In Defense of Religious Arguments

Transcription

1 In Defense of Religious Arguments In court and the public square, religious arguments are usually just dismissed out of hand. I get the sense that many Americans treat religious arguments as if they're on the same level as personal taste. In the eyes of many, my conviction that the scriptures are the inerrant Word of God bear about as much weight as my opinion that cheesecake is delicious and that Rush is the greatest band that ever came out of Canada. It's almost a given that most people think that religious arguments belong inside the four walls of a church or a synagogue or a mosque, but not in public debate. But it's high time that it changes. Let's begin with the example of the Hobby Lobby court ruling last year. Last June, the Supreme Court rendered a decision in favor of Hobby Lobby's religious objection to providing contraceptives free of charge through their health care plan. Unfortunately, many media outlets misunderstood the nature of the case, painting it fundamentally as an issue about contraceptives. It wasn't. It was a case about religious freedom. The Affordable Care Act (subsequently dubbed Obamacare ) mandated that all employers provide various types of contraceptives (including contraceptives that act as abortifacents) to their employees through their health care plans. The act provided for limited exemptions for some religious institutions, but not for hospitals, schools, or privately-held businesses. Hobby Lobby as well as many churches and other religious groups objected. Our own Synodical President, Matthew Harrison, as part of a larger panel testified before a government panel against this mandate. Although the LCMS does not formally object to every mode of contraception, all four participants on the panel objected to the Affordable Care Act's mandate that gave little or no grounds for a religious objection for the sake of conscience. The argument runs like this: based on deeply-held religious convictions, some businesses, organizations, and churches are morally opposed to the use of some or all forms of contraception. The ACA, however, mandates that those businesses, organizations, and churches provide these same forms of contraception free of charge to their employees. Thereby, the government has effectively told those businesses, organizations, and churches that their religious objections are invalid, and the government has the authority to trump them. This is basically the case Hobby Lobby brought all the way to the Supreme Court. And thankfully, they judged that family businesses that were run in accord with religious principles could not be forced to violate such principles. As a side note, there were many who mistakenly concluded that companies such as Hobby Lobby were forbidding their employees from using contraceptives. Not so. They could still get prescriptions for contraceptives from their doctors, but the company could not be compelled to pay for them. The Hobby Lobby case made me keenly aware of how often people simply brush off our Christian convictions as religious arguments, as if they are inferior arguments, or worse, completely invalid.

2 Granted, religious arguments do not always have a universal appeal, because they are based on an authority that isn't universally accepted. For example, the 8 th commandment says that we shouldn't talk behind other people's backs. But not everyone accepts the commandments. Or perhaps more poignantly, Jesus says that he's going to return and judge the living and the dead. But some folks don't believe in Jesus, so I doubt they've given much thought to judgment day. Since we all have to live in this country together, we need to form our laws on some sort of common ground a morality and an ethic that is universal to all people. Problem is, no such universal common ground exists. This attempt to find some kind of common, non-religious ground for the laws and ethics of humanity (a government, community, or whatever) belongs to a philosophical movement called rationalism (and a million other -isms that it spawned). Long story short, rationalism doesn't work. Sure, we can find some moral principles that more widely accepted than others. Most people agree that it's a pretty good idea not to murder each other, except in the case of self-defense. Even then, we can see how some groups, like the unborn, have been exempted from this in our country. And most people agree that we shouldn't take stuff that doesn't belong to us and raise our kids well. But for all the things we can agree on, there are plenty more convictions that we can't. Furthermore, two perfectly intelligent and rational people may come to different conclusions about what is good or even what is right in a given situation. The reason is because logic gives us a common language, but not a common morality. Who says that it's bad to kill other people or swipe your neighbor's boat or burn down a Culver's? Why can't I just do what I want? Pure logic cannot answer that question. Somewhere along the line, you have to say something like, well, you should care about your neighbor, that's why you shouldn't swipe your neighbor's boat, and that you should care for your neighbor is a moral judgment that cannot spring from pure reason. At some point, you have to hold it as a presupposition something that you can't prove, but that you believe to be true. How can you prove that you should love your neighbor? In the political sphere, I often hear people dismissing arguments as ideological. Fact is, everything is ideological. Everything has some set of presuppositions behind it that can't ultimately be proved (sorry, Descartes), whether it's the existence of God or the right of a monarch or the necessity of communal property or that the Vikings will eventually win the Superbowl. Every worldview has assumptions behind it. The Christian believes that God exists. The atheist does not. The big difference is that most atheists believe that theirs is not a matter of faith; they can prove it. But is it any more rational to say that something unseen doesn't exist rather than to say that something unseen does exist? What's my point? My point is that when people brush off our convictions as merely religious arguments or ideological, they're operating with a double-standard. The Christian worldview is not the only one built on presuppositions, every worldview is. Furthermore, it is often argued that since a religious argument isn't based on a universally-accepted set of principles, then it's not valid. But there is no universally-accepted set of principles. There's always someone who doesn't accept the moral consensus of society. There's always someone who has no qualms killing someone or embezzling money or cheating on their wife and, here's the key, doesn't think they've done anything wrong. A serial killer could always argue that our nation's laws against murder are arbitrary, and he shouldn't be held to a religious argument like thou shalt not kill. But make no mistake, this does not mean that we should seek to make America into a theocracy or petition our legal system to make the Bible the law of the land. Although there is much confusion about the separation between church and state, one thing is clear: the church is not the state and the state is not the church. Even the scriptures tell us this much. The power of the sword does not belong with the church and the power of absolution does not belong with the state. But we are citizens of both kingdoms, and as such, we cannot live as if we're split down the middle into a civil side and religious side. Our faith in Christ shapes the way we raise our children and manage our money and even how we vote. So our faith should also shape our discussions in the public sphere. We do not need to apologize for our religious arguments. The convictions we have based on our Christian worldview have just as much validity as the convictions of others based on their worldviews. Thankfully, many of our convictions do resonate with others: selfless love for our neighbor, honoring the property of others, defending the dignity of human life, defending our country, seeking justice. But in the public square, we may have to work to find common ground, but we do not have to put away our Christianity. Trying to lock up our Christianity in a closet as part of our private lives not only dishonors our Lord, but also deprives the nation of the salt and light which Jesus calls us to be. Pastor Johnson

3 Worship this Month Epiphany 4 (February 1, 2015) Mark 1:21-28 One With Authority Jesus steps into the synagogue pulpit for the first time here in Mark and he creates quite a stir. They're not used to hearing someone like this Jesus doesn't talk like the scribes, he teaches like someone with authority. As if to put a finer point on it, a demon-possessed man comes into the synagogue and confronts Jesus. I know who you are the holy one of God. But Jesus will not have demons teaching the people who he is, and certainly will not have this man enslaved to the dark powers. Quiet! Come out! Jesus commands the demon. And the demon obeys. And the people are both frightened and amazed. Here is a man who speaks with authority. Authority to teach, and authority to command demons. Who is this? He is the holy one of God. Epiphany 5 (February 8, 2015) Mark 1:29-39 More of the Same The Gospel lesson picks up where we left off last week, and Jesus continues to demonstrate his divine authority. After He leaves the synagogue, Jesus goes to Peter's house, where his mother-in-law is sick. Just by taking her hand, He heals her. When the crowds catch wind of this, people from miles around bring in the sick and the demon-possessed so that Jesus might do the same for them. After a short-lived attempt for some respite, Jesus moves on to the other towns of Galilee, doing much the same thing:... preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. This is the Kingdom of God that Jesus declared. This is what it looks like when God reigns the demonic forces are driven back, and the Son of God proclaims and restores a world broken by sin. Transfiguration (February 15, 2015) Mark 9:2-9 Who is He? Over the last two weeks, Jesus silenced the demons, because they knew who he was. But the people have remained largely clueless. For all the miraculous healings, exorcisms, and teaching, most of the crowds are fundamentally ignorant about Jesus and his mission. But today, Jesus lets a few of his disciples see the bigger picture. Up on the mount of transfiguration, he lets them (and us!) peek behind the curtain and see his glory. There on the mountain, Moses and Elijah, two of the most important prophets, and harbingers of the covenant, meet with Jesus in his glory. Like wide-eyed children who are mesmerized in the presence of their heroes, the disciples would just as well stay on the mountain forever. But the Father speaks from heaven, This is my beloved Son; listen to him. And what does Jesus say? He tells them to tell no one about what they saw until he is risen from the dead. See, the mount of Transfiguration does not hold the key to understanding Jesus. It is his death and resurrection that reveal Jesus, our Savior. Lent 1 (February 22, 2015) Mark 1:9-15 Baptismal Deja Vu No, you're not crazy. We already heard the baptism of Jesus just a few weeks ago. But this time, we make an important addition Jesus' temptation. We watch again as Jesus descends into the water, and we hear again the Father's voice from heaven You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. But Jesus was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and he was not baptized into a life of ease and comforts.

4 He was sent out into the desert to do battle with Satan in behalf of his people. Israel spent 40 years in the desert; Jesus spent 40 days. And during Lent, we too will spend 40 days, praying, repenting, and perhaps even fasting. Christ has already walked the road through the wilderness that will lead ultimately to the cross. And we walk with him, through the wilderness, to the cross, and into the tomb. But we die with him so that we might also rise with him. And all along this road, our feet are wet in the waters of our baptism. A HUGE thank you to everyone who came to quilting on January 29 th! Ten people were here to assist with tying and sewing and it made such a difference! Also, Pastor Fehrmann picked up 14 completed quilts this past Sunday and he is taking them to Africa. Thank you to everyone who helped make them! Quilting Dates for February: Tuesday the 10 th, 17 th and 24 th everyone is welcome please bring your own lunch. Last month 13 ladies attended the Women of Faith meeting for some crafting fun. We won't be meeting in February, but keep an eye on the bulletin announcements for our next event. Youth Pasta Dinner! Sunday, February 8 th is the date for the Youth Pasta Dinner. Celebrate Valentine s Day a week early and bring your sweetie to a fun Italian dinner! Be sure to place this fun event on your calendar! Please sign up in the Narthex or online through Evite; whichever is most convenient for you! Appetizers at 5:00 pm, dinner at 5:30 pm. Come enjoy a meal, fellowship and support our Youth Group. Buon Appetito!

5 Missions Who: YOU! What: Missionfest 2015 When: April 18th Time: 3:00-7:00 PM Where: Glory of Christ, 4040 Hwy 101 N, Plymouth, MN Why: Fun, Fellowship and FUNDRAISING for our Missions. This year our focus will be on our new role in Mexico. Bid, relax, and enjoy great food, beverage, and fun. Tickets available beginning March 15th for $30 per person. Visit for more information. Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal time during Lent: Beginning Wednesday February 18 th, Hand Bell choir rehearsals will begin at 6:15 pm and run until 6:50 pm. Adult Choir Rehearsal time during Lent: Beginning Wednesday February 18 th, Adult Choir rehearsals will begin right after the evening Lenten service, or approximately 7:45 pm and run until approximately 8:30 pm. Lent The Forty days before Easter Ash Wednesday is February 18 th

6 We will have two Lenten services each Wednesday, beginning February 18 th with a morning service that begins at 11:30 am with a light lunch following and then, evening meals will be provided by various groups from our congregation beginning February 18th and will continue each Wednesday evening at 6:00pm through March 25 th, followed by an evening Lenten service at 7:00 pm. Compassion Circle assists with the desserts and clean up for the lunches and the following groups are scheduled to serve dinner through the Lenten Season: February 18 th (Ash Wednesday) Elders -Tacos February 25 th - Young Adults - Homemade Soups March 4 th - Adult Choir/Bells - Lasagna March 11 th - Church Council - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches March 18 th - Sunday School Teachers & Families Baked Potatoes/Fixins March 25 th Altar Guild Hot Dishes General News & Updates Have children between 0-18 years? Don't always feel prepared for service or miss parts of the sermon? COME TO MOM'S GROUP! Each Wednesday from 4:00-5:15 we have a short devotion for the kids, and then study the 3 upcoming readings. It's a great way to prepare for service and get some extra insight even if you do hear the entire sermon. If you have school-aged kids, we conveniently meet during the Children's Choir (4:30-5:00) and Children's Chimes (5:00-5:30) times. Small children get fun-filled babysitting from our very own Josh Christian. Since each week studies the upcoming texts, you won't miss anything if you can only come periodically. Hope to see there! Elders Meeting will be on Tuesday February 3 rd at 7:00 Church Council meeting will be on Tuesday February 17 th at 6:30. Interested in learning more about St. John s Lutheran School? Join us on Sunday, February 22 nd, just before Bible Study, Principal, Scott Kloetzke will give a brief presentation about St. John s Lutheran School. All Member Visits Please sign up for your visit with Pastor Johnson. Signup sheet is by the front door in the Narthex. A new Bible Study on 1 Corinthians will begin on Sunday, February 8 th. Paul s letter to the Corinthians speaks to issues that are still relevant today such as: Factions in the church, Closed Communion, Christian freedom, lawsuits, love, worship, living a single life and the Resurrection of the dead. Please join us! Scientific Evidence for The Fall There is today, abundant evidence for each of the four world-shaping events in Genesis 1-11 (Six-Day Creation, Adam s Fall, Noah s Flood, and Tower of Babel). You don t need to know the Bible to see the evidence, but you may need to reference the Bible to understand what you see. This is especially true for evidence of Adam s Fall, Many of the most obvious facts have to do with ongoing loss of intelligence and creativity, and many more have to do with deterioration of the human genome and increase of disease. On February 15, Carl Hartness will give a talk on Scientific Evidence for The Fall for an hour after Bible Study. A light lunch will first be served. Everyone is welcome!

7 Dear Glory of Christ Member, Our Council meeting was held on January 13th. This was a joint Elder's/Council meeting which is traditional held every January meeting. Business Accomplished: a. Christian Preus presented an overview of the Constitution and By-laws of Glory of Christ. b. Approved Bruce Larson as council replacement for Ryan Marshall. c. Approved Cheryl McCreary as Church Secretary. d. Approved the new council meeting time to be the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. e. Approved guidelines for an vote by Council Members in order to conduct needed business before a regularly scheduled Council meeting. Reports: 1. Treasurer Report: Jesse Huber informed us that we finished the 2014 budget $22, in the green. 2. Mission Festival: The theme will be Mexican and held on April 18 th from 3pm - 7pm 3pm - 4pm Social Hour 4pm - 6pm Auction 6pm - 7pm Dinner 3. Pastor Report: What stood out for me in Jeremiah Johnsons report was the growth of our Sunday School and the future needs this may bring to our limited Sunday school classroom space. Based on the informational report given at the annual voter's meeting, I have asked the Long Range Planning Committee to bring to the February Council meeting, the estimated costs for additional new pews and expected costs of hiring a planning project manager to assess our facility needs in the near future. When we have more information I will present it to the congregation. Yours in Christ, Dennis Karius Council President 2015

8

9 Serving this Month Serving Sunday February 8, 2015 Coffee: Mark & Rina Nygren Acolyte: Maddie Nelson Elders: Dennis Neumann & Curt Woolfolk Ushers: Bob Strom & Bruce Larson Altar Guild: Pauline Hemingway & Brenda Richards Offering Counters: Janelle Franzmeier & Kent Rudeen Bread Baker: Cheryl McCreary Bread Deliverer: Carl Hartness Serving Sunday February 15, 2015 Coffee: Curt & Sharla Woolfolk Acolyte: Daniel Schoolman Elders: Dennis Neumann & Curt Woolfolk Ushers: David Werts & Russ McBroom Altar Guild: Jan Diemand & Julie Anderson Offering Counters: Jeremy & Jill Eickhoff Bread Baker: Kelly Dorweiler Bread Deliverer: Lori Beck Serving Wednesday February 18 th, 2015 (Ash Wednesday) Acolyte: Bill Anderson Elders: Dennis Neumann & Curt Woolfolk Ushers: Dave Koosman & Jeremy Eickhoff Altar Guild: Brenda Richards Serving Sunday February 22, 2015 Coffee: Dean & Donna Weibel Acolyte: Chris Corey Elders: Dennis Neumann & Curt Woolfolk Ushers: Mark Swenson & Leonard Albers Altar Guild: Beth Schoolman & Lisa Gallmeyer Offering Counters: David & Naomi Teske Bread Baker: Sandi Edenborg Bread Deliverer: Beth Schoolman Serving Wednesday February 25 th, 2015 Acolyte: Bill Anderson Ushers: Mike Miller & Chuck McGriff

10 Birthdays & Anniversaries February 9 th Susan Johnson Birthday February 10 th Alexander Schaumberg Birthday February 14 th Lily Johnson Birthday February 15 th Curt Woolfolk Birthday February 16 th Morgan Johnson Birthday February 18 th Billy Anderson Birthday February 19 th Jan Diemand Birthday February 21 st Lea Connealy Birthday February 23 rd Chelsea Zitzlsperger Birthday February 24 th Leroy Reinke Birthday February 26 th Janie Tesch-Cassady Birthday February 27 th Darlene Yount Birthday February 28 th Elizabeth Madson Birthday February 29 th Betty Reinke Birthday

11 Calendar