SCOTUS Soon to Rule on One Man’s Conscience … Affecting Thousands of Others

At long last, Colorado baker Jack Phillips is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to argue that the government shouldn’t force him to violate his religious beliefs … by making him create a wedding cake for an event he views as immoral (a same-sex 'marriage').

Phillips, who owns bakery Masterpiece Cake Shop, was fined by the State of Colorado for violating a non-discrimination law when he refused to design and bake a cake for a homosexual wedding in 2012.  He has said he didn’t refuse service to the two men who sued – he opposed the event they were involved in.  “I don’t do cakes for same-sex weddings,” he told the men.

The bakery owner’s case will be heard in October by SCOTUS, setting up a landmark decision that affects other Christian bakers, florists, photographers and others who have repeatedly lost their court fights while claims of illegal discrimination have won the day – so far - in front of judges.

Phillips has said he serves homosexual customers in his shop, meaning he doesn’t turn them away at the door, but he refuses to create bawdy cakes for bachelor parties, anti-American cakes, and demonic images for Halloween.  “If I was judging the people, I wouldn’t allow them in my store,” Phillips told FoxNews. 

In the FoxNews interview, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney Kristen Waggoner was asked about Phillips’ recent appearance of the “The View,” where it was suggested by the left-wing hosts that Jesus would bake the cake for a homosexual wedding.  “That’s what this case is about.  If someone wants to make the cake because of their religious beliefs and their convictions, they should have the right to do that,” Waggoner said.  “Likewise, Jack should have the right to speak his messages and create his artistic expression that’s consistent with his beliefs.  And that’s what the First Amendment protects.”

Christian author and speaker Alex McFarland tells OneNewsNow that God expects Christians, including business owners, to follow their religious convictions and refuse to participate in evil.  “I would encourage Christians that they should – they really before God have the mandate, the expectation of the Lord and His Word, to stand against things that are blatantly ungodly and evil,” says McFarland.

Let’s pray that Godly wisdom will fall afresh upon SCOTUS justices as they make judgment on this one man’s conviction that affects thousands of other people of conscience.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel