It is quite common these days to hear the accusation of bigotry and intolerance from members and supporters of the LGBTQ community towards those who do not condone their practices. In fact, the expression of an opinion regarding the definition of marriage is criticized and even termed a hate-speech if it does not include members of this community. In recent months there have been public outcries of discrimination and even litigation (in some instances) against individuals or institutions that are not in agreement with the LGBTQ lifestyle. One cannot discount that there have been hate-crimes perpetrated against individuals in this community that are inexcusable and cannot be ignored which have been and should be prosecuted. Yet there is existent an ambiance of hypersensitivity towards issues involving this community, and freedom of speech in many cases is both threatened and denied to all who do not support the actions of this community. It is becoming a common occurrence to hear high-profile names being denigrated because they express their views on the definition of marriage-- from politicians, to entertainers, professional athletes and even pastors are being branded as hate-preachers because they highlight Gods disapproval of homosexuality. Such persons are then pressured to recant and apologize, or face termination, cancellations of public appearances, loss of support from sponsors, etc., and intense social hostility.
There have been numerous instances in the news recently where freedom of speech has been suppressed because of the public outcries from members and supporters of the LGBTQ community accusing individuals of hate, discrimination, and intolerance because of there disapproval of the homosexual lifestyle. In May of 2014, brothers, David and Jason Benham, had an upcoming reality show cancelled before its first episode on HGTV because one brother shared that homosexuality is a sin.
HGTV made the announcement via social media just one day after the website Right Wing Watch published a post labeling David as an anti-gay, anti-choice extremist, for leading a 2012 prayer rally outside of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the rally, he said the nation needs prayer to stop homosexuality, which he said is a sin, according to the Bible. (Benham Brothers: There's an Agenda in America to Silence Christians). They were later dropped by SunTrust bank. David Benham said they were caught off-guard when SunTrust pulled all of its listed properties with the Benham brothers and several franchisees across the U.S. (Benham Brothers Dropped by SunTrust Banks; Another Move to Silence Christians?). Another television network, TLC, is being pressured to cancel the reality show 19 Kids and Counting for LGBTQ fear-mongering. A petition on Change.org urging TLC to cancel the family's reality show, 19 Kids and Counting, is gaining momentum The petition currently has over 78,000 signatures. (Thousands petition against "19 Kids and Counting" for LGBTQ "fear mongering" - CBS News)
Also in May of 2014, Seventh-day Adventist Public Health Director in Altadena, California, Eric Walsh, who is also an associate pastor of the Altadena Seventh-day Adventist Church, was placed on administrative leave and then terminated for what was called discriminatory statements against homosexuals. These discriminatory statements were unrelated to his job or job performance and were extracted from sermons that were posted online. Walshs sermons came to light after he was invited to speak at Pasadena City College commencement, following a scandal in which the college uninvited Oscar-winning screenwriter, actor and gay rights advocate Dustin Lance Black. Walsh backed out and Black has been re-invited and will speak at the commencement... (Seventh-day Adventist Church: Pasadena Public Health Director Dr. Eric Walsh does not represent church)
In October of 2014, Houstons lesbian Mayor, Annise Parker, subpoenaed outspoken Houston Pastors, demanding that they turn over to her office all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO [Human Equal Rights Ordinance], the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession. (Mayor Parker: Houston Will Drop Subpoenas for Sermons | The Texas Tribune). After being pressured by religious liberty organizations, the subpoenas were later dropped. These are just a few cases; recollection of past news reports over the last few months clearly indicate that such occurrences of repressed freedom of speech/religion are not at all uncommon.
The LGBTQ community has struggled long and hard in this country to exercise their constitutional rights for freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and to be afforded the same privileges as any other American citizen. Yet it seems that they have forgotten the time when they were a minority and relatively powerless group; and now the very freedoms they have been and are now advocating, they are denying other individuals who oppose their way of life. This community and its support-base are now so influential that there has been a role- reversal, a paradigm shift in this country, wherein the bullied become the bullies, the oppressed become oppressors, the criticized become the critics, the harassed become harassers, and the discriminated become discriminators. In their fight for equality, they propagate inequality and are guilty of what they accuse their opponents of. They are in a sense untouchable and are therefore allowed to spew incendiary rhetoric towards those who oppose them without so much as a rebuke. The very bullying and shaming tactics that have been purportedly used against them, they are now employing against those with differing opinions. The defense of their freedom at the exclusion of others freedom is paradoxical and all the more shameful. No matter what side of the question a person finds himself/herself on, it must be noted that when freedom is refused to one group, everyones liberty becomes endangered. Additionally, as one group gains popular support and constitutional freedom, people on the other side of the question have their liberties trampled upon.
Just to be clear, the Bible in no way supports the homosexual lifestyle; and individuals should have every right to express the Biblical position regarding homosexuality and the definition of marriage without being bullied, silenced, and misrepresented as bigots. Businesses, churches, and companies should be able to uphold the standards of their choosing without being forced to perform and/or sanction practices not in agreement with their values. However, the issue becomes whether a church or a business is connected with the government in any way; if so, the state reserves the right to dictate what that business legally can and cannot do, and thus speaks for that entity.
According to Bible, history, and the current trend of events, there will be another paradigm shift in the tide of public opinion, swinging the pendulum far to the right, which will also result in the restriction of civil and religious liberty, not directed against the LGBTQ community, but against those who honor the seventh-day Sabbath in defiance of the counterfeit Sabbath, which observance of such will be legally enforced. Even now the evangelical community, which is unified with Roman Catholicism, is fast gaining momentum and electing politicians who will fight for their interests. Ironically the group of Christians that are now having there freedoms restricted will restrict the liberties of all who do not comply with their agenda to observe Sunday as a Holy day. Since it is obvious that religious freedom is now being threatened, limited, and denied to those standing for the Biblical definition of marriage and who call the lifestyle and practices of those in the LGBTQ community a sin, why cant we see that when the morals in society become so degraded that religious zealots will demand a law enforcing Sunday observance to save society from moral corruption? Those who refuse to dishonor God by adhering to the Sunday Law will be persecuted with threatenings, imprisonment, and even death. For those who may not be able to see it, the following statements will provide the needed eye salve.
While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord's people may not have mercy or justice. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, page 452.
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result. The Great Controversy, page 445.
When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church--then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin. Seventh day Adventist Bible Commentary, page 976.
They will lament the great wickedness in the world and second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony. The Great Controversy, page 590.
The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. The Great Controversy, page 592.
Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a Thus saith the Scriptures to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. Counsels for the Church, page 335.
Yet this very class put forth the claim that the fast-spreading corruption is largely attributable to the desecration of the so-called Christian sabbath, and that the enforcement of Sunday observance would greatly improve the morals of society. This claim is especially urged in America, where the doctrine of the true Sabbath has been most widely preached. The Great Controversy, page 587.
Let us choose this day whom we will serve, let us choose which day we will observe will we be on the side of the oppressed or on the side of the oppressors?
--Hilari Henriques
There have been numerous instances in the news recently where freedom of speech has been suppressed because of the public outcries from members and supporters of the LGBTQ community accusing individuals of hate, discrimination, and intolerance because of there disapproval of the homosexual lifestyle. In May of 2014, brothers, David and Jason Benham, had an upcoming reality show cancelled before its first episode on HGTV because one brother shared that homosexuality is a sin.
HGTV made the announcement via social media just one day after the website Right Wing Watch published a post labeling David as an anti-gay, anti-choice extremist, for leading a 2012 prayer rally outside of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the rally, he said the nation needs prayer to stop homosexuality, which he said is a sin, according to the Bible. (Benham Brothers: There's an Agenda in America to Silence Christians). They were later dropped by SunTrust bank. David Benham said they were caught off-guard when SunTrust pulled all of its listed properties with the Benham brothers and several franchisees across the U.S. (Benham Brothers Dropped by SunTrust Banks; Another Move to Silence Christians?). Another television network, TLC, is being pressured to cancel the reality show 19 Kids and Counting for LGBTQ fear-mongering. A petition on Change.org urging TLC to cancel the family's reality show, 19 Kids and Counting, is gaining momentum The petition currently has over 78,000 signatures. (Thousands petition against "19 Kids and Counting" for LGBTQ "fear mongering" - CBS News)
Also in May of 2014, Seventh-day Adventist Public Health Director in Altadena, California, Eric Walsh, who is also an associate pastor of the Altadena Seventh-day Adventist Church, was placed on administrative leave and then terminated for what was called discriminatory statements against homosexuals. These discriminatory statements were unrelated to his job or job performance and were extracted from sermons that were posted online. Walshs sermons came to light after he was invited to speak at Pasadena City College commencement, following a scandal in which the college uninvited Oscar-winning screenwriter, actor and gay rights advocate Dustin Lance Black. Walsh backed out and Black has been re-invited and will speak at the commencement... (Seventh-day Adventist Church: Pasadena Public Health Director Dr. Eric Walsh does not represent church)
In October of 2014, Houstons lesbian Mayor, Annise Parker, subpoenaed outspoken Houston Pastors, demanding that they turn over to her office all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO [Human Equal Rights Ordinance], the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession. (Mayor Parker: Houston Will Drop Subpoenas for Sermons | The Texas Tribune). After being pressured by religious liberty organizations, the subpoenas were later dropped. These are just a few cases; recollection of past news reports over the last few months clearly indicate that such occurrences of repressed freedom of speech/religion are not at all uncommon.
The LGBTQ community has struggled long and hard in this country to exercise their constitutional rights for freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and to be afforded the same privileges as any other American citizen. Yet it seems that they have forgotten the time when they were a minority and relatively powerless group; and now the very freedoms they have been and are now advocating, they are denying other individuals who oppose their way of life. This community and its support-base are now so influential that there has been a role- reversal, a paradigm shift in this country, wherein the bullied become the bullies, the oppressed become oppressors, the criticized become the critics, the harassed become harassers, and the discriminated become discriminators. In their fight for equality, they propagate inequality and are guilty of what they accuse their opponents of. They are in a sense untouchable and are therefore allowed to spew incendiary rhetoric towards those who oppose them without so much as a rebuke. The very bullying and shaming tactics that have been purportedly used against them, they are now employing against those with differing opinions. The defense of their freedom at the exclusion of others freedom is paradoxical and all the more shameful. No matter what side of the question a person finds himself/herself on, it must be noted that when freedom is refused to one group, everyones liberty becomes endangered. Additionally, as one group gains popular support and constitutional freedom, people on the other side of the question have their liberties trampled upon.
Just to be clear, the Bible in no way supports the homosexual lifestyle; and individuals should have every right to express the Biblical position regarding homosexuality and the definition of marriage without being bullied, silenced, and misrepresented as bigots. Businesses, churches, and companies should be able to uphold the standards of their choosing without being forced to perform and/or sanction practices not in agreement with their values. However, the issue becomes whether a church or a business is connected with the government in any way; if so, the state reserves the right to dictate what that business legally can and cannot do, and thus speaks for that entity.
According to Bible, history, and the current trend of events, there will be another paradigm shift in the tide of public opinion, swinging the pendulum far to the right, which will also result in the restriction of civil and religious liberty, not directed against the LGBTQ community, but against those who honor the seventh-day Sabbath in defiance of the counterfeit Sabbath, which observance of such will be legally enforced. Even now the evangelical community, which is unified with Roman Catholicism, is fast gaining momentum and electing politicians who will fight for their interests. Ironically the group of Christians that are now having there freedoms restricted will restrict the liberties of all who do not comply with their agenda to observe Sunday as a Holy day. Since it is obvious that religious freedom is now being threatened, limited, and denied to those standing for the Biblical definition of marriage and who call the lifestyle and practices of those in the LGBTQ community a sin, why cant we see that when the morals in society become so degraded that religious zealots will demand a law enforcing Sunday observance to save society from moral corruption? Those who refuse to dishonor God by adhering to the Sunday Law will be persecuted with threatenings, imprisonment, and even death. For those who may not be able to see it, the following statements will provide the needed eye salve.
While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord's people may not have mercy or justice. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, page 452.
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result. The Great Controversy, page 445.
When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church--then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin. Seventh day Adventist Bible Commentary, page 976.
They will lament the great wickedness in the world and second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony. The Great Controversy, page 590.
The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. The Great Controversy, page 592.
Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a Thus saith the Scriptures to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. Counsels for the Church, page 335.
Yet this very class put forth the claim that the fast-spreading corruption is largely attributable to the desecration of the so-called Christian sabbath, and that the enforcement of Sunday observance would greatly improve the morals of society. This claim is especially urged in America, where the doctrine of the true Sabbath has been most widely preached. The Great Controversy, page 587.
Let us choose this day whom we will serve, let us choose which day we will observe will we be on the side of the oppressed or on the side of the oppressors?
--Hilari Henriques
