Religious freedom, who will pay the price?

     

     Are the powers that be trying to legislate our religious freedom?  

     There seems to be a lot of talk lately about the freedom of religion. Anti-christian beliefs in particular. 

     

     An article written by Solomon Rayek appearing recently in our Kelowna paper, the Courier Extra, reminded us of the story of chiropractor James Lunny, an MP from Nanaimo - Alberni. Lunny felt that he had to withdraw from the Conservative caucus so he could speak freely about his beliefs without embarrassing anyone. 

     Lunny is a devout Christian who believes the theory of evolution is incorrect. 

     In Rayek's story, he goes on to say, "When did the left become so intolerant of Christians? If Lunny were a Jew or a Muslim, he would be allowed to express his beliefs without interference. Being Christian is not cool these days, but bashing Christianity is." 

     A small, local, christian-owned pizzeria in no-man's land would not cater a gay wedding. And so, it became national news. 

     The left pounded on it so much that the owners, after receiving so many death threats, closed their business. 

     Rick Green (former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives) sees it this way: Green says, "Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone's lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don't have to compromise convictions to be compassionate."

     Recently, some Canadian cities are moving to scrap the practice of offering prayers before council meetings. In a unanimous ruling, members of the Supreme Court ruled the reading of a catholic prayer at council meetings in Quebec, infringes on freedom of conscience and religion. 

     I've learned that members of Kelowna city council began offering prayers before meetings at City Hall in January 1956, no member of the public ever complained. 

     One Kelowna councillor recently stated, "From my point of view, the prayer is just a sober moment of reflection. We are just calling on a higher power to give us the guidance and strength we need to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community." 

     Time will tell whether or not the 53 year tradition of saying a prayer before a Kelowna council meeting will be on its way out. 

     

     This story is told of Canada's second prime minister, Rt. Hon. Alexander MacKenzie (1822-1892). He had a habit of praying in his office, on his knees, door wide open, three times a day: in the morning, at noon and in the evening before he left for home — a prayer asking God's blessings on Canada, and for guidance in his decision-making. 

     This could very well be one of the main reasons Canada has been so blessed. 

     It would seem that the moral underpinnings that helped found and guide our nation for centuries, are gradually being eroded. When prayer is banned from the public square; when schools and courts suppress religious freedoms, there is a war going on against the christian faith. 

     With such hatred and disrespect towards God's values, we must take a bold stand for the truth. 

     Perhaps, this elderly man's prayer may voice our own sentiments:   

     "Hi Lord, it's me. We are getting older and things are getting bad here. Gas prices are too high, no jobs, and food and heating costs too high. I know some have taken You out of our schools, government and even Christmas.    

     

But Lord, I'm asking You to come back and re-bless Canada. We really need You! There are more of us who want You than those who don't! 

     Thank you Lord, I love You.




— beulah