Family Research Council

Polls: Life and the Double Standard on Inevitability

by Nathan Oppman

May 13, 2013

A recent poll released by Gallup shows a strong majority of Americans oppose all or most abortions.  It’s even more interesting that young people are more likely to oppose abortion in all cases than any other group.  Over 40% of Democrats oppose abortion most of the time and 12% oppose it entirely.  What does this suggest?  Well if we apply the same standard to abortion that applies to marriage then it would suggest that the pro-life position is becoming the position of inevitability.  It would suggest that politicians should make sure they are on the right side of history, that the Democratic party is starting to fragment, and that both parties should cater to pro-life beliefs if they want to win over young people.  But of course the same standard will not be applied. 

There is a lesson to be learned.  If one continues to speak the truth people may listen, even if it takes years and even if the media does not report it.  So let’s keep up the pro-life momentum and make the end of abortion in America a reality!

Today in History: Washington and Hitler

by Nathan Oppman

April 30, 2013

On this day in 1789, George Washington became the first president under the Constitution of the United States of America. A great man in both stature and character, who could have been king but relinquished his command to Congress. He was then elected to the nation’s highest office after the ratification of the Constitution. It reminds me of the Scriptural phrase “he who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is not a coincidence that one of our most revered national heroes gave up a chance at a great power. It is reported that King George III stated when he heard Washington would relinquish his command and return to his farm, “If he does that he will be the greatest man in the world.” High praise from the monarch of one of the world’s leading powers! Not only did Washington achieve great fame and popularity in his own day, he also set a precedent for a peaceful transition of power and for a two term limit on presidential power both of which are followed to this day. Washington’s country has endured longer under one Constitution and form of government than any other today.

Another leader cemented his place in history on this day in 1945, Adolf Hitler. In a bunker in Germany, the man who would have ruled the world and began a thousand-year Reich died in a most ignominious way—suicide. A man who exalted himself and his race above others and brutally murdered all who stood in his way was brought low. The supreme leader of one of the greatest military machines the world has ever seen lost all of his power in just a few years. It sent his country into a time of division and turmoil. The thousand-year Reich became a ruin in a few short years. What a contrast with the great George Washington.

The man who led a raggedy band of colonials against the greatest military in the world and won handed over his authority and rode home. And in that moment became one of the great men of antiquity. A man who led the mightiest military machine in the world and lifted himself up in every way was defeated and consigned the historical trash heap of world despots. The lessons to be learned from these men are many. Our politicians would be wise today to consider what a true leader does. A true leader knows when to stand and fight against all odds, like Washington at Valley Forge, and a true leader does not see himself as great but sees himself as a servant of something greater. An evil leader only sees the present and is fearful of preserving his reputation and power. In his desire to hold on, he soon finds power and fame are fleeting. Washington walked away from everything and became a legend. Hitler grabbed for everything and became a monster.

Another great man once said, “A man is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” In the city that bears our first President’s namesake I hope there are some great men left.

Homeschooling and the Attack on Religious Freedom

by Nathan Oppman

March 21, 2013

There is a case that has caught the attention of homeschool advocates on an international level. The Romeike family of Germany was granted asylum by a U.S. judge due to the persecution they had experienced for homeschooling their children in Germany. This persecution included police intervention well beyond simple fines or reprimands. The family believes that the school system in Germany does not teach what they as Christians believe should be taught to their children, so they wish to teach their children in an environment where their convictions are honored – their home.

This is not merely a question of the freedom to homeschool but a question of who determines what children are taught. In other words it is a question of religious freedom. Religious faith is often passed on through the teaching that parents give to their children. The Scripture clearly states in Deut. 6:6-7 “And these words which I command thee this day, [the Law of God to Israel] shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (KJV)

Many who homeschool wish to teach their children that God is engaged in everyday life. For them, the school is an extension of the home. Schools should serve parents in the education of children. However, when state-run schools begin to serve a wholly secular agenda and deny parents the ability to train their children, they begin to do what the First Amendment says the state must never do: Establish religion.

In the landmark case Pierce v. Society of Sisters, the Supreme Court asserted that children are not mere creatures of the state and that the state could not dictate where they went to school. German law is essentially asserting that the state knows more about children’s needs than parents. This is a dangerous threat to religious freedom and the Romeike family was right in seeking to teach their children the things that they believed to be true. The U.S. should be a place where those threatened because of their beliefs can come for refuge. It is sad when the ICE division of our Federal government ignores the importance of education as an expression of religious belief and works against granting families like the Romeikes asylum.

Cases like this have become more common in the current administration. The current administration sees a “freedom to worship” that is confined to the church and ends when you exit its doors. They do not recognize James’ teaching in the New Testament when he stated that a faith without works is dead. Freedom of religion has everything to do with practice. It is time our government recognized that.

I am glad my mother exercised her freedom of religion and chose to homeschool me all the way through high school. She and my father wanted me to be taught reading, writing and, arithmetic, all of which I could have received at a public school. But with those they also taught me the old fashioned, life changing, sin cleansing, grace receiving, others loving, Bible believing version of the wonderful gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the freedom to teach those wonderful truths is priceless. If freedom of religion does not include a freedom to practice then freedom of religion is dead.

Cheating Advice: Try Love!

by Nathan Oppman

March 5, 2013

I recently read a column detailing ways to protect a marriage from adultery. The article identified many problems that can lead to infidelity but the advice they gave for avoiding it was severely lacking. The article notes (as does our own MARRI team) that couples who cohabit are much more likely to be unfaithful after marriage. However, instead of advising couples that they should not live together before marriage, the article advises them to avoid using cohabitation as a test run for marriage. The article also notes that the internet makes cheating easier and encourages women to watch pornography with their husbands. Once again, instead of avoiding the cause of the problem, the article suggests participating in it together.

This is gripping, and sad: When facts are ignored in favor of what is popular, society is endangered. Couples who live together or watch pornography together have not addressed the underlying problem of each - selfishness. If we choose to love our spouses unconditionally and invest in them daily, we will have successful marriages. We can’t control our spouses or manipulate sinful behaviors for our own ends, but we can demonstrate a profound love that fosters the feelings many couples seek.

Love isn’t a feeling, it is an action. The best way to have a happy marriage is to love your spouse whether you feel like it or not. And you know what? Loving a spouse when you don’t feel like it will make your life a much more fulfilling adventure.

The Oscars and the Sad Truth about Media Culture

by Nathan Oppman

February 26, 2013

There has been some concern about the crass humor displayed at the Oscars last Sunday. I did not watch the Oscars, but I have read enough of what was said to know it was a moral debacle. When even children are the subject of coarse jesting, it becomes even more troubling. When a culture treats sex as a joke and uses lewdness to attract attention, it is a sign of that culture’s weakness. Why does an emcee at a major media awards event feel it is appropriate to make comments about a young actress’ sexual appeal to George Clooney? It is because our culture has lost its moral footing.

Hollywoodoften expresses outrage at the very things it promotes. Violence, sexual licentiousness, the objectification of women and children, and bullying (especially the “Christian right”) were all part of what was celebrated and joked about at this year’s Oscars, yet all are things Hollywood would argue against in other contexts. When will the moral decay in media cease? Perhaps, it will cease when Americans stop paying for it at the box office.

What would I do to encourage peace, love, the honoring of women, and the protection of our children in media? I would recommend adopting the Christian moral ethic that treats sex and marriage as sacred and that admonishes us to love our neighbors as ourselves. It may be called old-fashioned, but it is exactly what our culture needs.

Don’t Forget Our Brothers and Sisters

by Nathan Oppman

February 21, 2013

In a recent Fox News article, the plight of house churches in China is said to be getting worse. The government has increased its crackdown on these churches which pose a threat to its power. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, and a former pastor himself in China, said the government is employing “new tactics of persecution.” Please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in China that God would preserve them and strengthen them. And remember to thank God for the benefit of religious freedom that we have in America. Stand up for religious freedom here in America so that we can be a beacon of hope to those oppressed around the world.

In case you missed it, FRC recently held a panel discussion of religious liberty in America and will host Bob Fu for a further look at the Chinese church’s persecution in April.

Laws Are Not Enough: Evil and Why We Need God

by Nathan Oppman

January 18, 2013

Recently, I read an article on CNN.com explaining the benefits of atheism and the flaws of God. The list includes the following: God is a Bad Parent and Role Model, God is Not Logical, God is Not Fair, God Does Not Protect the Innocent, God is Not Present, God Does Not Teach Children to Be Good, and God Teaches Narcissism, as headings.

I also recently saw a telling quote from Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas):

“There is evil prowling in the world - it shows up in our movies, video games and online fascinations, and finds its way into vulnerable hearts and minds. As a free people, let us choose what kind of people we will be. Laws, the only redoubt of secularism, will not suffice. Let us all return to our places of worship and pray for help. Above all, let us pray for our children.”

People might call God by different names or sometimes they call him nothing at all. But they all believe. Society holds science in the position that religion held in the past. Advocates of “scientism” often use politics to enforce their doctrine. Like the false religions of the past, many people blindly follow. Instead of going to a religious leader or to God for answers to such questions, as “why am I here?” and “where am I going when I die?”, people today look to science. They believe that science and politics will cure the world’s ills. Political power also holds a place of god-like importance to many people. The problem is science and politics have not cured the world of evil. Since sin entered the world mankind has not been good, and without the one true God mankind can’t be good.

Things such as science and politics often take the place of God in people’s lives because people know that they need help. Science and politics perform many functions similar to religions. Science predicts the future, including forecasting both global cooling and global warming, and people trust in those predictions and act on them through politics. Science has experimented on the elderly, infirm, and children with the aid of government force. Science has made wild and fantastic claims regarding the cure of disease through embryonic stem cells and politicians provide money for it. Science has taught us that “survival of the fittest” is what caused the progression of evolution which some politicians then used to justify genocide and eugenics.

Politics has long been held forth by those with power as the means of curing the world of evil. Violence can be stopped with more laws, politicians claim. Hunger and poverty will be eliminated. Education will be universal. Even the oceans will be moved at the election of some leaders. Of course, utopian promises have turned into horror for many. Politicians and scientists often lie and steal from the very people who look to them for leadership. Yet, we still vote for and follow them almost reverentially.

As Gov. Rick Perry said, the only real force a secularist can appeal to in curbing evil is the political power of the state. So, it is no surprise that the twin gods of politics and science appeal to laws for the solution of man’s problems. There is no other place to go.

When secularists see tragedy and human pain, they turn to the things that they view as higher than themselves—government and science. The problem is they forget government and science are made up of flawed people. And the years have proven that the hope of man lies not in man itself. Any standard based in man is flawed and is not a valid basis for truth. God is a separate, perfect, and unchanging standard. Anything less than that is subjective and flawed.

Is God exactly like science and politics and false religion? Is He really like mankind? No, because God is separate from His creation, though He is involved directly in it. He is the Truth and outside of Him there is not value or meaning. Gulags, concentration camps, and death have been the benevolent gifts of some political and scientific saviors. The evil in the world is not a result of God doing nothing; it is the result of rebellion of man against God. The evil inNewtownwas not a result of Congress doing nothing; it was a result of Adam Lanza’s evil choices.

Laws do not stop people from doing anything. They merely specify punishments for particular behavior. God specified the punishment for sin: Death. We have all sinned and death will come. But because the judgment for sin does not come swiftly some indict God for injustice. The truth is that it is the mercy of God on all of us that we are still alive. We have rebelled against God and deserve death but He sent His son to taste death for us and now we can live through His resurrection. If we try to reduce our conception of God to human terms we will make a god in our own image. Often that image is horrible. Let us remember as one of our founders did “that God is good and that His justice will not sleep forever.” But, oh the mercy that lets His justice sleep for a time! How rich it is, and how it beckons for the weary sinner to come, taste and see that the Lord is good! Do not reject God because of evil, run to Him as the only source of good and know that His justice will only sleep for a time.

Dear Weekend Warrior and Party Animal: Sleep!

by Nathan Oppman

January 14, 2013

Ahh, another refreshing weekend has passed. I heard a live performance by some talented new musicians, went to a party, had drinks with some friends, and had a hot date with a beautiful young lady.

And now it’s Monday and back to work. But I don’t have a hangover, and I feel refreshed and ready. How can that be? Well, let me clarify a few things—the hot date was with my wife, the drinks were all of a type that don’t require an ID, the party was me and a couple friends watching football, and the live performance of musicians was a lovely ensemble of worshipful church songs.

This is pretty much a typical weekend for me. One in which I spend Sunday resting and worshipping the Lord at church. I have never started a Monday with a hangover, and there is almost no better way to get reinvigorated than spending time with fellow Christians.

God ceased His work on the Sabbath. Since then, man generally has operated on a seven-day week (with the exception of a failed French experiment with a 10 day week, but that is for another post), and Sunday has often been a day off work for even the non-religious.

A recent book by Dr. Matthew Sleeth indicates that God’s way really does work best. Dr. Sleeth suggests that the move to a more 24/7 society of the last 30 years is contributing to depression and anxiety. So, why not plan a crazy weekend and do something you haven’t done in ages—take a day off. You may even want to add in a trip to church. After all if God is right about sleep, it may be worth hearing more of what He has to say about the rest of life.

The Pain of Selfishness

by Nathan Oppman

January 10, 2013

Promoting self-esteem is ubiquitous in today’s culture.  From social media to school classrooms there has been a strong emphasis on the value and worth of the individual.  The problem is this value has been bandied-about so much that people have forgotten that the root of our value does not lie in ourselves but in the fact that we are created in the image of God. 

Dr. Keith Ablow recently pointed out that all this narcissism leads to problems when those illusions of greatness disappear.  He notes that even though many people have become lazier they still rate themselves as exceptional. 

We must remember that while humans have value as beings created in God’s image we are still capable of marring that beauty through our selfishness.  The most beautiful expression of love is giving all you have for others.  Perhaps we should be promoting more greatness through giving and less greatness through gratifying then the next generation could find true fulfillment. 

It’s worth taking a look at Dr. Ablow’s article and reading what a secular psychologist has to say about how, if everything one does is “special,” then nothing truly is special at all.

Peace on the Earth and Goodwill to Newtown

by Nathan Oppman

December 18, 2012

My wife is a nanny and I am the children’s church director at our local church.  We both teach and care for children on a regular basis.  They are so sweet and precious.  They say the cutest things and one can’t help but love them.  When the tragedy in Connecticut occurred it was unfathomable how anyone could harm these little ones.  My wife pointed out that many of their parents probably had presents under their Christmas trees that will now be a reminder of what is lost.  How sad.  I wish this never happened.  I wish that Christmas could be a time of “peace on the earth and goodwill to men” unmarred by human tragedy.  But how can it be?

When Jesus came to the earth there was a brutal leader named Herod ruling.  Murder was one of his primary methods of preserving his throne.  When he heard that a Messiah was born in Bethlehem he ordered all the young males there to be murdered.  Bethlehem was a small community and the murder of its children would have scarred the town just like the shooting last week.  Jesus came into that world and it was to stop that kind of thing that he came.

Much has been said about mental health treatment and gun laws but there is another much more important area that has been neglected, the heart of man.  Man was not created to be vile and evil, but he is, because of sin.  Jesus said that hating your brother was the same as murder in God’s eyes.  He said that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves and that there was no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends, and as He demonstrated to die even for your enemies.

Men around the world and throughout time have committed atrocities against their fellow men.  From Haman to Hitler.  From the barbarians to the Bolsheviks.  Yet in the midst of this horror Jesus offers the only cure.  What if we followed Jesus teaching and eliminated hate in our hearts for our fellow man?  What if we taught children that God is watching all that we do and that even when they feel helpless or unloved that He is there for them?  Then perhaps the outsider in society could find hope and the hateful man could change through love.  I know that nothing I can do can stop the hurting families of the Newtown disaster.  But I pray that the God of all peace would grant them healing and that the special love of One who endured the horrible murder of His only Son on a cross might answer their hearts cry with the sweet touch of His mercy as one who knows what they feel.  And further I pray that we as a nation would turn to the only true hope for stopping sin, the loving Christ who was born so long ago bringing the great hope of peace to a weary world.  And I pray for, to borrow the words of the angels at Jesus birth, peace on the earth and goodwill to Newtown.