The Hobby Lobby Case - Can We Count on the Supreme Court to Preserve Our Religious Freedom??

This past week there was a landmark Supreme Court decision regarding Hobby Lobby--a privately held, family owned religious craft and bookstore company based in Oklahoma--and religious freedom. In a narrowly framed 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that companies of this nature could not be compelled to offer health care plans to their employees that covered contraceptives that cause abortion post-conception if it violated their religious beliefs.

One of the senior counsels for this very public case happens to be a wonderful member at the Fairfax Church of Christ, where I worship and minister (Lori Windham, pictured at the podium above).

There are always people who see things differently on these types of issues, but many Christians in the US saw this case as a key test as to whether or not Americans would be able to continue to practice freedom of religion, a principal on which our nation was founded.

There is no direct comparison between religious freedom in the US and religious freedom in the first century time in which Jesus lived. The Jewish faith was a recognized religion by the Roman Empire during Jesus’ time, and the Jews were afforded many religious accommodations.

There were, however, still many religious and legal debates, such as whether or not the Jews ought to pay taxes to Caesar, a pagan ruler. The Jews were prevented from unilaterally dealing out the death penalty, despite what the Torah (Old Testament) said. And the Romans would install and depose of high priests whenever they chose, rather than these high priests serving for life.

Jesus answered the question of taxes cleverly, saying “Pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Other religious freedom questions/dilemmas, such as who was the legitimate high priest or whether the Jews should seek to carry out the death penalty without going through the Roman law system, as required by the Romans, Jesus seemed to have left unanswered.

Increasingly, however, Christians in the US must brace for a culture that is becoming hostile to Christians, a Christian worldview, and certainly, Christian morality. We will soon have to make choices between being true to God and facing at the least loss of income/job/tax breaks, or accommodating and not being true to our faith and principles. I have long advocated a positive approach to culture as much as possible, a la Paul in Acts 17, and that is still a wise choice whenever possible.

But if all that is upholding religious freedom in the US is Supreme Court decisions by a 5-4 vote, then we are only one vote away from this being taken away. We must brace for the inevitable move towards laws, ruling, and political leaders who are unsympathetic to our beliefs and religious rights.

As our culture is swiftly moving away from any kind of Christian worldview, we may soon find more kinship with Daniel and his friends under the Babylonian Empire. Even there, remember, the Israelites were told to seek the good of the city, as it would help both the city and them prosper. But despite their faithful service, they still faced the lions' den , , ,

And God saved them. And he continued to elevate them in the Empire. And the pagan king declared the praises of the true God of Israel.

Now, more than ever, we must place our faith in God to protect us, provide for us, and to re-convert our nation for Jesus Christ. This will be accomplished primarily through prayer, loving and firm stands, and by sharing Christ with those around us. If we ever were lackluster in sharing the gospel and teaching our own children, surely now we must wake up to a culture that is changing right before our very eyes. May God be with us, and may we be faithful and share Christ!

What cultural and legal changes in regards to Christianity and religious freedom do you anticipate happening in the next 5, 10, 15, or 20 years?

Views: 256

Comment

You need to be a member of Missional Outreach Network for the Missional Church to add comments!

Join Missional Outreach Network for the Missional Church

Latest Activity

BISHOP. MISAKI KYOTO TURNER commented on T.J.R.Benhur Babu's photo
Thumbnail

India mission work

"Father in the name of Jesus Christ restore mobility back too her life restore ordor back and finally This will make a Differance in her hold life Give her you father for my sister Kishinev Davis and my sister tanksley Dovie. Amen"
Jul 22, 2023
BISHOP. MISAKI KYOTO TURNER commented on T.J.R.Benhur Babu's photo
Thumbnail

India mission work

"Bishop loves you All"
Jul 22, 2023
BISHOP. MISAKI KYOTO TURNER posted a status
"Bishop loves you"
Jul 7, 2023
BISHOP. MISAKI KYOTO TURNER commented on T.J.R.Benhur Babu's photo
Thumbnail

India mission work

"We love you All"
Mar 13, 2023

Members

© 2024   Created by James Nored.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service