The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Are we to be judged by nine (unelected) men and women who preside over a man-made bench? Or, are we judged by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? I’d like to think that the latter is the “true” Supreme Court; our lives (and our eternity) are in their hands- and not per the whims of 9 people in black robes.
The (U.S.) Supreme Court’s decree on “gay marriage” was a shocker for many, including this writer. In a close 5-4 vote, these Federal judges decided that no State could prevent (or not acknowledge) a homosexual marriage. By extension, this “created” gay marriage in the United States, nationally. This occurred even though the U.S. Congress has never actually voted to acknowledge same-sex marriage. Quite to the contrary, in 1993 the U.S. Congress specifically stated that marriage was between 1 man and 1 woman. But, 22 years later we are living in a new world and a new country.
When looking at the composition of the Court, it is perplexing how they could vote as they did- given their background religiously. The following is a list of the Justices, and their declared religions:
Clarence Thomas- Roman Catholic
Antonin Scalia- Roman Catholic
John Roberts- Roman Catholic
Anthony Kennedy- Roman Catholic
Ruth Bader Ginsburg- Judaism
Sonia Sotomayor- Roman Catholic
Stephen Breyer- Judaism
Samuel Alito- Roman Catholic
Elena Kagan- Judaism
Out of nine judges, none are atheist or agnostic. Six are Catholic, a Church which has been quite strict in their dogma that same-sex relationships and marriage is a sin- and is against God’s word. The other three are Jewish, and up until 2006 there was really no dissention in the declaration that same-sex relationships were strictly forbidden by the Torah. Since then, it has become more split and liberal in interpretation.
All said, if all of these judges were following their own declared religions and religious teachings in 2015, there is no way that they would have arrived at this decision. Many of them clearly broke with their own church’s moral teachings and elected to instead practice “social engineering”- as many would argue.
Some are demanding that the judges on the “wrong side” of this decision (according to Christians and conservatives), should be impeached. While that is legally possible, it is highly unlikely. The last Supreme Court Justice to be impeached was in 1804. As per the rules, until death the country is stuck with these nine we now have- unless one or some decide on their own volition to step aside and resign. Of course that is equally unlikely.
So what to do now, and how to proceed and act?
There have been times when the Supreme Court has reversed course and declared an earlier ruling invalid or unconstitutional. Perhaps that will happen, especially if the next U.S. President nominates a more conservative Justice, or maybe an Evangelical Justice. (It does seem a bit odd that there are no Evangelicals on the High Court.)
Aside from that, Christians are to do what they can. If they want to peacefully protest, that is well within their rights. Different churches and denominations will have, and have had, their own internal struggles and battles with this sensitive subject; this ruling will not change that fact. Parents will still need to teach their children right from wrong, in the best way they see fit. And in the end, the “real” Supreme Court will eventually make their own ruling. I’d like to believe that most Christians know what that ruling will be.
1 Sam 2:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
How do you feel about the Supreme Court’s decision? How do you think we should respond?
Interesting article Ken. I didn’t know that about the justices. Sadly the “freedom from religion” crowd would applaud them for not letting their religious affiliations sway their judgement.
Unfortunately, many claiming a particular religious affiliation don’t actually follow the doctrine of faith they claim, and yes that includes evangelicals as well. That is because we are all flawed.
There is a difference, however, between an immature faith that will not be made perfect until we are in heaven, and a “superior” attitude that leads them to believe, “we know better.”
Each one must, one day, give account for their offense.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed in 1993. Obama reportedly promised in 2013 that government would not force institutions to bow to particular beliefs. Times have changed. We are now living in an “age of lawlessness.”
Over 40,000 pastors and Christian leaders recently signed a pledge to stand for traditional marriage even if it means paying a “fine or jail time.” Yes, you read that correctly.
It is hard to imagine that men chose to please men when they know that God condemns such matters. It can only cause lives to spiral downward when decisions are put in place that opposes God which will only lead into darkness and wickedness. This is what this counrty will reap, God’s judgement has to come upon our country by such a defiant act.
I do not understand how anyone knowing what God’s word states about such things can live with themselves by deliberately opposing His word in favor of making a small percentage of people happy and imposing this upon the rest of society to embrace.
They are wrong to think that this is going to be without severe consequences and a backlash.
Hello all- thanks for the comments. I suppose some of this is because “we” have many folks are our “nominal” Christians. Be it Catholic or Methodist or Baptist, etc. My guess is there are some of those on this Supreme Court.
Perhaps along with declaring oneself a particular religion, we should also not if we are “practicing” or “non-practicing”. In the end, we are only fooling ourselves, and maybe a few people around us.
It will be interesting to see the fall-out from all of this in the coming months and years. My opinion is we have not seen the end of it.
we should pray