Government vs. religion.

Throughout its history, the United States government has strictly avoided getting involved in matters dealing with churches and religion.  However, in a current Supreme Court case, a woman is suing the Lutheran Church with a disability claim—something previously prohibited due to interpretation of federal law.  A U.S. attorney is arguing that the case has “nothing to do with religion and church practice.”  However, several Supreme Court justices expressed “shock” at the reasoning of the U.S. attorney.  One justice, appointed by the President, stated she was “amazed” by the argument.  Another justice found it “extraordinary” that the U.S. attorney completely dismissed two major clauses in the Bill of Rights related to church freedoms.  Opponents of the case claim the goal of the U.S. attorney and the current administration is to denigrate Christianity (Christian Science Monitor, October 5, 2011).

Long ago God warned that the Israelite nations would turn away from Him, “those who handle [manipulate] the law did not know Me; the rulers also transgressed against Me… you have forsaken the Lord your God, and the fear of Me is not in you” (Jeremiah 2:8, 19).  Many today no longer appreciate the religious freedoms that stem from the Judeo-Christian values upon which America was founded, and Bible prophecies indicate there will be serious consequences:  “Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you” (Jeremiah 2:19).  The days ahead are going to be instructive and sobering if America continues down this path.