Brad Alles

As we continue to focus on the Post-Christian culture of our day, let’s turn our attention to the realm of the law.  As we noted earlier, when the religious make-up of the people changes, so do the laws.  Law follows culture.  Today it is imperative that we deal with legal issues—especially in defense of the freedom of religion.

You will hear people say that freedom of religion is a cover-up for discrimination.  Another attack will be more subtle.  The phrase “freedom of religion” will be replaced with “freedom of worship.”  The nuance is that you are free to gather and praise your deity, but you cannot speak of religious issues in a public context.  That is simply not the case.  Just look at the words of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

To deal with this day and age, we need to be informed and involved.  The following are a list of helpful resources to deal with these legal issues:

• Citizen Magazine (focusonthefamily.com)
• Alliance Defending Freedom (adflegal.org)

As a precaution in these days, review your church and school policies.  An excellent resource is “Protecting Your Ministry” at www.adflegal.org/campaigns/pym.

Above all, keep praying for those in government.  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).