Are We Fearmongers?
“Late last week, I wrote an article that caused a bit of a furious reaction in social-justice Twitter. Activists claimed I was lying, arguing in bad faith, and/or exaggerating the effect of California’s AB 2943, a bill that purports to declare ‘sexual orientation change efforts’ to be an ‘unlawful business practice.’… And I’m right. It can and would.” Here’s how: First, “the bill by its own terms applies to very broad categories of services and goods… ‘The following unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer are unlawful.’ Second, a book (along with other written materials, like pamphlets or workbooks) fits within the very, very broad definition of goods. Basically, if you can buy it and move it (in other words, it’s not real estate), then it’s a good.” (David French)1
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12; NIV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Pray that blinders come off of Californians to see the blatant lies of the enemy.
- Tell any of your friends and family members who live in CA and love Jesus to call their state Senators and get them to vote against this bill! It has already passed in the State Assembly.
- 11 states – CO, HI, NY, MD, AZ, DE, MI, WY, WV, NH, PA – are contemplating a version of AB 2943, however, none as broad as the CA Assembly Bill. Four of those 11 – HI, MD, NY and NH – have started the process to make it law in their states. Maine is looking at a bill as broad as California’s. Intercede, educate yourself, make phone calls, write emails and letters, and get these bills off the table!
- If you do not live in one of the states listed above, intercede for them. Do not think you can be casual about this just because it’s not on your doorstep, or it soon could be!
A prayer you can pray:
Father, save California from this darkness. It is already leaching over into other states. What seemed impossible just a couple of years ago is now about to go mainstream. Can and will Christians be persecuted for our counseling and deliverance ministries in some states? Can and will books that Believers write on sexual orientation matters be pulled from shelves in some states? Are we being fearful or diligent? Should we just decide to accept the laws of the land and succumb to them, becoming enslaved to our own religiosity, or do we fight for righteousness and holiness with our prayers, phones, pens and votes? Get us off the defensive! In Jesus’ culture-transforming name, amen.
Today’s decree:
Wake up from your slumber, Church! Pray and act!
French, David, “Yes, California is on the Verge of Banning Some Christian Books, Here’s How”., NationalReview.com, 4/23/18. Accessed 6/8/18.