Fear Not the Reaper

Human existence inevitably leads to bodily death.  This is a patently obvious fact that is made doubly relevant to Christians who recognize that this death can either be a gateway to communion with or separation from God.  As it says in 2 Samuel 14:14, “Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die.  But that is not what God desires; rather, He devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from Him.”

Americans’ fear of death surged last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic— leaving many with a sense of despair in the face of a seemingly endless flurry of bad news. Nonetheless, hope came when a promise was made to the world in November of 2020— that the vaccine roll out would be a source of salvation— a way to return the world to a normal life.

For the first time in a long year, Americans began to feel hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel.  Many states began making plans to roll back their restrictions.  Those rollbacks started in states like Texas over a month ago as Governor Greg Abbott declared that his states’ mask mandate and capacity limits were going to expire. Although cases have continued to decline in Texas, health experts across the United States have begun to temper peoples’ enthusiasm with new announcements.

Michigan is reporting that there has been a marked surge in COVID-19 cases among children.  In the words of Dr. Bishara Freij— chief of pediatric infectious disease at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan: “Most of the kids that have been really sick that we’ve taken care of had been previously well children and so when we look at them, there’s no way to predict which child is going to have a bad disease”

More bad news came as scientists hypothesized that the new variant of COVID-19 from South Africa could break through the Pfizer vaccine that was being studied in Israel.  This fear is part of a broader concern that the COVID-19 variants we see across the world may be more dangerous than the original version of the virus.

In light of this disheartening news, Christians should remember two things:

1) that all of humanity must die a bodily death, and

2) that Jesus Christ is the only source of true salvation.

Every day that we are alive on earth is only delaying our inevitable demise.  All of us will one day taste the dregs of death.  This is not a cause for fear— because Christians know that their souls are secured by the salvation offered by Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:28-29 reminds us— “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

Although death is painful and a cause for sorrow, we should not turn to the vaccine for temporary and uncertain salvation of our mortal bodies without remembering that the only salvation that truly matters is the salvation found in Jesus Christ for our immortal souls.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel 

Is Screen Time a Worldwide Addiction?

Parents and child behaviorists have a new challenge— ‘technology withdrawal.’ Recognizing the vast uptake in time spent with digital devices during the pandemic, studies are now underway regarding the effect this has had on children.

Children have become increasingly dependent on phones and tablets for education— as well as social connection and entertainment.  According to The Washington Post— “Monitoring company Bark, which parents and schools use to track over 5 million kids [re internet usage], found a 144% increase in the number of messages children sent and received on-line in 2020 compared with the year prior.  That includes messages on social media sites, email, and more.”

Is screen time a worldwide addition?  According to Christianpost.com— “Experts on screen time have been stepping back from terms like ‘addiction’ and from framing it as another moral panic, the kind that seems to accompany any new technology that affects children.  The shift comes at a time when allowing more screen time isn’t a choice, but a necessity for families.”

Exodus 20:3 says— “You shall have no other gods before me.”  Should the Christian family be aware of the ‘technology god’ taking over their family time?  

In an article in Christian Post, Leah Klett writes— “A smartphone absorbs our interest because it is so alluring.  It can do so many things.  And in a sense, it is asking us to do so many things with it … Begin acknowledging that you have received ‘all kinds of good things you did not provide’ (Exodus 6:11) and ‘be careful that you do not forget the Lord ...’ ”(Exodus 6:12).

So, where do we go from here?  Life is getting back to normal— or, at least, a new normal.  Will screen time take a back seat?  Are children ready to get back to the ballfields and the playdates?  Is there ‘technology withdrawal?’

Child behavioral scientist, Dr. Jennifer Cross states— “As adults, we understand some of the drawbacks (of using cell phones) and make a conscious decision to put the phone down, but for 2- or 3-year-olds, who don’t have any understanding of these concerns, if they have been exposed to the phone/tablet since infancy, it becomes their norm and they want to do more of it.”  She also reminds parents that a phone or tablet is portable making them harder to leave at home compared to a television or computer.

‘Technology withdrawal’ will be a process and we don’t yet know if usage of technology will ever decrease.

Joshua Becker in “Becoming Minimalists” suggests some help for parents.  His suggestions begin with parents setting an example— recognizing that behavior is modeled by parents.  Don’t be afraid to “be the parent.”  Set viewing times and cut cable or other entertainment temptations.  Use the time that you gain away from the screen to fully engage in activities as a family.  Go on a hike or walk the dog.  Bicycle, play ball, and get out your board games.  In general, be involved in your child’s life.  Set rules for screen time during meals and before bed.  Set a family “mantra” that alerts the family that there has been too much screen time which now means the “fun family times” begin.

Stepping back and making an evaluation of where we are right now and how we want to go forward may be the key.  To use a well-coined phrase— “What would Jesus do?”  Isn’t that always the goal of the Christian?

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

The Value of Strife

James 1:2-4 says— “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Compared to our forefathers, many American Christians have it easy.  That said, the pandemic has shown Americans born after the mid-1990s a taste of the large-scale economic, physical, and emotional struggle that that permeates daily life around the world.

Real strife is not often discussed in contemporary America.  However, it is an all-too-present reality for many individuals.

A typical case is the embattled country of Ukraine.  In a recent exclusive report, CNN covered the journey that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the frontline of the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Russia-supported separatists have been fighting since 2014.  Zelensky commented on the crucial role that the United States can play in the struggle by saying: “If they [the US] see Ukraine in NATO, they have to say it directly, and do it.  Not words.”

Even though the Ukrainian conflict involves the United States as a potential ally and protector, Americans at large remain disconnected.

Perhaps a more familiar foe to the average American citizen is the classic North Korean missile test.  In the first weeks following the inauguration of President Biden, North Korea conducted one such test meant to challenge the new Commander-in-Chief.  According to retired South Korean Lieutenant General Chun In-bum “it is a clear statement of intimidation.”  Except for these occasional North Korean threats, the average American remains blissfully oblivious to the reality of war.

As of 2015, roughly 7.3% of Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.  Currently, less than 1% of Americans are active-duty military.  Thus, for most young Americans, this kind of visceral threat to one’s very existence seems unreal.

Our lives are easy compared with the experiences of many other people around the world.  Although this is not necessarily a bad thing, it has made many Christians complacent, especially members of the younger generation.  We are unaccustomed to seeing the suffering of the world and are sometimes at risk of failing to appreciate the seriousness of our faith.

Nonetheless, we should not despair, even in the year(s) of COVID-19.  Despite attempts by states such as California to close churches and discriminate against religious citizens, Christians should not be discouraged.  In some ways, strife and oppression can act as a convicting force that encourages the development of true belief.  For example, despite the intense oppression of the Chinese government, Christianity has become the fastest growing religion.

Followers of Christ are comforted that the turmoil of the world should not act as a cause for fear in Matthew 24:6.  The verse says— “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”  Christians are reminded that they have hope in Christ who will come again.

Instead of being discouraged by the struggle around us, Christians— especially those who are just now coming-of-age— should recognize that this is an opportunity to grow in their faith and move closer to our Father in Heaven.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

The Gov’t’s Petri-dish Provides Proof of Sexual Differences

The U.S. Army, currently stuck in a quagmire over a rigorous new physical fitness test, needs to get its act together and make sure soldiers are ready for combat, says a national security expert.

The rollout of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in 2019 hit a roadblock when initial test scores showed 65% of women failed it— compared to 10% of men.

The new ACFT replaced the Army’s three-event Army Physical Fitness Test— which graded soldiers according to sex and age— but the alarming failure rate caused an uproar among Democrat lawmakers who used a 2021 Pentagon spending bill to order a halt to scoring soldiers according to the new physical test.

A study of the test is being done by the RAND Corp.  According to Stars and Stripes, the fitness exam is a six-event test that is patterned after the grueling CrossFit program with weights and barbells, medicine balls, kettle balls, and a 90-lb. sled to simulate dragging a wounded soldier.  The new test, which is meant to better simulate combat, includes a “leg tuck” station that 72% of women failed when they couldn’t raise their legs to their chin.  That failure rate forced the Army to substitute a plank— if a soldier failed at the leg tuck.

National security analyst Bob Maginnis of the Family Research Council says the new fitness test was designed to be a gender-neutral test, with the same requirements for both men and women— but four out of five women were failing it.  “This, of course, runs contrary to what President Obama put in place: Removing all exemptions for women in direct ground combat and some of the physically tough military occupational specialties out there,” Maginnis tells One News Now.

Obama ordered the Pentagon to open up front-line combat roles to women— including grueling infantry units and tip-of-the-spear special operations— sparking fears the armed forces would weaken its combat readiness to accommodate less-qualified females— and thus get soldiers killed during grueling, exhausting combat.

During the phase-in period, the U.S. Marine Corps was the only branch to publicly speak out after its own testing showed female Marines were failing to keep up with males during rigorous combat simulation— such as loading artillery shells and carrying a wounded Marine to safety.

According to Maginnis, the Biden Administration is rolling out a far-left agenda for the U.S. armed forces at the same time the Army is attempting to get its soldiers (males and females) better prepared for combat.  “This is loony stuff,” Maginnis warns.  “These people clearly have a radical agenda and it’s not in our best interest.”

Once, again, the truth of the Bible says there are differences between males and females.  (read Genesis 1:26-27)

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

CNN Fails both Biology 101 and Basic Bible Belief

In a story attacking S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem for signing two executive orders, CNN blatantly complains that the governor’s orders mention “males” participating in women’s athletics.  It then describes that description as an “echo of the transphobic claim … that transgender women are not women.”

Reacting to that supposed news fact, LifeSiteNews.com was among numerous other media outlets that pointed out it is not “transphobic” to suggest that a man who identifies as a woman is technically, in fact, not a woman.  “How is it ‘transphobic’ to say that males, born with penises, are not women?  It’s just a fact,” Claire Chretien, a LifeSiteNews reporter, writes in response.  “A man can wear dresses, take female hormones, and undergo surgery to attempt to make his body more feminine-appearing. But he will never have two X chromosomes, he will never menstruate, he will never be able to be pregnant or give birth (because he doesn’t have a uterus).

CNN wasn’t done, however.  The story then continues with a paragraph that reads: It’s not possible to know a person’s gender identity at birth, and there is no consensus criteria for assigning sex at birth.

Although the “sex assigned at birth” description is standard language for homosexual activists, much of the public was obviously unaware of that fact, and so the CNN story made headlines at The New York Post, Fox News, The Christian Post, and CBN News … among many others.

The phrase is not a new one, however, since the left-wing view is that the newborn child is “assigned” their biological sex by the attending obstetrician before the child is allowed to choose his or her gender later in life.  “Sex assigned at birth” is listed in the “glossary” of LGBTQ terms at the Human Rights Campaign website right after “Same-gender loving.”

Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality tells One News Now he is grateful to see the pushback and says it appears it was too big of a lie for the American people to ignore.  “This is so ridiculous, so preposterous,” he says, “that if the media tries to push this one, I’m hoping it will only make the media more irrelevant than it actually is today.”

There is no Biblical evidence for denying that there are, in fact, differences between males and females.  In Matthew 19:4, Jesus asks— “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ ’? (read Genesis 1:26-27)

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Avoid Self Righteousness

The world is broken.  Mankind broke it.  Somehow, it seems like this fact is often forgotten.  Many Christians seem to react with disbelief when confronted with the ways in which mankind has butchered this world.

The brokenness of this world is obvious in the headlines that assault one’s eyes upon opening the webpage to the Associated Press:

“Floyd’s girlfriend recalls their struggles with addiction.”

“Company producing J&J vaccine had history of violations.”

“Justice Department working with tribes on missing persons.”

“7 Hong Kong democracy leaders convicted as China clamps down.”

Let’s take the first story as an example.  If we examine the information that has been made publicly available regarding George Floyd’s death, an intellectually honest and humble opinion will admit that no one really knows the truth of what happened or what it should mean for American society.  Although there will be a decision made one way or the other by the jury, that decision will be made based on the strength of evidence, not the objective truth of the matter.

This simple fact should act as a warning to all of us to avoid being self-righteous.

In Luke 18:10-14 we read— “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people— robbers, evildoers, adulterers— or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’  But the tax collector stood at a distance.  He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’  I [Jesus] tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

We have rarely seen such a time of polarization in American history.  Roughly 90% of voters on both sides of the 2020 Presidential Election said that they would “be very concerned about the country’s direction and that [the opposing candidate’s election] would lead to lasting harm to the U.S.”

These are dangerous times for our nation.  Not only have Americans of different political persuasions come to fear and distrust each other but they have also done so over racial lines.

Across the board, hate crimes based on race reached a decade high in the year of 2020.  The kind of self-justifying attitude that makes someone feel entitled to abuse another human being on the basis of their skin color is deeply dangerous.  Concerns about this attitude must cut both ways.

With stories like the George Floyd case, there is an inevitable tendency to mischaracterize people whom most of us have never met as being wholly innocent or wholly guilty when the Bible tells us this is simply not true.

Romans 13:10-12 reminds us— “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.  All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

At this particular point in history, the last thing we need is to arrogantly assume our opinions are infallible and to recognize that our fallen world is broken because of our sins in the Garden of Eden.  If our country is to survive, the right and the left need to drop the polarizing dichotomy of “us vs. them.”  We are all human, we are all broken, and, frankly, none have all the answers.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

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

A Christian ‘Call to Arms!’

Much has been made about the inability of conservatives to get their message out— because of the Left’s dominance of the media and social media websites.  So, Richard Viguerie, who is chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, has founded a new political action committee – FedUpPAC.org – designed to bypass the biased media and get the word out about the radical agenda of the Democratic Party.

Viguerie argues that the “new Democrats” want a one-party, socialist dictatorship— and to combat that, he says, requires what he calls “a Paul Revere-type army of conservative volunteers.”  “Our goal at FedUpPAC is to either produce material, or find good material, and distribute it to somewhere between one and two million conservative activists at the grassroots level,” he tells OneNewsNow.  “[Our hope is they] will then go out and pass that information … to their family members, their friends, their neighbors acting as modern-day Paul Reveres spreading the information.”

For example, in a mid-March call-to-action letter to conservative leaders, Viguerie urged that more energy and focus are needed to defeat the “existential threat” posed by H.R. 1 – dubbed the “For the People Act” by its Democratic sponsors.  [read my blog posting of February 22, 2021 – “House Taking Up ‘Equality Act’ ”]  “Whatever you’re focused on,” says that letter, “if it’s not the defeat of H.R. 1/S. 1, you’re making a serious mistake.  All other issues should be on the backburner compared to this legislation – because this is the BALLGAME.  If we lose, it will not be possible for conservative senators to every approve another judge, cut taxes, protect life, protect our southern borders, protect America from our enemies foreign and domestic, etc.”

H.R. 1 passed the House March 3, 2021 on a 220-210 vote.  It now awaits action in the U.S. Senate.

Viguerie explains why he considers it vitally important that information like this gets out to conservatives.  “If the American people had gotten the news and information accurately and correctly in this last election, Trump would have won in a landslide,” he contends. “People didn’t know about Hunter Biden’s laptop.  They didn’t know about Joe Biden’s pledge to raise taxes, to open the borders; [or] the anti-police approach to politics that was the hallmark of many Democrat campaigns out there.”

As for H.R. 1, the longtime conservative activist remains hopeful the measure can be derailed in the Senate.  “It’s not necessary for people to agree with us politically [on H.R. 1], because this is not a fight between Republicans and Democrats or conservatives and liberals,” he writes.  “It’s a question of ‘Does America become a one-party, socialist dictatorship?’  It’s about changing America permanently.”

Meanwhile, an organization that works to get out the vote amongst evangelical Christians has big aspirations for future elections.  “There were approximately 8.5-million more evangelical Christians who went to the polls in 2020 than went to the polls in 2016,” Ralph Reed of Faith & Freedom Coalition told American Family Radio.  “The evangelical vote increased from about 35.6-million voters to 44.5-million voters just in four years, and we think there’s probably another 20-million that we can get registered and turned out in 2022 and 2024.”

Clearly, evangelical Christians need to unite— making sure we register, educate, motivate, and got to the polls every born-again, Bible-believing Christian in the country.  Remember what Jesus said— “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (Matthew 12:25)

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Christianity’s Split Understanding of Immigration

Evangelical commentator James Dobson recently commented on the surge of migrants at the U.S. - Mexico border in response to the Biden Administration’s relaxation of immigration policies— which were endorsed by Christian groups like World Relief as fulfilling “a moral imperative” to accept “refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants.”

In Dobson’s words: “President Biden has literally created a humanitarian and a national security crisis all within his first two months in office… Make no mistake, the thousands of migrants seeking to enter this country – while wearing Biden T-shirts – think Joe is a nice guy.  But this ‘nice guy’ so happens to be our president who is charged to uphold the sovereignty and security of our nation.”

Even as migrants are being released into the interior of the United States under the Administration’s “catch-and-release” honors system policy, CNN has had the audacity to publish an article decrying that more migrants are not being let over the border:

“[A few illegal immigrants at the border] are angry their journey into the U.S. was cut short, worried because they have no place to stay in Mexico and confused because they thought things had changed since President Donald Trump left the White House … ‘They (U.S. border authorities) treated us very badly.  They didn’t even give us the chance to speak,’ says Ordelina de Leon Lopez.  If she’d had a chance to make her case, de Leon says she would have told authorities that one of her daughters had been kidnapped in Guatemala and she fled the country after facing threats.”

Even as CNN and the Christian left call for immigration reform that will allow people illegally entering the United States to have a path to citizenship, they fail to acknowledge that the U.S. government’s first duty is not to prioritize foreign nationals over its own citizens.

One of the biggest problems facing the U.S. right now is racing the clock to ensure that the number of COVID-19 variants introduced into the U.S. are reduced.  Furthermore, the ability to test those who have come to the border has been stressed over the last couple months— as highlighted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.  As one official stated— “There is a gap between January 31 until we received the tests [in mid-February] where we did not have COVID tests to provide.”  ‘Gaps’ like this are dangerous and unacceptable!

Some Christian leftists have taken to the use of Biblical proof-texting as a means of “winning” the political debate over illegal immigration.  While proof-texting is always a dangerous territory to enter, it becomes even more fraught when the verse used is not accurately translated.

This is exactly what has happened with the use of Leviticus 19:34, which says— “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.  Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.  I am the Lord your God.”

Although some have pointed to this as proof that Christians who object to open borders are behaving unrighteously, this view is the result of a misunderstanding of the word ‘foreigner.’

The Hebrew word used in this verse is “ger”— which specifically applies to legal foreign residents.  In contrast, the word “nekhar” is used to refer to foreigners without Jewish citizenship.  The Biblical treatment of “nekhars” is quite different!  For instance, although the Jewish people were prohibited from charging interest to their fellow Israelites, including “gers,” they were allowed to charge interest to “nekhars” in Deuteronomy 23:20.

The point of this discussion is merely to note that there is no national or Biblical duty to accept claims of asylum— if it jeopardizes the safety of a country’s citizens.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

MA Towns Create Legal Polyamorous Partnerships

What could the left possibly want after same-sex marriage and transgenderism?  Try polygamy.

The media laughed off groups like the Family Research Council (FRC) when they warned about that 15-years ago.  Now, a decade and a half later— with American parents in the fight of their lives over girls sports and city councils endorsing three-person relationships— it turns out FRC was right!

The LGBT’s fight was never about marriage— it was about every sexual and social norm.  The late Justice Antonin Scalia predicted as much in 2003.  With prophetic insight, he pointed to the threat to state laws “based on moral choices” against “bigamy, same-sex marriage, adult incest, prostitution … adultery, fornication, bestiality, and obscenity” in his dissent from Lawrence v. Texas.

Many people thought he was being dramatic or exaggerating; but they do not think so anymore.  An astounding 20% of Americans now think polygamy is “morally acceptable”— tripling the number who held those beliefs when Scalia issued that warning.

America’s slippery slope is even icier now, with the news that another city council has officially recognized polyamorous relationships as an acceptable form of domestic partnership.  Somerville, MA, was the first to do so last summer— followed by the Cambridge City Council (MA) this month.

In the same town that’s home to Harvard University, Brandon Showalter of the Christian Post points out, a relationship of “two or more persons” who are not related and “consider themselves to be a family” are now considered legitimate partnerships in the eyes of the local government.

You may recall, MA was the first state to usher in same-sex marriage— so it only makes sense that it would also be the first to tear down the barriers to open relationships too.  After all, if “love” and “consent” is all that defines a relationship, then proponents of incest, pedophilia, and group marriage can follow the LGBT playbook all the way to legitimacy. 

“If my liberal friends recognize the legitimacy of free people who choose to form romantic partnerships with multiple partners,” Fredrik deBoer wrote in Politico right after Obergefell in 2015, “how can they deny them the right to the legal protections marriage affords?”

It was a surprisingly candid look at where this debate was headed.  These days, the movement that promised to quit once it won marriage through the courts doesn’t bother pretending anymore.  The only limits that exist are your own reality— unless you’re a Christian.  And then it isn’t “live and let live,” rather it’s conform or be punished.

Even the American Psychological Association is fighting to give open relationships “protected legal status” because, as far as it’s concerned, monogamy is “bigotry.”

Tony Perkins (President of FRC) says it best: “Once a culture rejects God’s design, basic biology, and thousands of years of civilization, there are no boundaries.  Regardless of what the extremists say, they’ll never be satisfied until society acquiesces to what they want— a complete and total surrender of all moral standards.”

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Colorado Baker— Back in the Oven

Btandon Showalter of Christian Post reports that Colorado baker Jack Phillips was recently back in court in a lawsuit brought by a transgender activist attorney who alleges Phillips violated state law by refusing to make a cake celebrating a gender transition.

Filed in state court, a transgender-identified male named Autumn Scardina attempted to order a birthday cake celebrating a gender transition on the same day in 2017 that the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Phillips’ previous case, a dispute litigated in federal court which centered around his refusal to bake a custom cake for a same-sex couple in 2012.  [Phillips eventually won his case at the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in a 7-2 victory on narrow grounds in 2018 in Masterpiece Cakeshop, LTD et al. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.]

During virtual opening arguments, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney Sean Gates said the baker’s refusal to make Scardina’s cake was about the content of the message, not about Scardina, according to The Associated Press.  Scardina reportedly told the court that the call was placed to Masterpiece Cakeshop after hearing Phillips say that he opposed making the cake because it involved a gay wedding— but would sell any other product.

Scardina’s lawyer Paula Greisen asked if the call was a “setup.”  Scardina denied that notion.  “It was more of calling someone’s bluff,” Scardina was quoted as saying.

In the 2018 SCOTUS ruling, the justices held that the state government agency did not show religious neutrality toward Phillips under the state’s anti-discrimination statute, stating that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC) had shown “clear and impermissible hostility.”  The high court did not rule, however, on the larger issue of whether businesses and other places of public accommodation can invoke religious objections to refuse services to LGBT-identifying people.

ADF has represented Phillips since his legal battles began.  Gates argued his client could not create a cake containing a message he felt violated his religious convictions.  “The message would be that he agrees that a gender transition is something to be celebrated,” Gates stressed— subsequently noting that the Colorado bakery owner had also declined to make other items he objects to, such as Halloween-themed products.

Before filing a lawsuit, Scardina filed a complaint with the CCRC.  The state commission found probable cause to continue the matter as state law protects from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In response, Phillips filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Colorado, arguing that the state government is on a “crusade to crush” him.  Both cases were dropped in March 2019 under a settlement that permitted Scardina to file a case as an individual.

ADF said that Colorado has created a hostile environment for people like Phillips.  “Eight years is a long time to live under the weight of constant litigation that threatens the business you built and the people you love.  During his first case, Jack lost a big part of his business and more than half of his employees,” ADF noted.  “Over the years, he and his family have also endured hate mail, nasty phone calls, and even death threats.  This most recent lawsuit is a blatant attempt to punish Jack, banish him from the marketplace, and intimidate him out of business just for living according to his beliefs.”

Commenting on the case, evangelist Franklin Graham urged people to pray for Phillips.  “Jack is a humble, kind, and caring guy — and as a Christian, he also believes he has the right to live by his strongly held religious beliefs ... His lawyer is right — ‘Today it’s Jack.  Tomorrow it could be you.’  Think about that America,” he wrote.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Be Critical of the “Critical”

This was a constant admonition of Seminary professors— “Always use true ‘critical thinking’ in your studies”— especially in the studies of theology and hermeneutics.  This warning applies in all of life.  Check the definitions of words and phrases used when understanding other views of politics, theology, etc.

Here is an example: Critical Race Theory.  What race?  In the human realm there is only one race— the human race.  Any sub-categories are not races, but simple ethnic/cultural differences.

It has been said— “The only ones interested in ‘racism’ are racists.  All the rest are interested in content of character.” (anonymous)  The idea of various races of humans is an idea that divides and far too often incites hate.  By its very nature it is unable to produce justice and equality or equity.  Critical race theory skews truth and reality into a concocted lie that yields more confusion.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared, “Florida civics curriculum ... will expressly exclude unsanctioned narratives like critical race theories and unsubstantiated theories.  Let me be clear: There’s no room in our classrooms for ... teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other ... so we will invest in actual, solid, true curriculum.”

Listen: History is history— just as truth is truth.  To claim otherwise through re-writing and changing the truth for a lie does no one any good (read Romans 1:25).  We learn from real history and correct our wrongs for the benefit of the present and the future. Otherwise, it is akin to asking God for salvation without acknowledging that we have ever sinned (read Romans 5).

“You cannot cure racism with more racism.” (Edwin A. Locke)

Sin cannot be erased with more sin. (1 John 1:10)

History cannot be corrected by rewriting it.

All things must be understood for what they are.

Once we have established this, then we are in position for confessing our wrongs and making things right going forward.  The Pledge to the American Flag ends with these words— “with liberty and justice for all.”  “For all” means that all are affected correctly all the time.  Though this may be very difficult, it certainly does not mean, “for some then and for a different group now— but never for everyone all the time.”  Similarly, erasing one’s sin does not happen by covering it over with more or different sin.  Sin can only be erased by the perfect sacrifice for sin by the One who is sinless Himself.

Friends: Do not make the mistake of getting involved with imperfect solutions that only cause more imperfection and problems.  “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God— I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

So, think critically when studying God’s Word, when listening to the pundits of all types, and when considering your own heart and mind.  “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:2)  “For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths.  The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.  He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.” (Proverbs 5: 21-23)

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Want Unity? Rally Around the Word!

There is no shortage of divisiveness in the world.  You name it, there is always something over which to fight and disagree.  We can find any number of reasons to build walls and separate ourselves from one another.  Even in church practices we find ways to argue about leadership, doctrinal disparities, denominational differences, practices in baptism and communion … and the list goes on.  Whatever it is, we can turn anything into a source of pride— fostering a “we’re right, you’re wrong” approach to life and belief.  

What, then, might it be that can bring people together better than anything?

In the first half of the 1500’s, there was division in the church in Europe.  I’m not talking about the Protestant Reformation; I’m talking about in the Catholic church itself.  The division was caused by the Word of God.  The Bible was read only in Latin— so the common people were divided from the clergy who held the power.  Well in a little country we know as Germany, that was about to change.  

A Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther brought the people together with a Bible— a Bible translated in a common language.  Though it was more incredible than just that. There were a lot of different languages spoken across Germany.  The people were divided in everyday life because they did not have a common language … until Luther’s Bible.

Luther translated and produced a common book in a single language that was more readily available to all people.  That common book and single language created the opportunity for everybody to use the same language— bridging divides and coming together in unity— essentially establishing an entire nation, all founded on one message: The Word of God.  What an incredible testimony to the power of God’s Word.

There is such beauty and unity when people come together in scripture.  When we open the pages of scripture, we expose ourselves to raw divine truth.  There is no pride in the honest rendering of the Word, no discord, no ill will— only broken people hearing the truth of how God loves them.  And what a message it is.  A message that promotes the most diverse groups possible to find level ground at the cross.

There is only one thing that can bring unity— and He gave us His written Word to get it done.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Learning in Love

Due to the pandemic, the education of children during the year 2020 (and now in 2021) has been a lot of trial and error.  Safety dictates have set into motion what Ephesians 4:14 might call “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind...” Though this verse is referring to holding onto our faith and doctrines, it feels like it fits our situation today.  What we once believed we knew about educating our children has been set aside in favor of experimentation to fit the present storm.

In a recent article it was reported that there are real concerns regarding the health and welfare of children learning remotely.  “When I’m at home, fully remote, it’s more like a sluggish feeling,” one student said.  “I’m usually feeling distressed and tired, and I just don’t want anything to do with school anymore.”  Some students who have been given the option of hybrid learning (meaning one or more days at the school in person), have been unable to take advantage because of health concerns for themselves and those in their home— leaving children feeling trapped and lonely. One teacher observed this about students who are learning from home: “In the room, you get more eye contact,” he said.  “On the screen, oftentimes the kid could be sitting in front of a window.  You can’t see them, so it’s hard to make sure they’re attentive.”  [BTW: I can say the same for preaching solely to a Livestream congregation.]

Every teacher can relate to the importance of the physical environment of a classroom. This would include the color of the walls, organization of desks, decorations, and most importantly, displays of student work on bulletin boards.  Currently classrooms are restricted by a paperless environment and separated desks.  The energy in the room becomes stagnant.  At home, learning is more comfortable, and students can create their “classroom”— Yet, there is stress there, too.

How, then, does a Christian family create a learning environment to ride the waves of 2021? Sarah Earles suggests some categories of activities such as the emotional activity of having a general attitude of gratitude, taking coloring breaks, and deep breathing. Brain activities could include something as simple as children adding the latest “order in” grocery receipt and making lists of household items needed for the next list.  Taking indoor and outdoor exercise breaks will relieve stress and add some fun to the day. Think “recess” time.  For social activities, connect to other family members (not in the home), as well as friends they miss from school.  The spiritual life of the family is extremely important as you share on-line church services— as well as prayer and devotions.

Above all, children thrive in a loving environment.  Where there is love constantly given and shown, children can thrive.  Colossians 3: 14 reminds us— “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”  Our efforts may not look perfect, or harmonic, but love will always enhance the learning.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel