With much thanksgiving to God…

Religious Liberty Vigilance

“Our Declaration of Dependence”
July 4, 1776

The Declaration of Independence can just as appropriately be titled the “Declaration of Dependence.” This majestic document, arguably the most masterful state paper of Western civilization, displays a dependence on God foundational to its claim for independence from England.

Even a casual reading of this document impresses us with the role God plays in the course of human events.

God is first acknowledged as lawgiver. The “laws of nature and of nature’s God” entitle the colonies to sever their tie with England and assume a separate and equal station among the powers of the earth.

Second, God is creator. As such, he endows humanity with “unalienable rights” including the rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Governments cannot bestow these rights—they don’t belong to government in the first place. Government is instituted to protect these rights. If instead it becomes destructive to these principles, the people are free to abolish that government and institute a new one that will uphold the principles.

Thomas Jefferson was the principle author of the Declaration. His later metaphor on the “wall of separation” between church and state is often brandished about as an instrument to keep religious expression out of public life. But Jefferson thought both institutions were necessary.

Contemporary secularists who desire a constricted role for religion and an expansive role for government would do themselves a favor to see how he regarded the nature and role of both.

In his “First Inaugural Address” (1801) he said that religions teach “honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude and the love of man.” But one more blessing is needed to “make us a happy and prosperous people.” That blessing is a “wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.” For our values we turn to religion. For the protection of those values and for our own protection and freedom (and little else) we look to government.

A third reference to God acknowledges him as “supreme judge of the world.” The framers of the declaration appeal to God, that he might judge the “rectitude of our intentions” as these representatives of the colonies declared them to be “free and independent states.”

Finally, God is protector. The framers acknowledged and relied upon his divine providence as they bonded themselves together with a pledge of their lives, fortunes and sacred honor.

No one can claim that Jefferson’s concept of deity is completely congruent with the God confessed in the Christian faith. Jefferson was not hesitant to take his scissors to Holy Scripture. Enlightenment man that he was, he saw God and his values as accessible to all people through the avenue of reason, not just to a few people through an avenue of special revelation.

At the same time, not every concept of God could provide a proper foundation for the Declaration. Polytheism could not work, for the principles of human rights this document confesses have authority the world around and all humanity is answerable to the “supreme judge of the world” in how the principles are honored. Nor will modern non-­theistic naturalism work, for no fundamental standards of human rights or of right and wrong can emerge from naturalism.

And the God of many of our founding documents is neither a deterministic God nor one who coerces human behavior. The freedom of conscience in matters of religion (so important to Jefferson) arises from the fact that an almighty God could have coerced our minds had he chosen to do so. But God chose to leave our minds free, and so man must not coerce the mind either. *

Seventeen centuries before Jefferson, a Christian thinker known to us as “the Apostle Paul” offered thoughts on God similar to those in the Declaration as he dialogued with philosophers in ancient Athens. There is a God who “made the world and everything in it” including “every nation.” We are “his offspring” and he gives to everyone “life and breath and everything else.” While he allows us to walk in the ways of our own choosing, he has “set a day when he will judge the world with justice.” (Acts 17:24-­‐31)

As we celebrate our nation’s rich heritage we should be appreciative of the sacrifice and insight of those who framed our Declaration of Independence. We should also give thanks to the Creator and Judge of the earth whose moral principles provided our country with its foundation. And we should dedicate ourselves to the realization of our fundamental principles, which beckon each American generation to fulfill them afresh.

(“Our Declaration of Dependence” by Donald P. Shoemaker appeared as an op-­‐ed on Sunday, July 2, 2000, in the Long Beach, CA Press-­‐Telegram.)

* Jefferson made this theological determination a foundational principle for the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (adopted in 1786). While this document set a foundation for religious liberty, it was not without its own theological assumptions. The same is true of comparable documents and arguments today.

Jefferson’s authorship of this document is mentioned on his tombstone at Monticello along with Father of the University of Virginia and Author of the Declaration of American Independence. It is interesting and revealing that his presidency is not mentioned on the tombstone.

“Prophets are Good for Business” (Applying Biblical Principles to Work Situations)

Because of the long feature article befitting July 4, this section will resume in August.

“Upcoming Ministries” and “Good News from Grace” will also resume in August.

This petition in the prayer Jesus gave us to pray reminds us that God is the ultimate source of our necessary provisions (he didn’t say to pray for dessert but for “the staff of life”). “When you [God] open your hand, they are satisfied with good things” (Psalm 104:28).

It also reminds us to take life one day at a time. God’s provision for Israel during her wilderness experience was a daily one (Exodus 16:13-­‐20). And Jesus teaches (in a lesson I have to learn over and over), “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

This prayer also generates a large number of “sub-­‐requests”—prayers for the factors and processes that bring food to our tables. We pray for:

• Good government, law enforcement and peace, without which there is want at the table. As we recently were reminded in a food contamination case, also ensuring the safety of what we eat.
• Immigrant and migrant workers, who do the difficult work in the fields and orchards from which much of our daily provisions come.
• Sound economic policies that encourage jobs and productivity.
• Good and safe transportation of the products we need.
• Thriving wholesale and retail markets that provide profits and income even as we buy for our daily needs at reasonable prices.

So you see, as with other petitions in The Lord’s Prayer, there is much to cover (explicitly or implicitly) when we speak those six words.

Message of the Month –
Paula Deen, Forgiveness, and The Unpardonable Sin

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” – Jesus (Luke 17:3).

“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” – Jesus’ defense of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:7).

While I’m a fan of eating, I’m not particularly a fan of Paula Deen nor have I followed closely the accusation that she used a racial slur or her responses, seemingly awkward at times. So it would be improper for me to attempt a deep analysis.

But I can speak on repentance and forgiveness. This sad happening does give us pause to consider these vital subjects.

First, there is of course a difference between being forgiven and being able to resume life as if nothing happened. Some wrongs are of such a magnitude that they require life adjustments (even prison) and restoration over time. Some may mean the permanent loss of a position—just ask King Saul. We need to ponder: What was done? When (recent or long ago)? Where? To whom and how broadly? How intense (flippant or malicious)? How often? How long? How regretted?

Second, in the story of John’s Gospel, chapter 8 *, Jesus speaks the poignant challenge, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Frozen silence. What persons, even dedicated Christians, haven’t uttered an intemperate slur in the heat of the moment? Few, I’m sure.

[* I am well aware that including this account in John’s Gospel is doubtful based on manuscript evidence. The narrative and Jesus’ replies are thoroughly consistent with Jesus’ life experiences and teaching recorded elsewhere in the Gospels.]

Third, could there be a tinge of self-­‐righteousness in those who would bring down wrath and fire over a spoken word from long ago?

I wouldn’t fault businesses for making decisions based on how a celebrity’s action affects the bottom line. But bringing such a “stance of righteousness” into a secular context seems selective and strange.

And if a single racial slur can doom a career, how many other celebrities should be doomed for demeaning those of another race or social standing or political viewpoint? How many have demeaned Catholics or Protestant fundamentalists. How many have demeaned God by taking his name in vain—the ultimate slur? Why aren’t these career-­‐killers?

Perfectionism is an ugly attitude, be it religious or secular. In religion, it makes those who think themselves superior into very unforgiving judgmentalists. Apparently the same can be true in the secular realm.

Fourth, this happening should be a learning experience in the art of seeking forgiveness. Seems Paula Deen has apologized profusely— perhaps too profusely.

There are circles of offence, hence circles of seeking forgiveness. The most immediate circle includes the person or persons directly sinned against. The plea for forgiveness must be first and foremost directed toward them. (In the case of murder the people directly attacked are gone due to the perpetrator’s malicious act, making murder a sin for which forgiveness cannot completely be sought.) The circles enlarge to the families, friends and close associates of the victims. There may be other circles such as a societal circle, in the case of wrongs that tear the fabric of society.

Since all sin is an offense against God, he must be included in the immediate circle. This is especially true if the wrong demeaned the humanity of another. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness…this should not be” (James 3:9-­‐10).

The problem I have with a general plea for forgiveness, a “To whom it may concern” plea, is that it is so broad that the circles of forgiveness are washed out. If addressed to everyone, has it been addressed to anyone?

Finally, we must not treat a racial slur, be it ever so repugnant, as “the unpardonable sin.” Jesus did speak of an unpardonable sin (blaspheming the Holy Spirit of God). But don’t forget his broad word of mercy: “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven”—even “a word against the Son of Man”—against Jesus himself (Matthew 12:31-­‐32).

God is generous in forgiving and restoring. Let us be too.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon…” – Prayer of St. Francis

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

“Prophets are Good for Business”

“Animals’ Day Off”—Sabbath-keeping (Part 2)”

“I’m Pumpkin,
and I approve
this message.”

 

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” – The 4th Commandment (Exodus 20:8-10 NIV)

“Sabbath Keeping” has something to say about how we treat animals!

On the Sabbath not only should you do no work—your animals have the day off too! So this becomes one of the provisions given in the Old Testament for caring for animals. Here are two more:

• Proverbs 12:10 – “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.”
• Deuteronomy 25:4 – “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain.” (The ox that gets hungry on the job may eat the owner’s produce.)

The Bible is clear that human beings stand at the top of the “creature list”. God crowned us with glory and honor and placed us as rulers over the works of his hands—over all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field (see Psalm 8). But animals are “not nothing,” and the more any creature possesses “sentience” (has a consciousness of situations, needs, fear, danger, pain, etc.), the more claim there is for a higher measure of care.

Jesus taught us that God cares for even the little sparrow and adds, “You are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31—maybe 8?!!). His words (which some might call “specieist”) are an argument from the lesser to the greater—if God cares for the insignificant sparrow (and he does), how much more must he care for the crown of his creation!

How can our care of animals conform to the spirit of Sabbath law?

• All animals and birds that “work for us” (beasts of burden, providers of food or products, etc.) should be cared for in a “Sabbath-friendly” way. We care for them not just because it is “good for business” to have healthy animals but because it is “good”.
• The Sabbath principle of animal care should turn us away from gratuitous killing. That animals should not be purposely harmed just for sport should go without saying, but sadly it needs said.
• Animals must receive humane care. Even their killing for human consumption should be as humane as possible.
• If you want a pet, consider one that has been “rescued.” All of our cats and our dog are “rescue” pets in one way or another.
• Consider a donation to your local pet shelter.

Bible Insight – More on the Day of Pentecost

“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
(Ephesians 4:8 New International Version)

 

Most Christians I know observe Easter. Most Christians I know don’t observe Ascension Sunday or Pentecost Sunday. But the Easter message is not complete without the Ascension of Christ and Day of Pentecost accounts. If you observe one you should observe three.

According to the verse above, the ascension of Jesus back to his Father in Heaven (read the account in the Book of Acts, 1:1-11) made two very important spiritual realities possible:

1. Jesus “led captives in his train”. The verse is taken from Psalm 68:18. The psalm depicts God as a conquering king. In this verse, God does what conquering kings did—take captive the defeated as they please. In Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension he conquered evil powers. Jesus disarmed “the powers and authorities…triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).

   It’s a long story. Simply put, Jesus’ victory over evil was decisive (Mel Gibson got it right in the movie!). But it was not the final battle, which is yet to come (just as “D-Day” was decisive in World War II but not the end). Grasp this and, among other things, Communion Services will be more celebratory and less gloomy.

2. Jesus “gave gifts to men”. These are the “gifts of the Spirit” or, more precisely in the context, gifted people (such as pastor-teachers) who will lead others to spiritual maturity and ministry. No ascension, no Pentecost; no Pentecost, no spiritual gifts in the church; no gifts, no ministry; no ministry, no impact on the world.

So, if we choose to observe Easter (and I do), let’s also learn and celebrate the meaning of Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost, the great day of the Spirit’s coming with gifts and power.

As the Apostle Peter spoke of Jesus so eloquently on that day, “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33)

“We can build so many things, but if we don’t confess Jesus Christ, then something is wrong. We will become a pitiful NGO [non-governmental organization], but not the Church, spouse of Christ.”

Referring to Simon Peter’s attempt to distract Jesus from the cross: “This is the same Peter who confesses to Christ, who says, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. I will follow you, but let’s not speak of crosses. I will follow you with other possibilities, without the cross.'”

“If we walk without the cross, how much do we build without the cross? And, when we confess Christ without the cross, then we are not disciples of the Lord.”

– Pope Francis the day after his election

Religious Liberty Vigilance—The Key Role of Prayer

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

– 1st Amendment (Our “First Freedom” in the Bill of Rights)

 

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must…undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine for sure didn’t have prayer in mind as a way of supporting freedom. But prayer is an important means to pursue and preserve our precious freedoms. Each year the first Thursday in May (May 2 this year) is designated the National Day of Prayer. I’ve compiled a short list of prayer values for supporting our leaders, securing our liberties, and furthering wholesome values.

• In the spirit of 1 Timothy 2:1-2, pray for the president, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, governors and local officials, that they might lead us wisely as God would want them to lead.
• Pray for the victims of terrorism, in Boston and around the world.
• Give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy in America, especially religious freedom. May we use these freedoms to further the work of God as well as to enjoy living in America.
• Pray for challenges to religious freedom in America, especially the power of government to coerce consciences.
• Pray for the persecuted church around the world.
• The issue of undocumented immigration is large right now. Pray that the members of Congress will open their hearts and minds to policies that do justice and love mercy.
• Pray that government at all levels will be responsible in handling the people’s money (tax revenues) and in avoiding deficits that hurt future generations.
• Pray that an ethic that cherishes the God-given right to life will spread throughout the land.
• Pray that churches everywhere will strive to bring shalom (peace) to their communities through seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly before God.
• Pray that the evangelical churches of America will refine our messages and activism so we will be the “salt and light” Jesus calls us to be.

“Prophets are Good for Business”
(Applying Biblical Principles to Work Situations)

Needed: Accessible, Responsive Government

Jesus told the story of a widow who pled with a judge, “Grant me justice!” The judge refused her many times but eventually relented, not because he cared for her but because she pestered him so much.

The judge thought, “Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice.”*

Governmental agencies sometimes share this judge’s attributes: they don’t fear God and they don’t care about people.

Over the past year I’ve had about half a dozen detailed contacts with government agencies, federal and state (starting with Social Security and Medicare). While I would say that the “human encounters” were usually courteous and helpful, the overall experiences were frustrations big-time. (There are “micro situations” of person-to-person encounters and “macro situations” of policy, inaccessibility, rigidity, institutional culture, etc.)

My experience? Confusing letters, letters of denial when you know you’ve been approved, trips to the Social Security Administration office only to be told I should ignore the letter I received, lost submittals, letters that demand action, letters that warn of action. A “herd treatment” of those who must come to the government office. Phone calls never answered.

My commentary:

1) No business that treated customers this way would stay in business for long (unless some monopolistic practice existed). 2) No customer would put up with treatment like this from a private enterprise. He or she would go elsewhere (but with government there is no “elsewhere”). 3) Government by nature is regulative and “by the book” in how it handles people. That may often be necessary. Good businesses are listeners and flexible within reason. That IS necessary. 4) Government has power to demand and punish; businesses usually don’t and must persuade. 5) Citizens should strongly ponder, “Do we want to see government expand more and more so we can be treated like this all the more?”

The Bible teaches that all men and women are made in the image and likeness of God. This teaching needs to permeate micro practices and macro policies on how we treat one another and must serve as a key motivator of person-centered encounters with business and government and a corrective of all that degrades and dehumanizes. See relevant Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; Matthew 5:21-26; James 3:9-10.

The public must realize the agent you talk to has been listening to people all day, many being unpleasant. The agent must realize that, though you have said it a dozen times already today, the person before you hasn’t heard it yet and is unique, to be valued, and someone you need to help. Both need to see the “image of God” in the other. Hard sometimes.

I once went to Sacramento to support a bill** when it had its first hearing before an Assembly committee. Reps from a state agency spoke against the bill and certainly didn’t expect the rebuke they got from the chairman of the committee: “You are supposed to be a responsive agency!”

Let all government agencies hear that!

* Luke 18:1-8. Jesus told the story to encourage prayer. God is not like that judge!
**A bill supporting foster parents’ rights. In this case, my assemblyman responded to my concern and submitted this bill, unlike that uncaring judge. The bill became law.

Bible Insight – The Meaning of Pentecost

– Taken from the Book of Acts, chapter 2:1-11

“Pentecost” was the day it all began! Many Christians observe “Pentecost Sunday” to remember this drama. This year Pentecost Sunday is May 19.

The Bible identifies three great feast times for the Jewish People: Passover, First Fruits (“Feast of Weeks”), and the Festival of Booths (“Feast of Harvest”). See Exodus 23:14-17 and Deuteronomy 16.

“First Fruits” (Pentecost) was seven weeks after Passover. The earliest harvests were celebrated. For Christians, Pentecost (fifty days after Jesus’ death) was the day of the “first harvest” that kick-started the Christian Church. Three thousand people were baptized into the Christian faith on that day. Read of it in the Book of Acts, chapter two.

But the great kick-off day was not marked primarily by this result. It was marked by God’s gift to his followers that made the result possible—the presence and power of God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God empowered Jesus’ followers so that they miraculously proclaimed “the wonders of God” in the native languages of the many pilgrims who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:4-12).

So when we think of Pentecost, we think of the power of God’s Spirit and the worldwide spread of the Christian faith by that power. From day one, the Christian faith has been spread by imperfect humans (as it has often displayed), being influenced and empowered by God’s presence.

So it continues today, and will do so until Jesus returns.

Upcoming Ministries

5 Sundays in June—Speak at 1st United Methodist Church of Seal Beach on “The Lord’s Prayer” (9:30 a.m.)

July 26-31 – Participate in “Vision 2020 South”, Leadership Conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. Present resolutions to the Conference as chairman of the Social Concerns Committee.

Good News from Grace
www.gracesealbeach.org

 

Vacation Bible School at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach is July 8-12 (8:45-noon).

This is one outstanding program! Register your child (age 4 through grade 5) now to be sure to reserve a space. Perhaps 300 children will find themselves in “King Arthur’s Court” in search of the “one true king.”

This is not only one of the highlights on the church’s calendar, it is a highlight in the community. Call (562) 596-1605 with any questions. Get the registration form from the Website (click ministries, children).

Message of the Month – Immigration Reform is Now!

Last year I wrote a resolution supporting immigration reform. It was approved by my denomination’s annual meeting.

This resolution* asks for federal legislation that:

• Respects the God-given dignity of every person,
• Rejects the nativism that ignores the love of God for all and our country’s history of immigration and openness to the foreigner, as captured in the words enshrined on the Statue of Liberty,
• Protects the unity of the immediate family and seeks the best interests of native-born children of undocumented immigrants,
• Respects the rule of law,
• Holds employers accountable for ensuring the legal status of workers,
• Creates secure national borders,
• Ensures fairness to taxpayers,
• Develops a generous and fair “guest worker” program,
• Protects all immigrants from exploitation and violence, and
• Establishes a pathway toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and who wish to become permanent residents or citizens—a pathway that both achieves justice and loves mercy.

It concludes, “We recognize that meaningful solutions to this problem are not easily reached. We also recognize the solutions must come through a determined will to reach them and cannot be ignored time after time, year after year.”

Has the time now come for meaningful legislation? I say yes.

Senate Bill #744, sponsored by eight Democratic and Republican senators, goes a long way to accomplish what needs to be done. Is it perfect? No. Should it be tweaked? Probably yes. Does the Kingdom of God come with its passage? Not at all.

Legislation is incremental, often flawed, often selfishly focused. I sometimes say, “If you believe in the rule of law, and if you enjoy eating good sausage, then you don’t want to ask how either is made!”

Legislation is temporal, not ultimate (as God’s Kingdom is). Legislation is a give-and-take effort, seldom a “winner takes all” thing. Absolutists who want “all or nothing” will likely get the latter. Christians should not expect to get “God’s way” done in Congress. But we shouldn’t be cynical or wash our hands of the process either. We must work for the “better”**.

I urge us all to follow S744 closely and call on our elected officials to support it, so long as this bill achieves most of the needed goals and doesn’t take on any lethal amendments.

* You may read the whole resolution from a blog at my Website. http://donaldshoemakerministries.com/blog/?p=61
** Please read my published opinion, “Politics and God’s Kingdom” on the Website.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Refreshing blessings of springtime to all!

Easter’s Theme—the Core of Christian Faith

“Prophets are Good for Business”

Saying “No” to Work – God Took a Day Off and You Should Too! (Part 1)

I’ve spent considerable time thinking on Sabbath-­‐keeping in studies I’ve done on the Ten Commandments, biblical values in the workplace and other topics. What is this idea and how does it fit into patterns of life?

In this newsletter I’ll give the first installment of my thoughts on this issue.

Pastors like myself (who are in the “church business”) tend to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. One way we do this is to work and work and work. During the first year of my pastoral career I thought I could do this. Seven days a week, morning and afternoon and evening, all year—I did “God’s work.” Who could criticize that? God could!

One particularly famous pastor was held up as a role model for pastors for many years. He built one of America’s great mega-churches. He never took a day off, never took a vacation, demanded the maximum from his staff. And the rest of us should be like him so we can be successful, too! He’s dead now.

I’ve come to the conclusion that such a pattern of work does not honor God, ourselves, or the people before whom we set examples.

What’s the biblical position on a break from work? It’s found originally in the first two chapters of Genesis. God spent six days making all that is. Then God took a day off. And in the Law of Moses we learn: We should take a day off too, following God’s example. (Since this is a creation story, we argue that the Sabbath is a “creation ordinance”—something good for all humanity, not something only intended for those who are “religious”.) God took a day off and we should too!

Christian understandings on keeping the Sabbath differ. I won’t go into those differences but I’ll share thoughts that all of these understandings could embrace. The great Protestant reformer John Calvin saw three values of the Sabbath:

1. We are reminded that we have salvation not by our own works but by God’s work and provisions for us
2. We need an agreed-to day when we can gather to worship God and hear his Word.
3. We need a weekly rest from our vocation. And we must extent that right to all who labor for us.

How are you doing on these three values? We’ll develop the Sabbath principle more in later newsletters.

Bible Insight – Putting Legs on Our Prayers

A young man told me this month he had left his church in Bellflower, CA. I suggested another church in that city he might try. His answer? “I’m waiting on the Lord.” Read on…

“We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat” (Nehemiah 4:9 NIV). One of my favorite verses!

Governor Nehemiah responded to threats and opposition the way we all should face our challenges—make it a matter of prayer and then do something about it. None of this pious “I’ll just trust the Lord.”

Sometimes I’ve heard the advice, “You need to put legs on your prayers.” Or there’s the German phrase: “Beten und Arbeiten” (pray and work). Good thinking!

The Apostle Peter was in jail and Christians prayed intensely. God’s angel came to Peter and said, “Get up!” And the chains fell off. “Put on your clothes and sandals. Wrap your cloak around you and follow me” (Acts 12:7-­‐8). Put legs on your prayers. The angel did what Peter couldn’t do. In your prayers don’t expect God to do for you what you should do for yourself.

Trust in God doesn’t minimize personal responsibility. It enhances it. Forget “I’ll just wait on the Lord.” That’s spiritual laziness, justified passivity, religious fatalism, with perhaps a little pride thrown in.

Religious Liberty Vigilance

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

– 1st Amendment (Our “First Freedom” in the Bill of Rights)

 

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must…undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

Whether you are “pro” or “con” on same-­‐sex marriage, reality requires that you recognize the trend as a challenge to religious liberty. While some legislative efforts attempt to soften this challenge, it remains.

For example, in California a new law (Senate Bill 1140, passed September 30, 2012 and in effect on January 1, 2013) amends the California Family Code, in part, as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 400 of the Family Code is amended to read:
400. Although marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil, and not a religious, contract, a marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is 18 years of age or older:
(a) A priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination. A person authorized by this subdivision shall not be required to solemnize a marriage that is contrary to the tenets of his or her faith. Any refusal to solemnize a marriage under this subdivision, either by an individual or by a religious denomination, shall not affect the tax-­‐exempt status of any entity.

My commentary:

1. “…marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil, and not a religious, contract…”

   This is a theological definition more than a legal statement. How can the law rightly state that marriage is not a “religious” contract? Certainly, marriage is a civil contract. But more fundamentally marriage is a religious covenant. Marriage is fundamentally, irrevocably religious. Secular law is really not competent to speak on such matters.

2. This code exempts “clergy” from being required to perform any marriage contrary to the religious tenets of their faith. It further says that no tax exemption status will be affected by any such refusal.

   This is almost an empty gesture—a protection in search of a danger. It’s unthinkable that the state would punish clergy or “houses of worship” on the issue of marriage. Only the most radical secularists would promote such an invasion into the realm of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.

3. The Family Code lists four other categories of persons qualified to perform marriage ceremonies (such as retired judges). It does not give the right of “conscientious objection” to people in these categories as it does to clergy. Nor do I see that a chaplain clearly has a protected exemption.

4. The code does not protect individuals who, in the course of their vocations, find their religion-formed consciences at variance with a marriage practice (for examples, a county clerk, a DJ, a photographer, a wedding consultant, a singer or musician). “Free exercise of religion” should apply to church members as well as clergy. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

5. The code should remind all the self-anointed, “free lance” clergy out there of the potential difficulties that can come when one is not under what’s called “ecclesiastical cover.” Chaplain endorsing programs require this “cover” to show that one is under some kind of religious authority other than himself (don’t bring pious “God is my cover” talk into this discussion, either!). The Family Code seems to expect it as well.

   My usual approach in social debates like this one is to look for common ground among differing sides and try to work toward a resolution from there. In this case there are formidable challenges to my approach.

   You should read Section 400 of the Family Code—it is interesting. For example, officials of non-­‐profit religious organizations may be licensed to perform marriages for members of that organization. But the licensee must possess the doctor of philosophy degree!!! Hey, not a problem—I know how you can get one of those for as little as $50!

Upcoming Ministries

5 Sundays in June—Speak at 1st United Methodist Church of Seal Beach on “The Lord’s Prayer” (9:30 a.m.)

Good News from Grace
www.gracesealbeach.org

 

Welcome to outstanding Easter services (March 31) at Grace Community Church, corner of 8th & Central in “Old Town” Seal Beach. Services are at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 in our Fellowship Hall and at 9:30 & 11:00 in our Surfside Room.

Message of the Month – The Legacy of Dr. C. Everett Koop

Long-time right-to-life spokesman, pediatric surgery specialist, and former surgeon general Dr. C. Everett Koop passed away on February 25.

Here is an opinion piece I wrote in 1989 on Dr. Koop’s influence as a dedicated Christian public figure.

“Dr. Koop: A Christian Who Makes a Difference”
By Donald P. Shoemaker
Long Beach Press-Telegram
January 21, 1989

Later this year the term of Surgeon General C. Everett Koop will end. Since Sunday is the 16th anniversary of the tragic and infamous U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade abortion decision, it is appropriate to recall the service Dr. Koop has rendered as a Christian servant to society.

Prior to becoming surgeon general, Dr. Koop had already established himself as a national figure. He was well known for his skills in corrective surgery for birth defects. He was also well known for his strong viewpoints against abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. These were expressed in his book The Right to Live, The Right to Die. Dr. Koop believed that the ethical climate of permissive abortion would lead to a climate diminishing the value of the medically dependent newborn and elderly.

By the late 1970s, Dr. Koop was working increasingly with the “Right to Life” movement. He accepted my invitation for him to serve on the Board of Reference for the Christian right-to-life ministry “Crusade for Life.” In 1979 I had the privilege of dining with him and his wife when he delivered a keynote address to the National Right to life Convention.

Also in 1979 Dr. Koop co-authored, with the late Christian apologist Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, the pro-life Christian book Whatever Happened to the Human Race? Drs. Koop and Schaeffer produced a film series on the book’s themes and lectured nationwide.

When President Reagan nominated Dr. Koop to be surgeon general, the doctor’s anti-abortion views led to a stormy confirmation struggle with the Senate which dragged on for months. Once confirmed, Dr. Koop worked for regulations to provide lifesaving treatment for severely handicapped infants and launched a strong anti-smoking campaign.

Then came the AIDS crisis and Dr. Koop sailed into the center of controversy once again. He called for early sex education and for condom use as a means (though less desirous than abstinence or monogamous relationships) to stem the spread of the AIDS virus. Suddenly, Dr. Koop found himself appreciated by former enemies and deplored by former supporters among the “religious right.”

His critics saw his actions, typified in his AIDS report mailed nationwide, as moral compromise or even capitulation. In my opinion, the critics failed to grapple adequately with the problem of communicating values into a world that often rejects the better solutions. An “all or nothing” attitude toward ethical engagement will probably result in “nothing” and will have little social impact.

Dr. Koop saw himself as the nation’s chief health officer, not as a “chaplain,” and said, “My message is a perfectly moral one. But everybody isn’t moral and everybody isn’t Christian. I cannot let those people go down the drain because they do not agree with me.”

As this term of service enters its final year, he has started a new crusade against domestic violence.

I look back over his years of service in and out of government and see Dr. Koop as an outstanding model of Christian commitment to public life. He reflects on his public service this way: “My thrust has been…that you really can’t separate your practice from your faith. And I’m serving the Lord for these eight years as the surgeon general. I do it with personal honesty and integrity to the best of my ability. And my personal honesty and integrity are based upon my Christian beliefs.”

The world needs thousand more like Dr. Koop.

“Easter” reminds us God gives us “new beginnings”…

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Bible Insight: “Contemporary Worship” – “Contemporary”, yes, but is it “Worship”?

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
(John 4:24, a text that, among other things, should make us cautious about external show in worship)

1 Corinthians 14:26 is a foundational scripture for worship: “When you come together [‘sunerchomai’ – a technical term for the church gathering), …all [including singing] must be done for the strengthening of the church.”

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing each other with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” (Colossians 3:16—my rather literal translation of it)

First, let’s agree and admit: “God’s worship tastes are broader than yours or mine.” So what I like or what I prefer is not the issue. The issues are:

• Is our worship acceptable to God—the kind of worship he seeks?
• Is it spiritually strengthening to the congregation?
• If the occasion is evangelistic, is the music the best for the occasion?
• Does it make the church truly an engaged, worshipping body?
• Does it fulfill biblical teaching and commands? And (in matters not addressed in the Bible) does it fulfill biblical principles?

Here are five problems I have with some of the “contemporary worship” I observe (and I do benefit from much of it):

1. Platform Performance and a Spectator Audience rather than a Participating Congregation led by the Worship Team

Does the team in front truly lead the people in worshipping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)? Or does it perform before them? (Does the show go right on even if watchers are not participating?)

A 20-something couple attended a contemporary worship service and found the audience standing for a long song time but most were noticeably not singing. Worse, this couple had taken a young, non-Christian friend to this service, and she was quite puzzled. “Why do they stand so long? Why aren’t they singing?” (The couple wrote me about their experience.)

This may be “contemporary”, but “worship” it ain’t! Likewise, “leading worship” is more than coaxing the audience to clap their hands, etc., along the lines of some older worship styles. Good worship leading is an art. It creates a “symbiotic” situation, where leaders and congregation are ushered freely and together into the spirituality of the worship experience.

2. Use of Technology and Special Effects that attract attention to themselves rather than to Jesus (or even hinder attraction to Jesus)

I tried to worship last year at a gathering that displayed, in my opinion, many distracting special effects—especially some little spotlight nuisances that sent their beams wandering through the audience during songs. How does this build the spirituality of the song time? What are we trying to prove?

Technology (lighting, amplification, projections, special effects) is “neutral”, neither commanded nor forbidden in the Bible. The use of technology therefore must be judged by its positive or negative effect.

The reformer John Calvin’s advice is helpful when considering things added to the worship of God that are not specified in the Bible. He speaks against “useless elegance and fruitless extravagance” and favors a decorum that fits “the sacred mysteries” and is “appropriate adornment” for the exercise of devotion. “Ceremonies…ought to lead us straight to Christ” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4, Chapter 10, Section 29). So we ask, “Does this particular use of technology lead us straight to Christ or not? Or does it even distract us from Christ?”

3. Selection of Songs and Style that doesn’t fit the context (the people who are there and the purpose of the gathering)

As a pastor for 44 years, I’ve learned the art of accepting people “where they are” and leading them from there to “where they ought to be”. In music, this includes broadening their tastes and appreciation, and doing so with a sensitive spirit.

This requires “gradualism”, building upon the ground they stand on, slowly expanding their grasp of music that will then build them up spiritually. You know how a cat acts when you take him suddenly from familiar surroundings to a strange place? You better be wearing gloves! We wouldn’t expect old-time gospel songs to be effective at a gathering of unchurched youth. Likewise, if a praise team is before an older crowd or a generationally mixed crowd and hits them with a style that narrowly fits a particular youthful stratum, then broader musical appreciation and spiritual growth are aborted.

And remember, the elderly folk aren’t into standing for 20+ minutes!

4. “Sloppy Agape” and the “Slurpization of God”

Some contemporary songs convey an erotic (romantic, but not in the negative sense of “eroticism”) rather than an agapic view of love (1 Corinthians 13). The agape love of God reaches down to us in our distress and does what is needed (John 3:16). It motivates us to agapic love for others (1 John 4:11). It’s not about getting the feeling that God has feelings of love for us.

I attended a church’s song service last year where the lyrics of one popular song said Heaven will come “like a sloppy wet kiss”! No wonder some talk of men (males) not caring for modern worship. Women either.

All worship leaders should study the transcendence, holiness and majesty of God and ponder their practical application to worship.

5. Weak or Wrong Teaching in the Song Lyrics

Singing is a time to teach and admonish with the truth (Colossians 3:16).

I’m delighted to see more contemporary songs focusing on our social duties as Christians. This has been a blind spot in contemporary music. “God of The City” is a top example of this development (O that it were more singable!).

But some songs go beyond this with themes and lyrics that are “post-millennial” (Jesus will return after the church establishes his kingdom on earth). Few Christians I know really believe this, but the songs they sometimes sing convey it anyhow. (Let it be said that the old “gospel songs” were sometimes doctrinally weak or wrong as well.)

I close with the powerful words of the relevant song, “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” by Johann J. Schutz (1675):

Thus all my toilsome way along I sing aloud Thy praises,
That men may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart. Both soul and body bear your part.
To God all praise and glory!

Religious Liberty Vigilance

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
– 1st Amendment (Our “First Freedom” in the Bill of Rights)

PROCLAMATION
honoring
Religious Freedom Day 2013

WHEREAS our nation’s founders recognized the importance of religious freedom and secured this liberty in the words of the First Amendment, declaring that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” and

WHEREAS the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, our country’s first legal safeguard for religious liberty, was adopted on January 16, 1786, and each year since 1994, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation on the importance of religious liberty recognizing, “our government did not create this liberty, but it cannot be too vigilant in securing its blessings;” and

WHEREAS the free exercise of religion has undergirded the social efforts of many Americans, notably Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday on January 15th we commemorate each year; and

WHEREAS the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion” including the right “to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance”; and

WHEREAS our country has embraced a tradition of religious liberty that has prevented religious domination, conflict and persecution and nurtured an environment where religion has flourished and where people have been left free to choose which faith they shall follow or none at all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Foster, Mayor of Long Beach along with Gerrie Schipske, Councilwoman of the 5th District, on behalf of the City of Long Beach do hereby declare January 16, 2013 to be “Religious Freedom Day” in our community. We encourage city government, community groups, schools and places of worship to reaffirm their devotion to the principles of religious freedom and educate and reflect on the importance of religious liberty so it may continue secure as part of our nation’s fabric. We also encourage citizens and government to be mindful of the principles of religious liberty in their decisions, attitudes, and actions.

Dated: January 16, 2013

[Adapted from a text prepared by Donald Shoemaker]

Upcoming Ministries

February 7 – Participate in a presentation on professional responses to the Salon Meritage incident (Oct. 12, 2011) for the Chaplain Corp of the Los Angeles Police Department

February 13 – Lead Ash Wednesday service of prayer, song, message and Communion at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (7:00 p.m.)

Good News from Grace
www.gracesealbeach.org

Steve Williams was installed as the new senior pastor of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach on January 13.

An Ash Wednesday service, devoted to song, repentant prayer, and Communion, will be held at the church February 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Message of the Month – “Roe v. Wade at 40”
[slightly expanded from the Seal Beach/Los Alamitos Patch, Jan. 22, 2013]

“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). For this scripture and other reasons I joined the “Right to Life” movement on January 22, 1973, the day “Roe v. Wade” was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. As Roe v. Wade reaches its 40-year mark, I want to make three observations about this landmark decision.

First, the court’s Roe v. Wade decision was far more expansive than necessary to decide the case before it. It gave unlimited right to an abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy and allowed limits during the second trimester only as were “reasonably related to maternal health”. For the third trimester, the court noted “the potentiality of human life” (the unborn) and said states could regulate or ban abortion at this stage except if maternal “health” (broadly understood) was at risk.

Roe v. Wade grounded abortion rights on a right to privacy that it found in the “penumbra” (we might say, “surrounding glow”) of the Constitution rather than in the words of the Constitution itself.

Thus the activist court “legislated” (made law) rather than “judged” law. Justice Rehnquist in dissent reminded the court it should never “formulate a rule of constitutional law broader than is required by the precise facts to which it is to be applied”
(www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0410_0113_ZD.html).

Second, public opinion has never been in accord with Roe v. Wade and is even less so now than in 1973. It also should fairly be said that public opinion doesn’t support the “Right to Life” side in all details either. Here are some samples of recent Gallup opinion polls
(www.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx).

• Today 50% say they are “pro-life” compared to 33% in 1996. In 1996, 56% claimed to be “pro-choice” and today that number is 41%.
• 71% support requiring parental notification if the woman is under 18.
• 62% support legal abortion during the first three months of pregnancy, but 71% oppose it during second three months and 86% in the last three months.
• Still, 52% do not want to see the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.

If we survey all the questions in the polls, we see most Americans are against most abortions and do not favor either an outright ban on abortions nor unqualified access to abortions.

Third, a new wrinkle has been added by the “contraception mandate” in what is popularly called “Obamacare”. Now the issue of religious liberty (the “free exercise” of religion guaranteed in the First Amendment) has been raised. In other words, the debate moves from what people should be free to do to what people and institutions with religion-based convictions can be forced to do.

“Obamacare” provides a very narrow and inadequate exemption for “houses of worship” but plans to force religious institutions (such as Christian colleges) to cover free access to contraception including, as feared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “drugs which can attack a developing unborn child before and after implantation in the mother’s womb”
(www.usccb.org/news/2011/11-154.cfm). This major debate will certainly go to the Supreme Court.

The current administration is no friend of religious liberty in my opinion. Ironically, President Obama’s 2013 “Religious Freedom Day” proclamation said, “As we observe [on January 16] Religious Freedom Day…let us honor it by forever upholding our right to exercise our beliefs free from prejudice or persecution”
(www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/01/16/presidential-proclamation-religious-freedom-day).

Yes, Mr. President, let’s do that even if exercising religious liberty conflicts with your plans for expansive government control in matters previously thought to be better left to the consciences of individuals and the convictions of religious institutions.

Donald P. Shoemaker is Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach. In 1980 he served as General Chairman of the National Right to Life Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com