News to Watch!

There is a disturbing new trend taking place in Western countries to systematically exclude all Christian images, symbols, thought, and speech from the public arena. We have always seen over-reactions this time of the year as schools and cities banned Christian Christmas symbols in order to appease the ACLU and avoid lawsuits, but this year conditions have gotten even worse.

In Plano, TX, the school system there went so far as to ban the colors red and green from "Holiday" celebrations. All plates, napkins, and cups had to be completely white. Red and green colors were considered Christian and were banned. Other municipalities and schools have banned the word "Christmas" and have banned Christmas trees and nativity scenes and other traditional Christmas symbols. And, of course, we have the infamous Target banning of the Salvation Army bellringers, put forth as an attempt to reduce "solicitation" at their stores.

But, far more alarming are the recent attacks on the freedom of Christians, including preachers, to speak their beliefs. In the Netherlands, pastors can be arrested for "hate speech" if they preach against homosexuality by reading certain passages from the Bible. England recently passed a law limiting the freedom of speech and redefining "hate speech" to include sermons from pastors. And it's not all limited to European countries.

On Oct 10th in Philadelphia, 11 Christians were arrested for demonstrating at a pro-gay rally. The Christians were singing hymns, reading Bible passages, and praying. However, they were arrested, and 4 of the 11 are being prosecuted for "hate speech." The four could receive up to 47 years in prison if convicted.

What has happened to freedom of speech? What has happened to tolerance of other's beliefs? Where does it say in the Constitution that we not only have to tolerate but have to accept and affirm another's beliefs, no matter whether they disagree with our religious understanding or not? This is cause for real concern and should be a matter of prayer for Christians everywhere. If this can happen under the administration of a conservative Christian president, what does the future hold if more liberal administrations are formed?