Some will call me a defeatist with this post. I think the veto of Arizona's attempt to protect religious freedom in our country reveals that Christians need to let go of the concept of "rights." The morality or immorality of our country, states, counties, towns and homes will not be won or lost by a battle for rights.
The ship has left port and is a dot on the horizon. At this point so many groups exist and each clamor for rights. The few groups will the most influence or who appear the most cutting edge will receive rights. The groups with waning influence or who appear the most dated will lose theirs. This is the downside of democracy, the rule of the majority. The United States will never be a theocracy and never really was one. Judeo Christian principles, or those masquerading as them, have exerted greater influence than now, yet other principles: pragmatism, free markets and sexual liberty have existed with them.
Jesus never worried about rights, he cared for people. Jesus never demanded his voice be heard, he forgave and encouraged the forgiven to sin no more.
Should a photographer be sued because she doesn't want to take pictures of a same sex couple wedding? No. Did it happen? Yes. Should followers of Jesus who taught love and forgiveness been burned at the stake? No. Did it happen? Yes. In the character revealing moments of their execution the love and power of Jesus grew so clear that those who came to see a show left having seen God.
As has happened down through history, our country moves away from the pure love of God toward something else. Clambering for our rights doesn't reveal his love. Laying down our rights does.
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