Christian Non-Profits Labeled “Hate Groups”
Christian non-profits opposing same-sex marriage are being flagged as “hate groups!”
If an organization has non-profit status with the federal government, likely they’re listed on the GuideStar website—one of the largest sources of financial information about non-profit organizations on the Internet. Any interested persons can go to the website to peruse the tax returns of non-profits for important information on programs and fundraising.
Forty-six organizations listed are known to oppose same-sex marriage. Recently, a statement across the top of their page flagged them as a “hate group” as designated by the Southern Poverty law Center. GuideStar received 41 letters expressing disagreement with the labeling. They’ve removed the statement—for now.
GuideStar acknowledged, “there is a deep, nuanced conversation to be had with Americans of all political, cultural, and religious backgrounds regarding how we address, and identify, hate groups.”
We’ll keep you posted!
(From a June 23, 2017 article in Crisis Magazine titled: “Guidestar Joins the Targeting of Christian Groups, including Alliance Defending Freedom and Family Research Council.)
Follow-up article from BreakPoint >>
The Primary Purpose of Government
What is the primary purpose of Government? When we know and understand the answer—the surrounding issues begin to fall into place!
Succinctly stated: The primary purpose of government is to protect its citizens by restraining evildoers. It was written best 2,000 years ago by the apostle Paul: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
Earlier, Isaiah said: “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver . . . ”. Contrary to the wishful thinking of revisionist historians, our national founding fathers borrowed heavily from the Bible and biblical themes. Benjamin Franklin even proposed that a depiction of Moses parting the Red Sea should be the Great Seal of the nation.
To affirm God’s role in government is to affirm what our Founders affirmed: Our rights come from God!
(From “Well Versed”/Chapter 5: ”The Purpose of Government”)
Back to School Mini-Series: Preparing Children for the Future
At the end of the day—we’re forced to acknowledge what’s at the heart of our failing education system!
Education is failing largely because of a failed government education system. But it’s also due to a lack of parental choice to be involved in their child’s education.
If Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature,” as he grew up—the implication is that education was part of the process. Then how much more important is a solid education to prepare your children for the future?
We’ve allowed ourselves to be pushed away from the decision table. Allowing policy makers to decide what’s best for our children has to change!
George Washington wrote in 1784: “The best means of forming a virtuous and happy people will be found in the right education of youth. Without this foundation, every other means, in my opinion, must fail.”
(From “Well Versed”/Chapter 10: ”School Choice and Parental Authority”)
Back to School Mini-Series: A Parent’s Greatest Challenge
Common core? Parents and objective minded teachers are making waves!
When Common Core standards were put into place, states were forced to comply with “core” standards even though 37 states had higher standards already for English and 39 states had higher standards for math. The new standards encourage teachers to teach to a test, not to the student. What’s exciting is that parents and teachers are fighting back. Both are realizing the so-called standards should be rejected, not just accepted as is. The result? Many states have rejected Common Core all together.
It’s a great example of parents and teachers standing together for their kids’ education. We have no greater challenge or responsibility than to do as Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way they should go!” It comes with a promise: “when he is old, he will not depart from it!”
(From “Well Versed”/Chapter 10: ”School Choice and Parental Authority”)
Back to School Mini-Series: Called to Teach Our Children Diligently
You’ve heard “it takes a village to raise a child!” While it plays a role, it doesn’t supplant the role of parents!
Psalm 127:3 says children are a “reward from him”—a blessing and a gift.
This blessing is entrusted to parents—not the village. And with that we have a responsibility to train our children in the ways of righteousness as Ephesians 6:4 says; and that includes discipline, instruction, training and education. Unfortunately, we have an education system in America that often leaves parents with limited rights and choices.
Underlying some laws and statements in removing parental authority, is the reasoning that the state and popular culture knows how to raise your child better than you do!
Scripture calls us to teach our children diligently—to train up a child in the way he should go—in principles and truth of God’s Word!
(From “Well Versed”/Chapter 10: “School Choice and Parental Authority”)
Back to School Mini-Series: Parents as Educators of Their Children
Let’s be perfectly clear—the state is not the educator and protector of your child!
My wife and I had our children in public schools, private schools, Christian schools and charter schools. And we’ve known some great teachers. But there are times we had to be firm with some counselors and administrators by saying, “We plan to be involved in our children’s lives and direct their education journey.”
Why? Because God holds us accountable for how we raised them; and we’ll do anything to see them established as strong, godly, productive citizens. And for the record, this isn’t what some people call “helicopter parenting”—in other words, hovering unnecessarily above them. This is called good parenting!
The American model or culture has it backwards. The state is NOT the ultimate educator and protector of your child. As their parent, you are!
(From “Well Versed”/Chapter 10: ”School Choice and Parental Authority”)
