As Pelosi tries to “quick snap” her healthcare plan through, there is massive debate on the language of her bill and the ambition of those around her to make sure that at least one healthcare “option” provides for coverage for abortions.  Read some of the NY Times article HERE.

Laws are all about precedent.  The more precedent established, the greater the possibility of going further with a law.  The recent “Hate Crimes” legislation could bear that out.  The bill’s language is careful to say what it protects as far as free speech related to religious convictions, but Obama did go on to say that in America we should be “free to live and love as we see fit.” Laws and social systems are designed by God to protect and provide order (Rom.13:1-7), NOT to allow for every individual to live life as they see fit.  Is this not a slippery slope?

Obama has already established his defense for gay and lesbian rights, “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”  To “champion” this behavior?  The ambition is to promote LGBT issues as race issues.  It’s not a race issue, it’s a sinful lifestyle choice on (biblical) par with adultery, thieves, and idolaters (1 Cor.6:9-11).

Laurie Rubiner, VP of Planned Parenthood, has said this,  “Abortion should not be treated any differently from any other medical benefit or procedure,” in defense of including stronger language for abortion provision in Pelosi’s (and others) healthcare bills.  That makes sense.  Just like the LGBT issues being likened to race, abortion is likened to just any other medical procedure.  So, if you don’t want your baby, you can feel about that fetus the same way you feel about a tumor or cancer.  The baby is just an illness.  These people don’t even go so far as to say that breast implants, botox, or other cosmetically optional procedures should be provided for, but taking the life of a child?  No problem.

Look, I’ve tried to make clear again and again that we are to battle on gospel grounds as believers and the local church.  There is a socially redemptive element to the gospel as well.  I have to be honest and tell you that I’m weary of those who overlook such watershed issues in defense and support of the “greater” good as they see it.  I have often read that invading Iraq (or any “other” country), and the subsequent loss of life, is tantamount to abortion — killing the innocent.  But decisions for war are much more complex and debatable.  Is there anything debatable about abortion, at least to the Christian?  Let’s not lose sight of these things.

It will be illegal at some point (if the Lord tarries) to preach against homosexuality.  I’m thankful we’re in Leviticus NOW and not 10 years from now!  But the truth is, the local church must wake up to sin altogether.  As vile as gay and lesbian practices are, they are no different than adultery and deserve the same treatment.  It is sin, and sin leads to death every time.  So, we need to be more resolute NOT to tolerate certain views while SIMULTANEOUSLY raising our awareness of sin and its consequence.

This is not partisan.  Truth is, I hate corruption in government on either side of the “aisle.”  But I also want to clearly stand in defense of the innocent and the protection of civil order.  I will pray for those I oppose, but I will also oppose them with civility.  The local church in America has really allowed our condition as much as any.  Our hope has never been in the politicalization of religion, but in the gospel itself.  The Religious Right has done much good, but also harmed many longer-term causes due to the attitudes and approaches of many in their ranks.

If the western church was more consistent, less hypocritical, in living out the tenets of the gospel in daily life, then we would not need a “category” in the political realm.  We would just have those who either live out their Christianity, or at the least live out Judeo-Christian principles (as many of our founding fathers did who did not claim Christianity).  God used them to guard society, protecting the innocent, promoting order.  You don’t have to be a Christian to be a great politician.  But from where I sit, if you promote (or “champion”) things that God so clearly opposes, then there is NO WAY to be a blessing to a people from a political standpoint.

Our hope lies in the gospel, which produces REAL LIFE change.  Read HERE.

So, my rant/charge comes to a close.  My encouragement is to be consistent in your lifestyle and your doctrine.  That would include your beliefs politically.  You don’t have to have a label (or a party affiliation), but you do have to make choices.

2  The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2-6