What would the French observer of America, Alexis de Tocqueville say about our Republic if he could see it now? In 1831, he wrote, “The Americans combine the notion of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive one without the other.” Would he recognize it nearly 185 years later? He linked liberty and Christianity as inseparable. First Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Jay, observed, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their ruler, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” That’s wholly irrefragable.
The Black Robes, in a 5-4 vote, repeated their “bench legislating” last week-like the 1973, Roe v. Wade disaster. Ruling on a “law that was no law.” Mining a “right” in the Constitution that never existed. Obfuscation “102.” Different faces and names. Same outcome. Hailed as “the law of the land” by supporters of this perverse ruling. Wyoming Governor Mead, caved earlier, with the same tawdry defense. Same-sex marriage supporters exuberantly danced in the streets, waving banners and flags, embracing and kissing, for all the world to see. A ghastly site.
President Obama tweeted “#love wins.” He flooded “our White House” with rainbow colors celebrating the perversity. Most recognized his feigned support for “traditional marriage” as chicanery foisted on the American public. There was no evolution in thought. One attorney, favoring the ignoble ruling, claimed that the majority found it based on “harm” to those previously unable to claim the “legal bonds of wedlock.” Those in opposition to this water-shed event, understand that this upheaval isn’t happenstance. Traditional marriage, same sex marriage, or co-habitation, are now just a range of options. Moral equivalency, were told. How one “feels” trumps the old vestiges of another era, alien to this generation. Strong desire eclipses reason. Cupidity reigns.
One danger from this unholy ruling will be a loss of “religious freedom.” To be forced to accept same sex marriage and its’ implications. While Justice Kennedy “reassured” us that our freedom of conscience would not be violated, many are unconvinced. Ultimately, there’ll be an attempt to silence those who believe and speak otherwise. A disenfranchising surcease to our dissent in public discourse or in the pulpit. Those nasty unintended consequences that lurk in the shadows. Pastors and biblically grounded churches will be vilified. Will the long draconian arm of the IRS penetrate further into the church? Loss of tax exemption? The cost of doing business with the devil?
To those lauding absolutes, and time honored values, a frontal attack is imminent. All the talk of latitudinarianism is a ruse. This culture will not tolerate dissent about “settled law.” Naysayer, mark it down. There’ll be overt and covert attempts to muzzle congregations that deign to proclaim biblical absolutes regarding marriage and perverse behavior. We represent a line of dissent the feds and many states find onerous. Such will be extirpated. Bakeries, flower shops, and photographers place your name on a prayer chain, and an attorney on speed dial.
Perhaps the only group more elated than the same sex marriage supporters are members of NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association). Though marginalized as a fringe group of pedophiles, they are likely celebrating this ruling from SCOTUS. What will stop them from now codifying the relationship with the young men they violated in earlier years? Not this ruling. They’ve worked for years to abolish the age of consent laws criminalizing adult sexual relations with minors. Their website masquerades as a “political, civil rights, and educational organization whose end goal is to end the extreme oppression of men and boys in a mutually consensual relationships.” Will they wait for the boys to reach betrothal age? NAMBLA’s perverted defense is that they are misunderstood, claiming widely held views that sex between adults and minors is always harmful, depends on whether the relationship was “consensual.” Can an eight year old consent? Not in America. Few human acts are more repugnant and wicked.
This rapid moral descent has been hastened by a “loss of cultural memory.” The road to spurning an infinite, personal God always spirals downward. Assiduously eradicating the old edifices, rarely considered today, time tested values, such as marriage between a man and woman, have been diminished by recent generations. One can’t recall what one doesn’t know. It’s virtually been deleted from the American consciousness. Hostility to biblical absolutes have grave and predictable consequences. Morality is grounded in the latest movie or sitcom, and “right or wrong” exists fleetingly in the medium of choice. Conclusions based solely on images. This descent‘s been coming like a slow freight train. Most missed it. The signposts were there. Too many ignored it.
Where are we now? One blogger wrote of the SCOTUS ruling, “It’s like a bomb dropped, yet no one was hurt. “Denial of the state of our Union. Occasionally your’s truly receives an email, imploring, “You’re too serious. Relax. God‘s in control.” On that we agree. His power’s unquestionable. We depart on what one must say and do. Some prefer Joel Osteen’s soft soap version of life, promising “you will always get an A from God.” Whatever that means. The Good news? Persecution may bring revival. Ignore that foolish, hackneyed bromide, “It‘ll be better tomorrow.”
Sadly, this “Christian nation” has moved from worshipping the Creator, to worshipping creation. That ultimately seduced recent generations into the lowest form of worship: self-worship. In fact, some bemoan we’ve moved from Christianity, to paganism, to idolatry. Not possible? Anglican Harry Blamires, wrote, in his 1980, penetrating examination of the Christian‘s position in the modern world, Where Do We Stand, “Idolatries take a basically healthy human interests and activities, and debase them by perversion and excess.” Is that possible? Some are called to be a “watchman.” What about you? Gloom n’ Doom? What do you think?
Mike Pyatt is a Natrona County resident. His email is roderickstj@yahoo.com
