The First Amendment – Part VI

Conclusion

Frustrating as this situation is, what can we do? We don’t have any influence over the Supreme Court, which is responsible for much of this sad state of affairs. We can’t vote out the Supreme Court, but we can do something even more powerful. We can pray.

We as a nation can also turn away from the false idols we now worship and return to God, just as this Old Testament reading tells us (2 Chronicles 7:14-15):

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. NIV

Second, we can write Congress when there is a bill before them that supports the free exercise of religion. Fortunately, Congress has passed laws restoring rights to religious groups that the courts have been taking away. For example, the equal access law has guaranteed that religious groups have the same access as anybody else has to use schools and other public buildings.

Third, you can be open about your faith, knowing that you are protected by the First Amendment. Too often we are bullied by these wrong applications of the First Amendment, and so we fall silent in the face of these lies. Let us not hesitate to exercise our rights under the Constitution.

As we celebrate 231 years of freedom from British oppression, let’s commit to battle against another kind of oppression coming from a misguided Supreme Court. It’s really a spiritual battle, and we are well equipped with spiritual weapons. Let’s use them.