We Must Stand Together for What is Right or Lose the Fight

There have been so many moral issues cropping up over the past several months that there was no way I could comment on them all. However, I am delighted to say that there is still a little moral outrage left in the United States of America. The American Family Association (AFA) reports that there are at least 5 issues attracting attention in October, and believe it or not, they have now been settled, at least to some extent, on the side of what is right. I am continually reporting to you about bad incidents taking place in our land. I thought it would be worthwhile to note that, on occasion, through prayer and hard work, we really can make a difference when we stand up for what is moral and good and decent. Consider these 5 victories:

(1) Last month the Veterans Affairs department banned the use of a religious recitation in flag-folding ceremonies. A senior official with the VA had instructed the agency’s 125 cemeteries not to distribute or give away handouts on “The Meaning of Each Fold of an Honor Guard Funeral Flag.” They were also instructed not to make the standard recitation at graveside services, either by cemetery workers, or by VA sponsored volunteer honor guards. Why did they make such a stipulation? It seems that someone had complained, because the recitation included a reference to “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” and to “the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” However, over 200,000 messages were sent to the VA protesting the decision, and over the last few days, the VA changed their policy to allow any recitation requested by the next of kin.

(2) Some time ago, the National Park Service, which oversees displays of the artifacts and information related to the Washington Monument, placed a replica of the monument’s cap so that an ascription to God could not be seen. The top of the Washington Monument, many years ago, was installed with an aluminum cap which acts as a lightening rod, protecting the monument from lightening damage. The cap was engraved with the Latin phase “Laus Deo” which means “Praise be to God.” However, the replica of the cap which was on display for the public was built so that the side containing the phrase could never be seen. When this was made known, it resulted in a public outcry which motivated the NPS to rebuild the cap in such a way that the phrase will not be hidden from public view. It was reported that over 100,000 people protested because the inscription could not be read, and now the NPS intends “to put it back just like it was” so people can read it.

(3) Earlier this year, Mrs. Fields, the famous maker of specialty cookies, indicated that this year they would not be promoting Christmas at all through any of their merchandise because “they didn’t want to offend anyone.” For some time, the Mrs. Fields’ Holiday Gift Preview did not use the word “Christmas” at all. However, because of pressure mounted from the public through the AFA, and a threatened boycott of the merchandise, Mrs. Fields finally decided they would rescind their earlier position and begin the promotion and display of products using the word “Christmas.”

(4) U.S. Representative Marilyn Musgrave indicated in weeks past that Congressmen and Senators were now prohibited from using any references to God in certificates of authenticity which accompany flags that have been flown over the Capitol and purchased by the public. In the past, such references included “under God” in the pledge to the flag, “God bless you” or even the phrase, “in the year of our Lord, 2007.” The decision was made by Architect of the Capitol, Stephen Ayers, who removed the words insisting that such references might offend some Americans. When a number of Congresspersons protested, he sought the advice of the Congressional oversight committees. By that time, once again, there had been a massive outcry from the public. The committees indicated to Ayers that the rules he had imposed where “inappropriate and inconsistently applied.” Under their advice, he retracted his earlier ruling and now such phrases are again admissible on the flags’ certificates.

(5) On Thursday October 18, Congressman Pete Stark made the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives: “You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement.” No matter what one’s political persuasion, he or she should be able to see the great disgrace such a statement brings on our country, and in particular, the President. No matter what we believe about the war and the President’s policy about it, such a statement is irresponsible and disrespectful. Once again, pressure came from American people who believed in what was right, and Stark stood up and apologized before the House for his remarks.

It is urgently important that we understand the fact that we as Christians are at war to preserve a Christian America. It has nothing to do with forcing others to be Christian against their will; this country has never done that, and I believe it never will. On the other hand, it has everything to do with preserving our own rights and freedoms as Christians. If we gather together as Christian America, and stand up for what is right, we will win many battles and perhaps the whole war. However, if we remain lazy and apathetic, we are sure to lose the precious Christian freedom God has given us. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

James Sanders

Pastor,

sandersjc@yahoo.com