Rights and Religion

We are at a crossroads in America today.  It is heard in the streets, in coffee shops, in court rooms, in office complexes and in barber shops and beauty shops.  People are talking and much of what is being said is akin to revolutionary thought.  It borders on being divisive and destructive words.  All of it has to do with rights and religion.

It is because everyone wants their right to be upheld, to be honored, to be heard; but yet if the rights are not upheld, honored or heard, then there is going to be trouble and turmoil.  Additionally, if someone has a varying or alternative view of the rights being discussed, they are denied any leeway within the discussion. 

When the rights are tied to religious understanding and upbringing, then the waters get even more troubled, as waves of dissention and darkened clouds gather.  It seems that many want to have their right to be heard on the issue of religion, but when it comes to someone speaking out contrary of their rights, the result gives way to rude accusations and hate.

Take for instance the issue of homosexuality.  It seems everybody has an opinion, and wishes to voice it in some form or fashion.  The ones who advocate it and uphold it, maybe even practice it, will fight to the death to be heard, and will fight with bitter words and feelings toward those who stand against this form of what they call a “lifestyle.”  On the other hand those who consider it an admonition will also fight to the death anyone who stands for this practiced “lifestyle” using negative and degrading language to do so.  Each wants the right to be heard, but neither is listening while they yell obscenities at each other.

An illustration is the church in Topeka, Kansas that shows up at every funeral of military members, saying that “God hates Americans and fags.”  Westboro Baptist Church has taken it as their personal mission to spread hate and discord, instead of the gospel of grace, becoming known for their extremist stand against the military and homosexuals.  While they do have the right to practice their form of “religion” they cross the border by being dogmatic and degrade the name of Christ in the process.

I read recently where this group (I just cannot call them a church) went to Charlotte and picketed Dr. Billy Graham.  Why?  According to a source, it seems that no one can get things right, according to Westboro, and Graham is no exception.  Their website stated they were picketing Dr. Graham whom is the “lying whore false prophet.”  Continue reading,

“WBC has accused Dr. Graham of not using his platform correctly.  They said he has used the resources at his disposal to keep quiet on issues of importance and to promote the notion that Hell isn’t real.  They feel he should be telling the world, that it’s not okay to be a fag, it’s not okay to divorce and remarry, it’s not okay to fornicate, it’s not okay to kill your babies.

Counter to this claim, last month, Dr. Graham had urged voters in North Carolina publicly to vote against Amendment One because Amendment One would define marriage as the Bible defines marriage.” 

So they have the right to picket, the right to say what they believe; but I do not and will not, nor have to, condone their belief or methods.  They will not like that, for sure.

Just as the proponents of abortion, legalization of marijuana, gambling, or any number of other divisive and destructive beliefs, if someone does not agree with them then the proponents will yell and scream at objectors, as they degrade them and demean them, attempting to break them and destroy them. 

Take the issue of religion.  Everyone has their right to their beliefs and practices.  But, we do not have the right to force those belief and practices on those who disagree.  State your position, that is your right, then go on your way.  There is no sense in fighting and feuding about the issues.

I personally believe that hell is real, Jesus is the only way to heaven, God is the Creator of all things, that only those who believe in Christ for forgiveness of sin will enter heaven, and that the church is comprised of sinners saved by grace.  Oh, there is so much more-such as abortion is murder, homosexuality is a sin, that Jesus and I love the sinner but hate the sin, gambling is wrong, alcoholism is a sin and that alcoholics can be set free from this destructive pattern…well you get the picture.  I have stated several times over the almost thirty years of ministry that “I believe the Bible, all the Bible, the whole Bible, from Genesis to the book of Revelation.”

But my rights and religion are nothing compared to the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is more important than my rights, and my religion is nothing but dirty rags, if the relation I have with Jesus is not most important.  Furthermore, the way I treat others and the way I respond to others is in direct correlation to my relationship with the Savior.  That is why WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is such an important and vital part of my life, my actions, my reactions, my thoughts, my speech, my life.  It is not just something I wear, it is a constant reminder of who I am.

If we would get the relationship right, then all other things will follow.  It would make for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.