A Book To Read and An Article to Ponder

A few weeks ago I was having breakfast with a friend. After a conversation concerning what is happening in our country, he recommended a book to me that he thought I would appreciate reading. The book is titled, "Free to Believe: The Battle over Relgious Liberty in America." The author is Luke Goodrich, one of the leading religious freedom attorneys for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Mr. Goodrich has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court, including those most recent ones involving Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor. I purchased the book and began to delve into its pages. I was not disappointed. He argues that "religious freedom isn't rooted in Roman law or the American Constitution. It goes much deeper than that. It's rooted in God's original design for humanity - in the way God created us (for relationship with Him) and in the way God relates to us (giving us freedom to embrace or reject Him)." He then goes on to state: "Even though God wants relationship with us and we're made for relationship with Him, He doesn't force anyone to be in relationship with Him. Instead, He allows us to either embrace Him or reject Him." That is a pretty amazing thought - in fact, it is a thought that is filled with mystery, yet to be accepted by faith. The author then declares that "religious freedom means the government, within reasonable limits, leaves religion alone as much as possible." Think about that for a moment. Unless there is a strong reason for involving itself, the government should defer from being involved in matters of religion. He then proceeds to give examples of real life cases involving workplace discrimination, gay rights, abortion rights, and attacks upon Christians. The author also gives ways in which the follower of Jesus Christ can be successful in his/her walk with God and yet influence his/her community for Christ without surrendering religious freedom. This book is a good one to read with a friend so as to engage in a conversation. I highly recommend it for your late summer reading. In closing I want to recommend an article written by Dennis Prager, someone whom I highly respect for his moral clarity and conviction. The article is titled, "Anti-Americanism: The New Anti-Semitism." I found the article at: www.theepochtimes.com/anti-americanism-the-new-anti-semitism_3221414.html). In the article Dr. Prager asks this question: What are the two most hated countries in the world? Of course the answer is: America and Israel. "Just like the Jews, America is hated because it is successful. For over a century, it has been the most successful country in the world - in virtually every way. ... The left hates America for its success and influence on the world, just as anti-Semites hated Jews for their success and influence on the world. The left doesn't hate America because it is bad. It hates America because it is good. If the left hated evil, it would love America and hate its enemies." This article gives the reader much to ponder. It will be worth your while to read it. Dr. Prager never disappoints.

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