraceptive coverage to include other organizations which held religious or moral objections to contraception. This was challenged by the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and was argued before the Supreme Court. On July 8, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Little Sisters of the Poor.
COVID-19 & WORSHIPPING WITH WISDOM
In California, new restrictions have banned singing and chanting in indoor church settings. This new ban was met with deep disapproval by religious peoples who have convictions to sing or chant as a part of their gathered worship. For Christians, singing and the recitation of Scripture is often a crucial part of a church service. How should Christians respond?
ANGER AND INJUSTICE
Increasingly, Christians are finding themselves responding to injustices being perpetrated both domestically and around the globe. These responses to injustice have relied on the use of emotion and logic to various extents. Some have even suggested people should employ their anger or indignation in reacting to a situation. This might lead Christians to ask what role emotions play in our response to injustice.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE WOKE?
The term “critical theory” is probably one that few Christians are familiar with. Yet, it is something which underlies much of what we hear and observe in modern society. If you have heard the terms “social justice,” “white privilege,” “white fragility,” or “critical race theory,” then you may be more familiar with critical theory than you realize. Since critical theory affects so many issues in modern political and theological discourse, it is imperative that Christians understand it from a biblical perspective.
CHRISTIANS & BLACK LIVES MATTER
This article reviews Black Lives Matter (BLM) as an organization and examines some of its core tenets. BLM advocates for much more than their naming suggests. This means that Christians should be diligent in researching what BLM truly stands for and is active in developing.
QUESTIONING THE QUARANTINE
As Americans do their best to sift through the concerns of COVID-19, questions of reopening spark fear for those troubled by the risk of another spike in infections. Many object to reopening as they worry it is too soon and will result in a dangerous increase in sickness. While this concern is valid, it is critical to recognize that putting the country on lockdown has its own ramifications, some of which are deadly.
REMOVING STATUES OR REMOVING HISTORY?
The question of which statues should be legally removed or retired is a complex one that does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, it is important that Christians do not shy away from the issue just because it is difficult. There is no single comprehensive list, but below are a few questions that can help Christians to think through the proposed removal of a monument biblically.
SEX EDUCATION & PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Sex education has been a topic of debate as new curriculum is being introduced in California and schools across the nation. The controversial curriculum has raised questions pertaining to the balance of the public schools’ responsibility versus the parents’ responsibility to educate children about sexual issues. Many worry that the new curriculum will encourage children toward immoral behavior.
CHRISTIANS & LGBTQ DISCRIMINATION
On June 15, 2020, The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Bostock v. Clayton County that protection from employment discrimination on the basis of “sex” also extends to sexual orientation and gender identity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Justice Neil Gorsuch, appointed by President Trump, authored the majority opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Gorsuch along with the court's four liberal justices (Ginsberg, Kagan, Breyer, Sotomayor) in the majority opinion. Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas wrote the dissenting opinion, with Brent Kavanaugh authoring a separate dissent.
COVID-19 AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
There is no question that this global pandemic has created an immense amount of suffering both for those who have endured the virus and those who have lost loved ones. Such an event is leading many to ask why God would allow this seemingly senseless evil to take place.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND DISCRIMINATION
Our Lady of Guadalupe School and St. James School are both Catholic primary schools which seek to operate in a manner consistent with the Catholic faith and give the children in their care a faith-based education. In a 7-2 majority, the Supreme Court in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru upheld that the government should not interfere in the hiring and firing practices of teachers at these private religious institutions.
IS COVID A SIGN OF THE END TIMES?
Amidst the current pandemic of Coronavirus, many have questioned the possibility that this worldwide concern is linked to the end times. The Bible gives clear indications that point to the nearing of the end times. Christians are called to consistently evaluate the current times (Matthew 24:32-33). Three main passages can help Christians answer the questions about the coming of the end times and if Covid-19 could be an indicator.
MINIMUM WAGE
Some Christians might argue that one of the most significant ways to care for the poor is to raise the minimum wage. Others suggest that this will create many unintended consequences. By looking at the research from a biblical perspective, can we produce a more unified, Christian response?
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
The use of marijuana is a hot topic in society today. Questions about the medical and recreational use of marijuana are asked in many homes, churches, and political debates. Many Christians have struggled to discern whether they can use marijuana to treat medical conditions. The answer to this question requires some discernment on the part of the Christian as they work with their healthcare provider.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
There are many philosophical and emotional arguments in support of physician assisted suicide (PAS). While there is a good philosophical and emotional case to make against PAS, the Bible sufficiently teaches a correct perspective on death and terminal illness.
GEORGE FLOYD
The video of George Floyd’s death sent shockwaves across the country. Those who watched it found the guilt of the perpetrating officer nearly undeniable. As Christians seek to respond to this event, we must follow biblical principles rather than leaning on our own understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).
ARE CHURCHES ESSENTIAL?
In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, public gatherings have largely been suspended throughout most of the United States. Of course, there are exceptions: grocery stores, healthcare facilities, critical manufacturing, banking, etc. Such businesses and institutions have been deemed ‘essential.’ However, in many states, church gatherings have not been included on the list of essential businesses or activities. Should they be included?
SHOULD CHRISTIANS VOTE?
The Bible was written in a political context very different from that of modern America. The Old Testament deals mainly with Israel, which was a theocracy in covenant relationship with God. The New Testament was addressed to Jews and Gentiles living under Roman rule. This is different from the United States, where we have a constitutional republic. However, there are some guiding principles that the Bible teaches that can be applied today.