Christian News & Issues

There are several recent news stories that I think are very important for readers to be aware of. Someone once said, "As California goes...so goes the nation." Therefore, I think that it is imperative for people to be informed about legislation, actions of activists, and newsworthy developments that are currently going on in California.

I receive email updates from Capitol Resource Institute. This latest installment contains some good news, some bad news, and some of the really ugly (and evil) news that shows the terrible and drastic measures that some "activists" pursue to silence the speech of those with whom they differ.

How ironic is it that such activists fought for tolerance, won that battle, and get to display (on an almost daily basis) the right to express themselves in the media, government, and in public. However, some of these so-called "activists" are involved with using very intolerant, hate-filled verbal abuse in order to usurp the rights of free speech to those with whom they disagree. What's worse, it is extremely evident that their obviously disturbed, mentally-disordered licentiousness causes them to take matters way to far by ganging up on one Congresswoman - badgering, berating, cursing at, and verbally abusing her - even to the point of threatening the life of this one woman who only used her free speech rights to counter their illicit worldview.

There are two very disturbing stories below. Both groups are related in that they are homosexual radicals. Such groups need to be renamed. The first - perhaps Homosexual Venom Spewers and the second - perhaps - The Sisters of Perpetual Verbal and Physical Terrorism ! These are much more descriptive of their foolishness and hatred, wouldn't you agree?

First, we start with a good bill.

*******

Here's the newsletter email:

Bill of the Week-AB 2605

Families that choose to send their children to private schools or home school are faced with twice paying for their children's education.

Not only do they pay for their child's private or home education, they must also pay their taxes for public schools, even if they do not agree with the teachings in government schools.

AB 2605 (Nakanishi) will help families in this situation by granting them a yearly tax credit for each of their children. Starting in 2009, AB 2605 would authorize a credit of $500 for each child of a taxpayer in grades kindergarten to 12 attending a nonpublic school.

A "nonpublic school" means a private school, or a home school, grades kindergarten to 12. CRFI supports tax credits that will help families provide a quality education for their children. AB 2605 will be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee sometime in early May. In the meantime, please contact your assembly member and urge them to support education choice in California. Read AB 2605

*******
Following up on two important issues:

Two Very Important Petition Deadlines!

It's the final stretch for the California Marriage Protection Act! The deadline is April 1 to sign and return all petitions.

If the California Marriage Protection Act is qualified for the ballot, voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. This would prohibit activist groups from claiming that restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is a violation of the state constitution.

We cannot overstate how crucial it is to protect marriage in California NOW.

It will be close but we believe it can be done! Please sign and return petitions today!

For more information on the California Marriage Protection petitions, go here.

Another fast-approaching deadline is April 15 to sign and return all the petitions for Sarah's Law.

Sarah's Law will require that a physician notify a parent (or, in the case of an abusive parent, an adult family member, such as an aunt or grandparent, can be notified) at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor girl under the age of 18.

Sarah's Law will protect girls and save lives.

For more information on Sarah's Law, go here.

*******

Now, the bad, ugly and evil news:

Who is Being Silenced Now?

Maybe there should be a Day of Silence for Christians?

Recently we wrote about the upcoming Day of Silence in public schools, which is a platform for homosexuals to claim they are silenced and marginalized. You would think that homosexuals claiming to be "silenced" would be especially sympathetic to other people trying to express their viewpoints. Not so.

After Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern expressed her concerns that the homosexual agenda is destroying our nation and that young children are being indoctrinated into believing that the homosexual lifestyle is normal, she received 30,000 e-mails, most of them "vulgar, abusive and threatening" according to her attorney. "Radical homosexual groups are attempting to curtail Rep. Kern's constitutional rights to free speech and use that speech as a platform to push for anti- Christian 'hate crimes' laws," stated Richard Thompson, president of the Thomas More Law Center. "In effect, their goal is to criminalize Christians and Christian beliefs."

Ironically, when Kern made her comments she stated that "the very fact I'm talking to you like this today puts me in jeopardy." These words were prophetic, as now Kern is forced to be accompanied by a state trooper to ensure her safety. "

[E-mail] jamming is pure intimidation," said David Kupelian, managing editor of World Net Daily. "And what homosexual activists are doing right now to Sally Kern is a grotesque case of jamming. Basically, they're trying to silence her by threatening, intimidating, harassing and frightening her until she can't take any more abuse. No dialogue, no debate - just crush her. That's their game. It's despicable, and utterly un-American."

David Kupelian is the author of the book, "The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom."

Chapter One goes into great detail about how the marketing blitz of selling "gay" rights to America came about. One of the evil tools of intimidation (currently being used against Sally Kern) is the technique called "jamming."

Here is a link to the entire chapter. See for yourself how, why, and for what reasons the radical homosexual movement in this country has become so powerful in its evil corruption of the hearts, minds, souls, bodies, and spirits of our young adults and children. It is certainly eye-opening to read the truth about where such licentiousness and immorality came from, and what is needed to turn the tide back from "pandering to their dysfunction and pretending it's normal."

Despite the fact that Christians are usually treated with hatred and contempt when it comes to the issues of homosexual behavior, Kupelian treats the subject truthfully, yet with compassion. Note his conclusion of Chapter One:

To the homosexual living in denial, then, even a loving offer of help from, say, a Christian ex-gay ministry or "reparative therapy" counselor (to help overcome homosexual addiction) feels like the most vile, abusive hatred. In fact, it's real love – which we misinterpret as hatred and "bigotry" simply because it causes us to confront a truth that is not welcome in us.

Love and redemption

When all is said and done, the "mainstreaming" of homosexuality over the last few decades has been a great tragedy. But of all the societal confusion, chaos, and corruption it has ushered in, the most tragic dimension of all is what it has done to people struggling with homosexual and "transgender" attractions and compulsions.

Remember, our conflicts contain the seeds of redemption – that is, as long as we know we have a problem, there’s hope for a change. But if we deny there's a problem, we are literally robbed of the chance to find healing. That's exactly what America has done in buying into the "gay rights movement." We have betrayed our homosexual brothers and sisters.

Glorifying dysfunctionality and corruption, we have relieved homosexuals of the inner conflict they once felt over their condition – something they desperately need, indeed all of us need, if we're ever going to overcome our problems and find wholeness.

A generation ago, we understood there is such a thing as sin, and that sin is a serious matter and to be avoided. Now there is no societal consciousness of sin – only limitless "freedom," "choice," and "consensual relationships." Beguiled by our scientific and technological advances into believing we are enlightened, in reality as we move further and further away from our Judeo-Christian spiritual roots, we actually understand less and less about ourselves. Most of all, we've forgotten as a society what love is because supporting and justifying homosexuality is not real love any more than glorifying drinking helps the alcoholic or celebrating smoking helps wipe out lung cancer.

We defend our own corruption at great peril. And if defending that corruption becomes a national movement, as it has with our cultural and legal adoption of the "gay rights agenda," we're all in serious trouble.
In truth, most homosexuals experience guilt and conflict when they first discover homosexual urges. Thus there is a strong temptation – especially in today's pro-"gay" culture – for them to "resolve" the conflict by giving in to the compulsion and affirming, "It's okay to be gay."
But if they do, there is just no way out for them. For this reason, the most loving stance for others to take is not to serve as enablers of self-destructive and immoral compulsions, but to stand in patient but firm opposition. In other words, we need to side with the afflicted person's conscience. In America, we've done the opposite.

"“Hating the sin but not the sinner," the classic Christian expression for loving your struggling neighbor by non-judgmentally disagreeing with his errant behavior, actually has great power – more than we realize. By resisting the temptation to hate, yet still standing firm against what's wrong, God's love is able to come through that obedient "neutral zone."

We started this journey into the world of "gay rights" with the poignant words of former congressman Robert Bauman, who said: "I did not choose to be homosexual. I would change my sexual orientation if that were within my power." Sadly, we've failed Bauman and millions suffering with similar sexual problems by glorifying and pandering to their dysfunction and pretending it's normal.

In the end, we have to ask ourselves which is worse – the previous era in America, when homosexuals were reviled and driven underground? Or today's America, when the pendulum has swung so far in the other direction that those in the grip of powerful self-destructive compulsions are fawned over and lionized as heroes?

Either way, because the rest of us have failed to find real love, they remain victims.

*******

Next up, we have "Blasphemy in San Francisco" -

On Easter weekend, what is arguably the most significant holiday in Christianity, the homosexual group "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" held its blasphemous 2008 "Hunky Jesus" competition at Dolores Park in San Francisco.

The well-attended contest involves costumed and near-naked men vying for the title of best-looking Jesus. This year the finalists included Doublecross Jesus (two saviours strung up on two conjoined hot pink crosses) and Hunky Cheese-us, a trio of cheese- themed messiahs, with the winner announced as Michelangelo Jesus.

In response to the outcry by the Catholic church that the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" (a group of homosexual men) are engaging in sacrilege, the group claims that the contest is simply part of their mission to "promote universal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt."

"What is almost worse than this blasphemy against Christ and Christians is that there has been no general public outcry against this competition," stated Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute. "I cannot imagine that, if the tables were turned and a group of Christians held a competition to mock homosexuality, that there would be the same level of apathy."

The 2008 Hunky Jesus competition came during the same week as a new American Psychological Association (APA) booklet indicating that homosexuality may not be a genetic condition after all. In other words, the APA admits that there is insufficient scientific evidence to state that people are born gay.

How absolutely disgusting!!

Could you imagine if this were done to an image of Mohammed at a mosque? Of course, such a group wouldn't dare. They are to cowardly to attack a mosque! Might cost them their lives! But a Catholic Church is fair game for their evil actions. How sick do people have to act before they are locked away permanently?? I'm so glad that they all ended up in jail where they belong!

*******

Next, we have the bizarreness of trangenderism taken to a whole new, level of confusion:

Transgendered "Man" Gets Pregnant

An Oregon man named Thomas who used to be a woman says "he" is pregnant with a baby girl. Thomas was born a woman but decided to become a transgender male. He had his breasts removed and started bimonthly testosterone injections. Now identifying as male, Thomas legally married Nancy. The couple wanted a child but Nancy was unable to carry a child. So Thomas volunteered.

"How does it feel to be a pregnant man?" asked Thomas. "Incredible. Despite the fact that my belly is growing with a new life inside me, I am stable and confident being the man that I am. In a technical sense I see myself as my own surrogate, though my gender identity as male is constant. To Nancy, I am her husband carrying our child --- I will be my daughter's father, and Nancy will be her mother. We will be a family."

Who cannot feel sorrow and anguish about the future of a child being brought into such a bizarre world of confusion?

*******

Now, back to some good news! What a relief!

Protecting Pro-Life Doctors


The Weldon Amendment prohibits state and local governments from receiving federal funds if they discriminate against doctors that refuse to perform or refer patients for abortions. The Weldon Amendment protects a doctor's right of conscience. No doctor should be forced to perform or refer for abortions, against his or her sincerely held beliefs.

On Tuesday a federal court sided with pro-life doctors and rejected the state of California's challenge to the Weldon Amendment.

"Pro-life medical professionals shouldn't be discriminated against for abiding by their beliefs," said Casey Mattox of CLS's Center for Law & Religious Freedom. "This ruling means that California will remain prohibited from fining and criminally prosecuting pro-life doctors because they refuse to perform abortions. The Weldon Amendment remains a critical protection for the rights of conscience of pro- life health care workers."

We are grateful for this significant victory!

*******

New CRI Poll: Do You Support a Parent's Right to Home school in California?

CRI is excited to announce that we have updated our website so that it will be an even better resource for California families! We have included a "mini poll" feature and we will be changing the poll question periodically.

The current poll question asks if you support a parent's right to home school in California. Unfortunately this has become a front stage issue because of a recent California Court of Appeals ruling restricting parental rights and home school freedom.

CRI is working with California lawmakers to help pass ACR 115, a resolution that would urge the California Supreme Court to overturn this outrageous ruling. Other affiliate legal organizations are working in California's legal system to appeal this ruling. We will keep you updated as we learn more information!

Take a moment to vote in CRI's "mini poll" and check out our new site, go here.

This week four prominent home school organizations in California have issued a joint statement regarding homeschooling in our state.

Joint Statement Regarding Homeschooling in California

The following organizations, California Home school Network, Christian Home Educators Association of California, Private and Home Educators of California and Home School Association of California, represent the major California-based organizations working on a statewide basis to support private homeschooling. They, together with the Home School Legal Defense Association, which also works in California to support private homeschooling and which has members in California, jointly issue the following statement:

1. We are united in the goal of protecting the right of parents to teach their children privately at home without additional governmental interference.

2. We believe that children deserve to learn in the environment that best meets their individual needs. We support the right of parents to direct their children's education including, if they desire, teaching their children privately at home apart from any public school program and without a teaching credential.

3. We believe that the opinion rendered by the Second District Court of Appeals in the case titled "In re Rachel L." on February 28, 2008 is excessively broad in its scope and incorrectly states the law as applied to home education in California.

4. We believe that the interpretation of California law, as understood by our organizations and by the California Department of Education prior to the issuance of this decision, is correct, that the interests of both the State of California in ensuring that children are educated adequately and of parents in directing their children's education are well met by this prior interpretation of law, and that no change in California law regarding the teaching of children privately at home is needed.

Breaking News!

California Court of Appeal will Reconsider Homeschooling Case

On Wednesday, March 26, the California Court of Appeal agreed to reconsider the controversial decision that essentially banned most forms of homeschooling in the state.

"We are thrilled that the Court of Appeal has decided to reconsider this case," stated Karen England. "The court's ruling violated every parent's right to educate their child according to their beliefs. The Court of Appeal should swiftly overturn this ruling and restore educational choice in California."

CRI will keep you informed of the latest news regarding the California homeschooling case.

*******

Movies with Very Strong Christian Worldviews are Preferred

A new five-year study of the Top 250 movies at the box office shows that movies with very strong Christian worldviews earn the most money. They even outperform movies with lots of foul language, sex and nudity, according to MovieGuide.org.

"Sex, nudity, obscenity, and profanity don't really sell that well, especially in extreme forms," stated Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of MovieGuide.org, "But movies with very strong Christian worldviews do three to 11 times better than movies with sex, nudity and foul language. They also perform much better than movies with very strong non-Christian, immoral, false, or even anti- Christian worldviews.

"Moviegoers want to see movies with very strong Christian content. They want the Savior to overcome the darkness, Truth to triumph over falsehood, Justice to defeat injustice, and Beauty to overcome ugliness: They want the Good News of Jesus Christ."

In the last five years, movies with a very strong Christian worldview earned more than $73 million per movie, but movies with a very strong atheist, agnostic, non-spiritual, or anti-spiritual worldview averaged only $19.3 million.

The study was conducted by the Annual MovieGuide Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry.

Visit MovieGuide.org.