"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

My Letter to the Kansas City Star Regarding Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor

I recently wrote a letter to the Kansas City Star regarding the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.  I was writing to concur with a commentary the Star printed by National Review's Jonah Goldberg, who was their "token conservative" for May 28th.  My letter appeared in the June 2 edition of the Star, and can be seen on their website by clicking here.  You can read Goldberg's excellent commentary by clicking here.  If you don't want to click anything, my letter is written below:

Dear KC Star:

Jonah Goldberg (5/28, Opinion, “Empathy, impartiality on judicial collision course”) gave the greatest disqualifying factor for Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment to the Supreme Court. President Obama has vowed to appoint a justice who would break her own oath of office to “administer justice without respect to persons” by appointing someone with “empathy” toward people’s “struggles.” Obama wants a social worker rather than a judge. Sotomayor fits the bill, saying her “Latina” heritage means she would make better decisions than a white male.

We need judges who will do their job and uphold the law, not make decisions based on “empathy.”

I commend Goldberg for pointing out something that should be obvious: Sotomayor is unqualified. But I doubt the Senate has the spine to do the right thing. As usual, they will do what is politically expedient and punish the country with another federal judge who will thumb her nose at American law.

Shane Kastler
Pleasanton, Kansas

Will God Judge America? A Lesson From Ezekiel

(Note: This article is schedule to appear in the June 3 edition of the Linn County News.)

“They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling.” Ezekiel 7:19 (NASB)

Some people think that money can solve every problem. It was true thousands of years ago in Old Testament times, and its true today. In fact, it’s probably worse today. With the advancements our society has made in technology, medicine, and scientific knowledge, we have a tendency to think we can solve every problem. At least we can if we have the money to get it done. But money is worthless, when the problem is spiritual in nature.

In the prophet Ezekiel’s day, the nation of Judah had become extremely sinful and idolatrous. Because of their sin, God raised up the nation of Babylon to judge them. Judah saw many of its residents killed or taken into exile. They saw their nation invaded and plundered. And in the end, they even saw their beautiful city of Jerusalem destroyed, along with the Temple that they thought was indestructible.

The people of Judah put more faith in the Temple than they did the Lord; and they had a habit of worshipping false gods…then coming back to the true God in a cold-hearted and superstitious way. They had embraced the world and all of its idols, then they expected God to protect and bless them on a daily basis. But God refused, because God is not mocked. Their status as a nation couldn’t save them. Their meaningless prayers could not save them. Their money could not save them. And they were destroyed.

Hopefully America will learn from Judah’s example. While there are many differences between us, there are also many similarities. America is a nation where the gospel can be freely preached….and where the gospel is largely ignored by a selfish and worldly culture. America is a nation that often disregards God, thinking of Him as an old-fashioned and irrelevant concept, rather than the Creator and Ruler of the universe. America is a nation that thinks it can solve every problem by throwing money at it. A brief glance at the practices of our Federal government proves that. But money isn’t the problem with America. Sin is. And God has promised to judge sin. We are called to repent and place our faith in Jesus as Lord of our life. Apart from that we perish. As individuals, and as a nation.

It’s too late for Judah. They got judged. But what about the nation of America? What about the people of American? What about you?

Would You Defy the King?

Learning to live under authority is a part of life. From the time we’re born, we have someone in authority over us. We are taught how to talk, act, and live as we should. Even as adults, we usually have authority figures in the workplace and in the world in which we live.

We are a nation of laws on local, state, and federal levels. And as such, we have government officials who have the job of seeing that laws are upheld and obeyed. In fact, Romans 13 says that government is an institution ordained by God for the purpose of seeing justice served. But what would you do, if the government was corrupt and began making laws contrary to God’s Word? Or what would you do if the government attempted to ban you from doing some of the very things God commands us to do?

Christians are called to be witnesses to the world. And in order to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with sinners, we must at times define sin. Increasingly, some in our society, and even our own government, have begun to try and dictate to the people what sin is and is not. So called “hate crimes” legislation is seen by many as the beginning of government’s attempt to prevent Christians from speaking out against sins such as homosexuality and abortion. Some political leaders in our nation have even said that they would like to monitor and punish Christians who would say things against these depraved practices.

In all honesty, we shouldn’t be too surprised at the moral weakness of our government. As Christians, this world is not our home; and as Americans we are beginning to see that truth more and more clearly each day. My question for you is this: would you be willing to defy the King, if obedience to your Lord was at stake? In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronted David over his adultery with Bathsheba. And in so doing he literally risked his own neck. But the Bible says: 

"Then the LORD sent Nathan to David." 2 Samuel 12:1 (NASB) 

In other words, his defiance and confrontation of the king was an act of obedience to God.  And King or no King, Nathan was called to speak the truth, and he faithfully did it regardless of the consequences. Would you do the same? 

The time may come in your life in which you’ll have to choose between God and man. Between right and wrong. Between freedom and tyranny. Between this present world, and God’s eternal one. Which will you choose? Like Nathan, will you choose to do right and accept the consequences of your integrity? Or will you cower and go along like sheep to the slaughter? The good will always suffer in a bad world. Are you willing to embrace that suffering for the cause of Christ or will you instead choose to bow to an earthly king and a godless government?

An Open Letter to Christians Regarding the Election of Barack Obama

Dear Christian,

The election of Barack Obama as our 44^th President will undoubtedly have a profound impact upon Christian Pastors, Leaders, Evangelists, Missionaries, and Lay people at large. While Obama isn’t the first liberal elected to the office – He is quite possibly the MOST liberal ever elected, and potentially the most opposed to Biblical Christianity. Many don’t seem to understand this because they look at him and see a friendly, handsome, articulate man who seems to be quite decent. But his stated views are antithetical to Scripture…some of his record is downright evil (i.e., partial birth abortion/ infanticide), his associations are leftist to the point of being Marxist (a claim he admits in his autobiography), and many of his advisors are clearly outspoken in their contempt of Biblical Christianity.

As a Pastor…and as an American, I’m currently prayerfully analyzing what changes may take place on the American landscape during an Obama administration…and how we as Christian leaders should respond. Here are some thoughts:

1. Pray. Pray for Obama and other leaders. This may be pride swallowing and difficult to do. But Scripture commands us to do it. (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2) As I study God’s Word, I realize that God is sovereign over all things…both good and evil. Consequently, that also assures me that God is more than able to change the heart of any world leader; no matter how entrenched he is in his views.

In the Old Testament, Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar was so vile and wicked that he repeatedly persecuted God’s people and put them do death. He demanded worship, as though he were God…and he got away with it, until the REAL God said, “No More!” Nebuchadnezzar’s mental faculties were impaired to the point that he behaved like a cow for 7 years, until his wicked heart became a repentant heart and he praised the true God of Heaven. (see Daniel 4:4-37)

The point of this story is not to wish for God to turn Obama into a cow…but to wish that God would turn Obama into a Christian. You may flinch at this and say he’s already a Christian…but no one who’s heard the infamous Jeremiah Wright preach could rightly assume that Wright even knows the gospel…much less preaches it. And one cannot look at Obama’s views and conclude he is born again….If he was, the conviction of opposing, something like the Born Alive Infant Protection Act would eat him up.

Therefore we must pray for Obama’s salvation…and we must pray that he would truly govern in a way that pleases God. Of course in order for this to happen, he will have to buck the advice of some of his closest advisors…or he’ll have to replace them with other advisors. Both are worthy prayer considerations.

2. Prophesy against the Nation’s Sins. When I say to prophesy, I’m not referring to predictive prophesy whereby we seek to foresee specific events. Nor am I referring to prophecy in terms of “new revelation” from God. The canon of Scripture is complete, and God has spoken clearly. Our job as 21^st century “prophets” is to proclaim that written word, in power, in completeness, and in love. Unapologetic Apologists (defenders) for the truth of God’s Word. I believe it is impossible to look at our current political landscape and not see that our ministries will have to take on a clearly prophetic and confrontational tone. And we find no greater example in Scripture than that of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah’s world was eerily similar to ours. Israel/Judah had once been godly, but in his day they were rebellious, relativistic, severely depraved, and apostate. God would judge the nation unless they repented. And Jeremiah would proclaim this message to a nation that closed its ears and mocked the messenger. Sound familiar? Jeremiah’s calling is the calling of all Christians in 21^st century America. Nobody wants to hear the message: “Repent or perish!” But it’s the only message that is faithful to God, and it’s the only message that will save man. Christian pastors will have to “gird up their loins” and prepare for spiritual battle. They will have to toss aside the silly, self-help, psychobabble that permeates American Christianity…and take up the prophet’s mantle to call a nation of sinners to repentance. And those who don’t have the backbone for it will need to find a new line of work in Obama’s promised booming economy. Any pastor who doesn’t have the courage to speak out against the sins of the people in his church, nation, or government is Biblically unqualified for the office he holds and should remove himself, lest he force God to remove him by other means.

I’m currently teaching through Jeremiah on Wednesday nights…and I’m amazed at the similarities between then and now. Furthermore, my good friend Scott Tibbetts, missionary to Thailand, recommended I read Francis Schaeffer’s Death in the City, which is a penetrating analysis of how American culture in our day mimics that of Israel in Jeremiah’s day. Schaeffer rightly observes that America was once a nation that largely knew and respected God’s Word. But that America no longer does. Ironically, Schaeffer originally wrote this book in 1969….if he could only see what America has become today, (he died in 1984) he would know just how accurate his analysis was.

It’s never popular to preach against sin in a roomful of sinners. But we cannot preach the gospel of salvation, unless we point out that there is something to be saved from. A Savior is of no use to someone who doesn’t understand they need saved. And the good news of the gospel cannot be properly shared, without the bad news of sin. Jeremiah was called to speak out against the specific sins of his day…so must we. Abortion is the intentional murder of a defenseless child…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Homosexuality is a bizarre perversion of God’s intended design…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Gay marriage is a mockery of the family and a brazen attempt to nullify all marriage as hokey and meaningless…and we must thunder that from our pulpits. Some may say that “thundering” is the wrong approach. But “thundering in love” is the Biblical approach. We cannot deny how passionately we feel about these vital truths and be sincere to the culture that already often accuses us of hypocrisy.

These things may seem easy to speak against for some preachers…but let’s see how easy it is if Obama’s ilk succeeds in having such proclamations classified as “hate speech” that is illegal under new “hate crimes” legislation. How many preachers will have the nerve of Peter and John and say, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20 NASB) My prayer is that many will boldly speak God’s Truth, by God’s grace and in God’s power…regardless of the consequences. Will this make us popular with society? No. Will it make us faithful to the God whom we serve? Yes. And that’s all that matters. Schaeffer rightly said: “Christianity is not romantic and soft. It is tough-fibered and realistic. And the Bible gives us the realistic message that Jeremiah preached into his own days, a message I am convinced the church today must preach if it is to be any help in the world. Let us not be surprised at the world’s reaction. The Bible makes it plain that this message is going to be poorly received by a church in revolt and by a culture in revolt…So if you are a Christian looking for an easy ministry in a post-Christian culture, you are unrealistic in your outlook. It was not to be so in Jeremiah’s day, and it cannot be so in a day like our own.” (Death in the City, By Francis Schaeffer, Volume 4 of Compete Works, pg. 226)

3. Politics won’t save America…and politicians certainly won’t. Politics by its very nature is the art of making compromises to get things accomplished…but some things must be off the negotiating table when it comes to political deals…and as Christians we must make this clear to our elected representatives.

I’ve heard many Republicans say in recent days that the party needs to become more liberal, so as to include more people. This is a colossal mistake. John McCain didn’t lose because he was too conservative. He lost because he was a middle of the road, left-leaning Republican who seemed much more comfortable placating Democrats than he did inspiring Republicans. Conservatives embraced him begrudgingly, at best. And for good reason.

But the calling of the Christian is not to sell out God’s truth for the sake of political expediency. The calling of the Christian is to stand for God’s Truth come Hell or high water. Some are saying that Conservatives need to soften their stand on social issues like abortion and gay marriage so the Republican Party can “expand its base.” But this will only serve to obliterate the base and turn the party into a slightly less liberal version of the Democrat party. So future elections will be between two nearly identical versions of the same political hacks who have gotten our country into the mess it’s in today. Though politics will never save America, we should use the governmental system we’ve been placed in to fight for the moral decency of God’s Truth.

Take Daniel as an example. Though placed in a pagan Babylonian culture, Daniel refused to bend in his allegiance to God; while at the same time serving within the government of the wicked nation. By so doing, he was a Godly voice in an un-Godly society…and he didn’t do it by going soft on his beliefs. He did it by staying true, and speaking out at the peril of his life. Too many of our political leaders today are only concerned with lining their pockets and expanding their power. The thought of taking an unpopular moral stand for the sake of truth is foreign to them. We need more Daniels.

It is my sincere conviction that Christians must answer the call during such perilous times as these. Our nation has lurched left, but we must stand for what is “right.” As Christians, we can truthfully say that “Our God Reigns” – and His Sovereign power trumps all politicians, parties, nations, organizations, armies, and people. Ultimate power doesn’t reside with the government, nor with the people. Ultimate power belongs to God. So it is with full confidence and faith in the power of God to protect, embolden, and save that we as Christians must commit to courageously living and speaking the truth of God. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary, if we are to be obedient to our God, and a witness to our culture. Prayer, Prophesy, and Politics in the way that I have defined them, is what we must commit ourselves to. We stand on the precipice of potentially dramatic changes to our country and our freedom. Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Good and Godly men (and women) must act. We must be courageous. We cannot be cowards. Our country has enough of those already. The coming days in America could be very interesting. I wonder aloud, how the people of God will respond. I wonder how Pastors will respond. I wonder how YOU will respond.

Best Wishes,

Shane Kastler, Pleasanton, KS

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalms 91:1-2 (NASB)

Jesse Jackson Wants Obama Castrated?...Watch Out For The Hot Microphone

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:1-3 NASB)

Jesse Jackson has been caught, YET AGAIN, in a moment of public hypocrisy and been forced to downplay “off the record” statements he made about Barack Obama.

This week Jackson was caught on tape ripping Obama his “candidate” for President because Obama “talks down to black people.” Jackson went on to mumble to the man sitting next to him that he would like to “cut Barack’s nuts off.” That was a sweet thing to say, wasn’t it? I hope Obama gets soundly defeated at the polls in November, but even I don’t want to see him castrated. The incident took place on Sunday’s Fox News show “Fox & Friends” when Jackson and another panelist were talking (with hot microphones) during a break. Once Jackson found out that Bill O’Reilly was planning to air the tape, Jackson held a press conference to issue the typical “non-apology, apology.” Jackson regretted the whole incident (or more likely regretted getting caught), and gave at least partial blame to that pesky “hot microphone” that picked up his “private conversation.”

Of course Jackson is ALWAYS looking for someone else to blame for problems. In fact his beef with Obama’s “talking down to blacks” comes from some of Obama’s comments that black men need to take more responsibility for their families. Why would Jackson have a problem with that? Because Jackson claims all problems in the black community are to be blamed on other people, or other extenuating circumstances. Jackson claims that black men are in prison because police pick on them. And that black men commit crimes because there aren’t enough jobs in America, or because they don’t have enough money, or because they live in poverty, etc. etc. etc. In Jackson’s mind it’s always someone else’s fault. That way no one has to take responsibility for their own actions.

This isn’t the first time Jackson has maligned someone “privately” only to have it backfire on him. In 1984, while running for President, Jackson publicly courted New York City voters, while privately referring to the city as “Hymietown” because of its large Jewish population. Again, Jackson offered a “non-apology, apology” citing that his comments shouldn’t have been scrutinized because he said them in a “private conversation.” So I guess if someone called Jackson the “n” word, it would be OK, as long as it was in a private conversation? This seems to be Jackson’s opinion if HE is the one getting caught. Yet his vitriol comes out in mass when it’s someone else making a racially charged statement.

Jesse Jackson is a man who is notorious for flocking to the scene once he hears a TV camera click on. He craves publicity and invents problems that don’t exist so he can make a name for himself and further his career. This time it backfired on him. This time the camera was rolling, when he thought it was not. Though he publicly claims to support Obama, he privately wants him castrated.

Like many public political figures, Jesse Jackson is a two faced liar and always has been. In 1998, Jackson fathered a child with Karin Stafford, the head of his Rainbow Coalition’s Chicago office. The married Jackson, had been carrying on a longtime affair with Stafford, who gave birth to the baby girl that Jackson subsequently supported financially…AFTER... DNA tests proved he was the father. In a subsequent interview, Stafford was asked why they didn’t just get an abortion when she got pregnant. Her answer was very telling about the hypocrisy that Jackson personifies. She said that “publically” Jackson is very pro-choice….but privately, he would never condone abortion. In other words, he’s willing to throw thousands of other people’s babies under the bus to further his career…..but he would never do it to his own.

The sooner Jesse Jackson and his divisive, two faced ilk ride off into our Nation’s sunset, the better off America will be. We live in a technological age in which there is a hidden camera, and a “hot mic” around every corner. It makes life difficult for charlatans like Jesse Jackson. He has many media outlets who would have protected him. I would guess that if he had said these things on ABC, CBS, or NBC we would have never heard a word about it. But FOX nailed him. Jackson has been exposed….yet again. Maybe its time we stopped pointing cameras in his direction, and let him live in the obscurity that his lack of character deserves.

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 NASB)

DVD Review: “The Children of Caesar: The State of American Education, Where it is Headed, & What Your Family Can Do About It!” By Voddie Baucham

  “If you hand your kids over to Caesar to educate…don’t be surprised when they grow up to be Romans.” With this provocative statement, Voddie Baucham begins his 2 part DVD series called: “The Children of Caesar: The State of American Education, Where it is Headed, & What Your Family Can Do About It!”

I’ve been aquatinted with Voddie Baucham’s ministry for over 10 years now, and would say without reservation that he is one of the most powerful voices for Biblical truth our country has. Baucham is somewhat of a rarity: He is a black, Southern Baptist pastor, who was raised by a Hindu, single teenage mother in the projects of South Central Los Angeles. The first time, he heard the gospel was his freshman year of college, where he was converted to Christ and ultimately entered the preaching ministry. He serves as Pastor of the Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, where he lives with his wife and 4 children. They are committed homeschoolers, and strong advocates for adoption, having adopted their 2 youngest children. I would strongly encourage anyone with children (or anyone who knows a child) to watch these videos—and at least consider what Baucham says.

Another provocative statement Baucham makes is: “Whoever teaches your child will ultimately be the one who disciples them.” Where does he get such an idea you ask? Jesus Christ. “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 NASB) A scary thought when you consider that God isn’t even allowed to be spoken of….much less taught in the public schools of today. Baucham contends that there is simply no way you can undo the influence that public schools will have over your children when they have them 5 days a week, for 6-8 hours per day.

Baucham also blows apart several myths with statistical fact. He refutes the idea that children are better off with “government certified” teachers, that homeschoolers are lacking in social abilities, and that the federal government should have any say in how you educate your children.

Citing the 10^th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” In other words, the Federal government has absolutely ZERO Constitutional right to dictate educational requirements to an American citizen. As a sidebar, the 10^th amendment flatly proves that the Federal Department of Education is Unconstitutional and should be abolished post-haste. In fact, you may remember Ronald Reagan ran for President in 1980 promising to do just that. The left-wing liberal educational establishment had a collective “freak out” and Reagan was never able to follow through. But then again, our Federal government currently does numerous things that are Unconstitutional…but too many politicians are pleased with the power to do anything about it.

Baucham states that the reason people so often wonder about the “legality” of homeschooling is because they’ve been duped into thinking they have to have the Federal government’s permission to do anything. “We’ve become a nation of sheep, instead of ‘free men.” Baucham says. We simply follow the crowd and wait for the next order from our Master (i.e., the government.)

Using Deuteronomy 6 as a model, Voddie gives an outline for how God calls us to teach our children. By showing them that all truth is God’s truth, we can teach them how everything in our life relates to God and His Glory.

Voddie Baucham is one of my favorite preachers of our day because he is willing to say things that aren’t popular even if it means he catches some flack. He makes a strong case for homeschooling because that is the system he has adopted. However, he does contend that there are other Godly educational alternatives. But what simply must be fought against is handing our most precious possessions, our children, over to an atheistic, secular state. I remember an old commercial for Rush Limbaugh’s radio show where a woman said: “First he made me mad. Then he made me think. Then…he made sense.” I hope that many will get this DVD series, and let Voddie Baucham, and more importantly the Spirit of God do the same thing.

Supreme Court Hears Death Penalty Case For Child Rapist; Justice Breyer Refuses To Be A "Moralist"

I’ve argued for years that the death penalty should be expanded to include some of the more heinous child molesters.  Right now, the United States Supreme Court is hearing a case that deals with the very same issue. 

           Patrick Kennedy was convicted in 1998 of raping his 8 year old step-daughter so severely that she required surgery afterwards.  Under Louisiana law, he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to the death penalty.  His lawyers have appealed the sentence as a violation of the U.S. Constitution 8^th amendment which bans “cruel and unusual punishment.”  The full text of the 8^th amendment is:  “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”   

            Kennedy’s argument simply doesn’t hold water for at least one very obvious reason.  The Supreme Court has already ruled, numerous times, that the death penalty by lethal injection DOES NOT constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” in cases where the victim was murdered.  Why would the penalty suddenly become “cruel and unusual” when the victim is a raped child, instead of a murdered child?       

            The court ruled in 1977 that the rape of an adult was not a severe enough crime to warrant the death penalty, but the scenario of child rape has never been tried at the Supreme Court level.  Furthermore, it’s been 44 years since anyone in America has been executed for a crime other than murder.  So, this case potentially has a lot riding on it. Oddly enough, Kennedy has found some unlikely allies to his plight.      

            Groups such as the National Association of Social Workers and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence have argued against the death penalty in such cases, saying that if a rapist knows he’s going to get executed then he is more likely to go ahead and murder the victim rather than letting them live.  While that could be a genuine concern, it seems to miss one of the points of carrying out the death penalty in the first place, which is the issue of deterrence.  In essence, what these groups are saying is  “let’s be nice to the rapists, so they won’t kill us.”  But what I’m suggesting is that we “execute the rapists so they CAN'T kill us….or even rape us for that matter.”  The point is, we shouldn’t show leniency towards criminals based upon what they “might” do.  We should hold them to the highest level of accountability for what they HAVE ALREADY DONE.          

            In all honesty, I’m not real sure how much thought a rapist is giving to his actions to begin with.  If a man is willing to rape an 8 year old girl do you really think he wouldn’t consider murdering her as well?  Let’s face it, rape…followed by murder….happens everyday.  And often times it is carried out by someone who has already done such things in the past….and will do it again in the future if not stopped.  And what’s the best way to stop them?  Execute them….post-haste.

            In a previous article, I gave a Biblical defense for capital punishment, so I won’t rehash it here (click here to read the article).  But I will point out that, according to Scripture, some crimes are “worthy of death.”  And if child rape isn’t one of those crimes, then what is?  Sadly, but not surprisingly, the High Court seems to be divided on the issue.  In oral arguments, Justices John Roberts and Antonin Scalia, who are considered “conservative” have seemed to imply that such penalties should be legal.  Liberal Justices, like Stephen Breyer, have argued the other way.  Breyer made the particularly disturbing statement that “I am not a moralist, I am a judge.”  In other words, Breyer won’t make a “moral judgment” upon a child rapist.  My question is this:  by favoring Kennedy’s side in this case, isn’t he making a moral judgment upon the executors?  Isn’t he making a moral judgment upon the state of Louisiana?  In fact, when it’s all said and done, aren’t all legal judgments really “moral” judgments?

            I certainly understand Breyer’s point that a judge’s job is to uphold the written law rather than forcing personal morality upon the people.  But our written law IS our morality, and it’s a judge’s job to protect it and see that it is upheld.  And nothing in our written, moral law (i.e., Constitution) says anything about protecting child rapists from the just reward that they have earned by their abhorrent actions.  And to be honest, it’s more than a little disturbing to hear a Supreme Court Justice who appears unwilling to at least concede that the raping of a child is an “immoral” act.

          It will be interesting to see how this case ends up.  I have every confidence that John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito will make the right decision.  As for the other 5 Justices?  Who knows what they will do.  One of them refuses to be a “moralist.”  Which means, in the end, he may decide to refuse to be an effective “Judge” as well.  Five states have already passed laws allowing the death penalty for child rapists (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina, and Montana ).  Let’s hope our nation’s highest court allows them to carry out the punishment these child rapists so fully deserve.  And then other states will begin to follow suit.

Merry Christmas & Political Correctness

It seems that every year a debate is sparked in our politically correct society as to how we should recognize Christmas.  Some stores choose to say “Happy Holidays” and sell “Holiday Trees” and send “Holiday Cards” so as to not offend those who are not followers of Jesus Christ.  Schools and government offices frequently give their people time off for “Winter break” rather than Christmas.  After all “Christmas,” as the name implies, is a celebration of Christ and His birth. So what about those who hold to a different tradition?  Will they be offended by the name of Christ?

            Personally, I would much rather they be offended than enflamed.  Jesus never attempted any ridiculous games of political correctness.  He spoke lovingly, but firmly when He proclaimed “No one can come to the Father apart from me.” (John 14:6)  Likewise when He said, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)  Denying, ignoring, and avoiding Jesus Christ will gain you nothing but eternal punishment.  But Jesus came to “seek and save” the lost (Luke 19:10).  Therefore, if you will repent and place your faith in Christ as Lord, you will be graciously forgiven, spiritually cleansed, and eternally saved.

            We often like to dance around the issue of multiple religious traditions, and pretend like we all worship the same God.  But the fact is we don’t.  Any religious tradition that denies the tenet of salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a “tradition” that will lead to “perdition.”  The road to Heaven is a one way street that runs straight through the cross of Calvary.  Every other road leads to Hell.

            I don’t say that menacingly.  I say it with love.  If I’ve offended you, then (believe it or not) I don’t apologize.  I would rather you be temporarily offended than eternally lost.  One day we will all stand before Jesus Christ as our eternal judge.  You may hold to a different “tradition”…but you will stand before Jesus all the same.  Deny Him here and you’ll be denied Heaven.  Embrace Him here and you’ll get to embrace Heaven. 

            Today, you may be offended by the name of Christ and the celebration of Christmas. But imagine trying to stand before Him at the final judgment and explain why you were so insulted at the mere mention of His name.  Don’t avoid Jesus.  Embrace him.  Worship him.  And follow Him.  Then you’ll be able to say (and experience) what it truly means to have a “Merry Christmas!”

Minneapolis: Why Do Calamities Strike? A 6-Minute Video From John Piper

In the wake of the Minneapolis tragedy, the question will be asked anew, “Why does God allow tragedies like this to happen?” I have dealt with that question in a past blog, which you can read by clicking here. The short answer is that we live in a fallen and sin-cursed world; and tragedies are simply one manifestation of that harsh truth.

John Piper serves as Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis and has a teaching ministry called Desiring God Ministries. He has written some of the most powerful books every penned on the Glory and Sovereignty of God. Two that I would recommend are Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God. The video team at Desiring God Ministries has posted a short (6 minute) video of the aftermath of the Minneapolis bridge collapse, with a voice over of Piper preaching on why things like this happen. I would highly recommend you watch it if you get a chance. Click here to go to the site, and then click twice on the play arrow when you get there.

This latest tragedy WILL NOT BE THE LAST that our world experiences. Let us hope and pray that multitudes will begin to consider eternal issues and turn to Jesus Christ, lest the next tragedy be their final downfall.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ISSUE: Bible Study Not Allowed On Military Chaplain Website

A religious liberty case is brewing at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas over “anti-Semitic” statements posted in a Bible Study on a chaplain’s web site. Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation states he was “disgusted” by the anti-Semitic remarks and has called the military to remove them. As usual, the military was forced to give in to Weinstein’s temper tantrum and submit to political correctness. Are you curious about what the anti-Semitic remarks were? Maybe you’re envisioning a call to exterminate Jews? Kind of an American Holocaust? Or perhaps you’re thinking the army was using racial slurs to describe Jews? You’d be dead wrong. The “disgusting” anti-Semitic remarks simply stated that in the New Testament some of the Jewish people were “zealous” against the Apostle Paul. Furthermore, the online Bible Study suggested that some Jewish leaders (Pharisees) played a role in the crucifixion of Jesus. Does that sound anti-Semitic? Or does that simply sound like historical fact?

This is just the latest example of a radical attempt to redefine history into a more politically correct version. We saw the same thing take place when The Passion of the Christ was released. Overly sensitive malcontents charged anti-Semitism because the movie gave the Biblical (and historical) account of the Pharisaic jealousy that led Jesus to Golgotha. History IS what it IS, and it should be accurately reported. If the military Chaplain wanted to point out the Christian Crusades as an example of those doing evil in the name of Christ, we should have no complaint. The Crusades were historical, and wrong. But to pretend they never happened is naïve and foolish. Likewise with the Cross of Christ.

Another complain Weinstein had was with a statement made comparing the zealous Jews of Paul’s day with another modern day religion. Can you think of any religion that is zealous enough to kill others for the sake of their cause? I’ll give you a hint: WORLD TRADE CENTER. I’ll give you another hint: SUICIDE BOMBERS. I’ll give you another hint: AL-QAEDA. The Bible Study said there was a similarity between New Testament Judaisers and Modern Day Islamic Extremists. Would anyone in their right mind refute that?

The issue here is more than simply political correctness run amuck. The Bible Studies were written in the 1980’s by Lt. Colonel George Kuykendall, who is now deceased. Religious tensions and political correctness weren’t quite as high then as they are today. Back in those days you could still speak the truth without threat of a lawsuit or government censorship. No more. This case involves 1^st amendment religious liberty at its most foundational level. Weinstein is calling this an unconstitutional use of a government website to teach religion. He’s right about there being an "unconstitutional" element to this case. But unfortunately for him, he’s on the wrong side of the constitutional issue. Let me explain.

If religious material is not allowed, ON A CHAPLAIN’S WEBSITE, then what on Earth is allowed. Is the Chaplain supposed to simply share his views on astrophysics? Or tell stories about his dog? Or report baseball scores? He’s a CHAPLAIN for Heaven’s sake (pun intended). Or course he’s going to post items of a religious nature. Furthermore, he’s a “Christian” Chaplain, so it is well within his right to post religious items of a “Christian” nature. And it’s impossible to do that with any integrity unless you give the facts surrounding the crucifixion. So what does the constitution say?

The First Amendment, which is constantly cited but seldom read, states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

There it is! That’s the entire thing! If you read the last sentence then you’re more Constitutionally educated than 90% of Americans. Do you see anything in there to prohibit a Chaplain’s Bible Study? No. Do you see anything in there to PREVENT someone from prohibiting a Chaplain’s Bible Study? YES! The government cannot force you to belong to a religious group. Does a Chaplain’s website do that? Are soldiers required to do Bible Studies? Or course not. Maybe if the Army was posting Bible Studies on their main website, there would be a case. But NOT on a CHAPLAIN’S website.

Not only is this NOT an “establishment of religion,” Weinstein has now actually infringed upon the Constitutional rights of the Chaplain, and all Americans by: “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” All Americans, even those in the military, are supposed to have freedom of religion. If a CHAPLAIN is not allowed to post religious information, then who can? If Weinstein has his way…NO ONE.

This is simply the latest example of left-wing extremism trying to turn America into an Atheistic-Secular state. Weinstein’s arguments are ludicrous and his actions are unconstitutional. The problem is that too many people fear a lawsuit, or bad publicity and simply give in to the ridiculous demands of such radical secularists. The military acquiesced and pulled the material from the website, but that’s not enough for Weinstein. He’s planning to file a lawsuit and tie up our court system with a frivolous and unconstitutional complaint. Of course depending on the sanity of the Judge who hears the case, this could go either way. Undoubtedly the military will back down (as they already have) and try to avoid any kind of religious debate. But maybe the Chaplain in question should consider a countersuit against Mikey Weinstein and his whining “watchdog” group. All Americans ARE SUPPOSED to have freedom of religion. Many in America today want to change that, and often times they have their way. Let’s hope they don’t in this case.