By Tyson Thorne

August 8, 2018
 

BiM07 Large

"Media" used to mean "print media" like books and newspapers, but the world has grown. Today media can also mean radio, television and movies delivered to personal computers, tablets and cell phones. As the world's best selling book of all time the Bible continues to make headlines, both good and bad, across all forms of media. This week in the Bible and Media: Seniors in California win the rite to study the Bible, the leader of the White House Bible study is under fire, and Canada rules that Christian law schools must abandon Biblical values if they want to keep their accreditation.

Due to the complaint of a single atheist in residence at a retirement community, the homeowners association banned a Christian group from using the common areas for a weeknight Bible study and Sunday morning worship service. Feeling that their constitutional rights were being violated, they sought help from the Pacific Justice Institute, a legal group specializing in religious freedom issues. The court case was scheduled for May of this year, but the HOA agreed to a number of concessions that will protect the rights of the residence going forward at a preparatory mediation meeting. PJI President Brad Dacus commented, "We are thrilled with this tremendous victory on behalf of these courageous senior citizens! “This may be the first time a group of residents have taken on their HOA in court to fight for their religious meeting rights – and won.”

I find it amazing that the first time I hear about there being a Bible study at the White House is when people complain about it. The study is attended by Vice President Mike Pence, AG Jeff Sessions, Srcretary of State Mike Pompeo, education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and others and is lead by Ralph Drollinger of Capitol Ministries. I don't know much about pastor Drollinger, but it appears he's been teaching the Bible straight and that's got some people upset. The BBC, Newsweek (which I didn't know was even still in publication), and a few LGBTQ groups don't appreciate some of the most powerful leaders in the US being taught that homosexuality is a sin.

"Homosexuality and same-sex ceremonies are illegitimate in God's eyes,” the seven foot tall Drollinger stated in one of his Bible studies earlier this year (and posted on Capitol Ministries’ website). “His word is repetitive, perspicuous, and staid on the subject." Drollinger, 65 years old, is clearly states that he respects other beliefs and everyone's right to exist and discuss their ideas. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ communities don't hold to the same values and want the Bible study shut down. They fear that "the Trump administration is willing to accept counsel from individuals who are hostile towards the LGBTQ community." They are concerned even though no one is trying to silence them, and even though there is no evidence of "hostility" toward the LGBTQ community.

Earlier this summer Canada's Supreme Court ruled 7-2 against Trinity Western University's Law School, stating that their policies for student conduct are incompatible with the law of the land. TWU has a beautiful campus, I've been there, and is a solid Christian University. They require that students maintain a celibate lifestyle (unless married, of course), and abstain from pornography, fornication, adultery and homosexual relationships. Canada's LGBTQ activists argued that such a policy was discriminating against LGBTQ students. Apparently, the majority opinion of the Supreme Court agreed stating, "the covenant would deter LGBT students from attending the proposed law school, and those who did attend would be at risk of significant harm."

The courts opinion is a fantasy. Should a student who believes himself to be a homosexual attend the law school, he would simply be under the same restrictions as a heterosexual student - unable to perform any sexual acts. What that student does with his or her life after graduation is their own decision. So how does such a policy place anyone "at risk of significant harm"? Is teaching the Bible and its values "harmful"? I would like to hear the court argue that case. Unfortunately Canada has taken a very dangerous turn in their politics, one that will lead to real harm down the road.

 
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