Why Must We “Restore” Religious Freedom?

Indiana Governor Mike Pence boldly placed himself at the center of a firestorm of controversy by signing the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Everyone from celebrities and basketball commentators to corporations and the White House is voicing their objections and calling for a boycott on the entire state of Indiana.

I wonder. Have they read the text of the bill? Do they know what the law, which was passed by the elected officials of Indiana, actually contains? Or are they climbing aboard an anti-discrimination bandwagon traveling down the wrong road?

It is clear that an increasing number of people would like us to abandon that part of the Constitution that guarantees our religious liberty. Legislation, such as the recently signed Indiana bill, (and others in the nation just like it) would be unnecessary otherwise. It has become necessary because individuals and vocal minorities lobby and then litigate small privately owned businesses in order to rob them of the very liberty protected by the 1st Amendment.

The noisy minority would like nothing more than to see a transformation of the “all men are created equal,” portion. Perhaps they would prefer, “all those who don’t agree with my lifestyle choice must be tolerant, and embrace and support it as well.” The comparison to the discrimination taking place during the civil rights movement of the sixties is ridiculous.

Refusing to serve customers at a lunch counter because they are the “wrong” shade is bigoted. To equate it to one’s refusal to use creative talents, or provide a venue for a ceremony or an event that is against one’s very core belief system is unconscionable. It is deceptive in nature and those who condemn the bill as discriminatory without understanding it are foolish.

Actors and musicians are at liberty to accept or decline jobs. They are free to decide whether their conscience allows them to use their creative talents where and when they choose. Celebrities are at liberty to accept or decline invitations to appear at any number of events.

Why is it, the elite and the special interest groups feel they are the only ones permitted to choose where they work and what cause they will support? It is evident that they believe a small business owner, trying to make an honest living, using the gifts God has given them should not have the same right. It is the height of hypocrisy.

Perhaps they believe their “right” to advance their “cause” can supersede an individual’s right to live out their deeply held faith and convictions. They are very sorely mistaken.

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …

Though some of our laws include deliberately confusing text, one does not need to be a legal scholar to decipher the intent of this clause. There would be no need for any Religious Freedom Restoration Act in any state if courts would uphold the Constitution–as they have solemnly sworn to do.

We should show our gratitude to all who refuse to forsake their conviction and stand up for religious liberty for the sake of the gospel. We can do so by standing with them.

But remember the earlier days, after you saw the light. You stood your ground while you were suffering from an enormous amount of pressure. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to insults and abuse in public. Other times you became partners with those who were treated that way.Hebrews:32-33 (CEB)

What are some convictions that you are willing to stand up for–even in the face of intense opposition?