With a new liberal president and an extremely liberal vice-president, do you think this will translate for more restrictions/oppression on churches, particularly conservative ones? You might remember how the Obama administration targeted conservative religious organizations (e.g., Samaritan’s Purse) for IRS audits, etc.
What are your thoughts?
Poll Results
Do you expect any significant change regarding religious freedom over the next four years?
Probably not, or not much. Votes: 4
Yes, but not necessarily right away — via Supreme Court nominees. Votes: 0
Yes, probably. Votes: 6
Yes. Votes: 7
No, no more than would have occurred with a conservative. Votes: 1
The president really doesn’t have much to do with this. So continuing social change will be our main source of pressure. Votes: 7
Other Votes: 0
Discussion
NewLess Personal Religious Freedom
I suspect that churches per se will still be protected. What Obama called “freedom of worship” will be maintained. What will be stripped away over time will be personal religious freedom. If you personally do not affirm gay marriage, for example, you will be personally chastised and punished by the the laws, and more likely, by an employer.
NewIn Any Case
Regardless of what happens or how quickly it happens, now would be a really good time for church leaders to start thinking through (and getting their congregation to think through) their theology of submission and resistence to government. That’s one of those things you want to have nailed down before you need it.
Josh Stilwell, associate pastor, Alathea Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa.
Fun and Mental