Muslim Women and Sharia Law

July 21, 2010

This is the second time a post has appeared here with this title.  An email from Barbara gives us a snapshot of the life of one Muslim woman and information about Shariah law. – CR

…Nonie Darwish was born in Egypt as a Muslim.

In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child, consummating the marriage by 9. The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) for the purchase of her private parts. Even though a woman is abused, she cannot obtain a divorce. To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses. Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry.  The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives at will and no explanation is necessary. The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.

The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman. In the Western World (including America) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife cannot obtain a divorce. Thus, he can have full and complete control of her.  It is amazing and alarming how many are attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law. By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.

“Ripping the West in Two”

Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two. She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.

Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel.  He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza . When he died, he was considered a “shahid,” a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.

But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing.. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television. In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law – what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries. For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed.

Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual.  Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world. Peace and prosperity for one’s children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world. While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics – one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others. While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism. It’s hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed.

Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation. While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.

While America is erasing the history of Christianity’s influence from all public sites some Muslims are planning a great jihad on America …


FROM JOY TO SADNESS TO JOY

June 25, 2010

It was like watching a miraculous assembly line.  One doctor removed a kidney from a living donor.  Another doctor placed the kidney in a needy patient.  After the kidney was slow to awaken, a third doctor prescribed a procedure to help the kidney work.  Different nurses were aware of the situation and monitored it.  A specialist performed the “wake up” procedure.  A second specialist checked on the family to see if there were any emotional needs.

All of this took place in a state that ranks near the bottom on educational achievement tests annually.

Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Little Rock is indeed an oasis for many.  The Large “campus” in Little Rock continues to expand.  Soon, a new heart and kidney transplant center will be operational.  The hospital already handles hundreds of difficult situations daily and with precision.

It is no surprise to the Christian that it does well.  The first thing one sees when entering the large main entryway is a scripture written in very visible letters on the wall above the information desk.  To see the quotation makes the Christian feel that they are in a good place.

The Hospital is a great asset and example to those in Arkansas.

We live in a time where a kidney transplant is a fairly common procedure. We also live in a time that basic Biblical truth is not believed or known or shown respect.  It is indeed a paradox.

There is news from Arkansas that makes the heart hurt.

Here is the headline:

10-Year-Old Grand Marshall at Gay Rights Parade Sparks Controversy Across U.S.

The parade would be a sad event in any city.  Unfortunately, it is taking place in Fayetteville, Arkansas this weekend.

This headline comes from a state where, in 2008, a good majority of the residents passed a law not allowing adoptive or foster children to be raised in homes with homosexual couples.

They are pushing it down our throats, are they not?  Even worse, they are pushing it down the throats of our children.  Are they not aware of the verse about the millstone?

The continual moral decline of our society has again shocked someone who thought he was beyond that point.  I spend time around DHS, CASA, and Christian Social workers who are constantly on the alert for signs of harm to children.  How can this parade be happening in broad daylight?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

No matter how great man’s achievements become, he should never forget the words of Jesus.  It is unfortunate that many are no longer familiar with His words.  It is unfortunate that many no longer care about the words of their only hope.

This post would not be complete without the following words:

Psalm 30:11

11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,”

A fruit of God’s Holy Spirit is joy.  Although Christians must not hide from the awful things they see occurring in the world, God gives joy in spite of it all.  The joy comes from the knowledge of God’s love for us and is present at times when we least expect it.  It is like a calm in the middle of a storm.  I do not live by experience, however.  God’s Word is my light. At the same time, I cannot deny that I have experienced joy in the midst of sorrow.  The world will not understand this.  Christians do.

Chris Reimers

Fayetteville Mayor Joins in the Gay Pride Parade:

http://familycouncil.org/?p=979


WHAT AN S-300 IS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

May 23, 2010

Mr. Obama is scheduled to meet today (May 24) with Lebanese President Saad Hariri.  The US is stating “grave concerns” over Hezbollah’s buildup of arms in Southern Lebanon.  It is likely to be a topic during today’s discussion.  The following headline appeared yesterday:

Hizbullah arms of ‘grave concern’

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?ID=176129

The Israelis are sure to doubt any “grave concerns” because of  recent U.S. decisions.  The change of position on the S-300 is one of several Obama Administration policy changes that have caused the people of Israel to question American support.

An S-300 is a Russian made anti-aircraft battery.  It is capable of shooting down sophisticated multi-million dollar warplanes.

The Obama Administration has “made concessions,” agreeing not to ban the sale of Russian anti-aircraft batteries to Tehran.

The New York Times, a source that I can’t remember using previously, is reporting that:

“The concessions are the latest moves in President Obama’s effort to establish a fresh partnership with Russia after years of mutual suspicion.”

It goes on to state:

“The latest moves generated a fresh barrage of criticism from lawmakers and national security experts who said the administration was giving away too much and getting too little in return.”

Here’s the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/22/world/22sanctions.html

There is no question that the unease of those living in Israel will intensify after another awful decision by the Obama Administration.  The following quote is no surprise:

“Military sources point out to debkafile, that Washington’s uneven and inconsistent approach to Iran and Syria make naught of the protestations made by President Obama and other US officials of their unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.”

This decision by the Obama Administration has created more instability in a situation that is already way out of control.

Chris Reimers


DOCUMENTARY FILM HIGHLIGHTS MOVEMENT OF ONE WORLD RELIGION

May 22, 2010

A young Christian researcher and film maker, Keith Thompson, has published an outstanding work on the topic of the one world religion movement.  His latest film, Aquarius: The Age of Evil, is a look inside the beliefs of One World /New Age occultists.

I am saddened that our young people have to deal with such subjects, but thankful that God has gifted young people like Keith Thompson to help his generation understand the times in which they live.

The following quote is from an interview Keith did last week:

“The global elite (that we call the New World Order) believe in certain things.   Their plan is not just political.  That’s a common misconception that people have.  They think that these elite are just in it for the money, the power, etc.  That’s not the case.  If you look at a lot of these individuals, they have very esoteric and occult beliefs. The main thrust of the New World Order is based on a concept that is known as “The New Age.”

Keith goes on to say that the New Agers believe that we are coming out of the age of Jesus (Pisces) and that we will have a new teacher in the Age of Aquarius.

“Many of these occultists say that the Age of Aquarius will be a one world utopia accompanied by a one world government and a one world ruler.  So, when you look at these New World Order people like Robert Muller, former Assistant U.N. General Secretary…they are all followers who believe that this new age is going to produce…this one world system.”

About a year ago, an acquaintance told me that I should watch the Zeitgeist “movie” on You Tube.  I did.  I found some of the information interesting.  The problem with it: Christianity is marginalized and discredited.  There’s a lot of that going on these days.

What makes Christianity unique is its risen Savior.  Anyone who wants to read about this matchless truth need only look as far as their nearest Bible and the book of Acts (Acts is directly after the four gospels).  The book of Acts describes events in the early church; after Jesus ascended into heaven.  Acts 4: 8-12 states:

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

9if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well,

10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by this name this man stands here before you in good health.

11“He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.

12“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

This last verse is under assault from hundreds of different directions.

We hear a great deal about a New World Order these days.  Mr. Obama used a similar term in his West Point commencement speech on Saturday.  He said: “We have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation.”

Less than a minute later he said it again: “The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times.”  The man was talking to talented young Americans who have chosen to defend this nation and he has the nerve to talk of an international order on the day of their graduation?

Here’s the video.  KARK played the clip on the 6:00 news. You can judge for yourself the intent of the statement:

(I had a link here but it was removed because of “third party copyright infringements.”)

Mr. Obama’s statement is a sign that a one world government is coming.  There as so many other signs.

We don’t hear much about a one world religion.  As a Christian, I believe that the scriptures are clear.  A one world religion will accompany a one world government.

This is the reason that Keith Thompson’s work is timely. His documentation is flawless and his theology is Biblically sound.  The film is well worth your time.

Chris Reimers

Added on 12/12/2010:

Keith’s original intent was to upload the movie to his You tube channel so that it would be free to all.  After uploading the movie into sections, parts of it were “flagged” and removed by You tube.  Someone complained that sections of the documentary made false statements.

What was false were the allegations as all of Keith’s work was backed by documentation.  Unfortunately, this fact didn’t stop parts of the film from being “flagged” and removed.

Keith ended up selling the DVD on two different websites.

Months later, all sections are up in various places on You tube and the documentary can be seen in its entirety for free.

This is a 2 ½ hour documentary. I have read the entire text of the documentary and have sent a review to Keith.  He was appreciative of my remarks.

The Movie – Aquarius: The Age of Evil

You can TRY THIS ONE.

This probably won’t work, as the links surrounding this movie, including interviews, change constantly.

Your best bet is to go to YouTube and type in: The Movie – Aquarius: The Age of Evil

cr


THE BEAR IS GROWLING

May 11, 2010

Checking Russian online news sources this morning, it took awhile to find the story. I don’t look at Russian online news very often, but it’s amazing how similar they look to mainline U.S. online news sources.

Once again, the gathering of this information was made easier by Christian news sources.  The secular news doesn’t understand how important these developments are.

Surprisingly, CBS had an online story about this meeting.  Was it was seen in the print or T.V. media?  It’s doubtful.

The CBS post entitled, “Russia Seeks Bigger Mideast Role, Via Syria,” had the following quotes:

“Russian diplomats said the long-stalled Mideast peace process, Iran’s nuclear program and bilateral arms trade between the two countries were expected to be key topics for the two-day visit, the first ever to Syria by any Russian or Soviet head of state.”

“Analysts say Moscow’s influence in the Middle East will in many ways depend on its relations with Syria, an increasingly important regional player with tight ties to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has its political headquarters in Damascus.

Russia, with the European Union, the United Nations and the United States, is a member of the international quartet for Middle East peace and has long sought to expand its clout in the region.”

“Medvedev’s visit comes amid reports that he he’ll honor a deal with Damascus for the sale of an advanced anti-aircraft defense system.”

“Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has personally flown to Moscow in the hope of preventing the weapons deal, but Medvedev would only agree to a delay, unwilling to cancel the deal. The Russian leader justified the sale by saying the weapons system is a defensive one, not an offensive one.”

“Syria has insisted that the promise of an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights be a precursor to any renewed peace negotiations between the two countries. Netanyahu has vehemently rejected the notion of a withdrawal.”

The complete article may be seen here:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-seeks-bigger-mideast-role-via-syria/

Russian sources reported the following:

“”The situation in the Middle East is getting worse and an increase of tensions would be extremely dangerous,’ Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday during his visit to Syria.
“‘Any future flare-up of the Mideast situation is fraught with the danger of catastrophe,’ Medvedev said during a joint news conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.”

“‘I have personally emphasized that Russia will do everything possible to restore Mideast peace talks under the existing international legal base,’ he added. ‘The situation is deteriorating, becoming more complicated, and it negatively affects the general climate in the Middle East.'”

“The president said Russia was ready to make every effort and hold a Middle East peace conference in Moscow that would achieve “at least some intermediate results.”

“Syria’s main demand within the peace process is the return of the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.”

“Al-Assad said his country was ready to negotiate on all issues as soon as the occupied territories are returned to Syria.”

“‘Syria cannot agree to a deal under which it gets back only a part of the occupied Syrian land,’ the president said.”

See the article here:

http://en.rian.ru/world/20100511/158972407.html

There you have it.  Neither side will make concessions on the issue of the Golan Heights.  Israel can’t be blamed.  If they were to give up the Heights, they would be giving up one of their most strategic positions.  It helps protect them from the north.  Any military man will tell you that you never give up the high ground.

Articles relating to these events and seen from different angles, can be found at the following site:

http://www.nuggetnetreview.com/main-news1.htm

This story has many implications.  It’s only a matter of time to see what comes of it.

Chris Reimers


JEWS IN THE NEWS – AND MOST OF AMERICA HAS NO CLUE

May 9, 2010

One of Yesterday’s headlines reads:

Poll: Obama has Lost Almost Half of his US Jewish Support

Less than a week ago, I wrote that I had always been surprised that 80% of Jewish Americans had voted for Barack Obama (see “comments” under RADICAL ISLAM IS ON THE MOVE). The same folks who discovered these surprising numbers now say that Mr. Obama has the support of only 4 in 10 American Jews.  What a difference in 18 months.

Here’s another headline from yesterday:

US sends Israel smart bombs to match Syrian missiles for Hizballah

Both of these headlines were found in Jewish news sources and were parroted in a few Christian websites.

Anyone who has been watching the Middle East knows that Hezbollah has been re-arming since its last confrontation with Israel in the summer of 2006.  The only difference is that now the terrorist group has more rockets.  Not only are they greater in numbers – U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said “Hezbollah has more missiles than most governments”- they are reportedly more deadly and they have greater range.  The Israelis have been preparing for chemical attacks.

If the headline is true, if we are going to help Israel defend itself, it may change the way the Jews view Mr. Obama once again.  I’ve read story after story about the disappointment that American supporters of Israel have over certain actions or non-actions of the current American administration.

What would America do if a terrorist group were placing huge numbers of missiles in Mexico?  What if we knew they were aimed at American cities like San Diego and San Antonio and we thought that some of them may contain chemical weapons?

The answer is obvious.  Look at how our media has reacted to the intended car bombing in New York City.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is expected to visit Damascus in Syria today.  I wonder if it will get any coverage.  This is the same Damascus that the Bible predicts will suffer dire consequences some day.  Most of the missiles the terrorists in Southern Lebanon possess came through Syria compliments of the leaders of Iran.  I can’t wait to see how the Medvedev/Assad meeting goes.

Yesterday, Shimon Perez met with Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.  He was representing Israel at a ceremony recognizing the defeat of the Nazis 65 years ago.

Israel could have sent a lower level dignitary to such an event.  The real reason that President Peres went to Moscow was to, once again, hold out the olive branch to those who are bent on Israel’s destruction.

Mr. Peres, sent a message to the President of Syria, Bashar Assad, stating that Israel did not want a confrontation with Syria.

Unbelievable.  The Israelis are offering peace once again.  It doesn’t take a genius to know the results.  The Syrians and Iranians will continue to support the terrorists.

How many Americans know what you’ve just read?

How many Americans know that the Chinese President and German Chancellor were also in Moscow and met with President Peres?

The answer: very few.

I watched several mainline news programs yesterday and these events were not mentioned.

I didn’t get the local paper, but I checked the Sentinel-Record front page online.  Not there.  Was it anywhere? Page 12A?  Maybe one of you can tell me.

I checked the online issue of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.  Nothing visible enough that anyone would notice.

I googled “Medvedev meets with Peres” and several other possibilities that should have given me news about these events. A few articles about these important events came from two sources in Israel, one that is a very liberal source according to one of the readers of this blog.  The other sources were mostly Christian sources that watch the Middle East anticipating the eventual fulfillment of Biblical prophecies.

Where is the mainstream American media? They are where they normally are.  They are lost. The big story is still the attempted bombing in NYC.  Hillary Clinton talked about the “global threat” on 60 minutes last night in a story that was mostly about her. The interview with our Secretary of State followed a story about the New York City bomb scare.  The “global threat” statement she made neglected to mention Iran or Syria or Hezbollah.

Unbelievable.

Are the conspiracy theorists right?  Is the mainstream media spoon fed by elites who control what we are told?

I think there may be some truth to this because some deliverers of the message are elites themselves. However, it is not the main reason important stories don’t make the front page.

Most of those who report mainstream news do not believe what the Bible says.  To most of the mainstream media, the Bible is a collection of nice stories that attempt to teach us moral behavior.  They think it’s a book of fairy tales.

The Russian President, the Chinese President, the German Chancellor, and the Israeli President were all at the same place at the same time (Moscow) and I can’t find the news easily available anywhere in American mainline media sources.

The American media is self-absorbed.

The second biggest “global threat” is the one developing in the Middle East.  There is only one larger threat, but I can wait until next Monday to post information about it, I think.

Chris Reimers

Late breaking news – The BBC New just posted a report entitled:

First round of Mid-East indirect peace talks completed

This is the story that will probably hit the mainstream American newswires today.  George Mitchell is shuttling between representatives of Israel and the Palestinians.  I think that most people who have followed the relations between the two parties know the minute chances of something permanent coming from talks like these. – CR

The poll:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/137449

Related articles:

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/peres-in-message-to-syria-israel-does-not-want-war-1.289238

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/the-missiles-are-coming-1.289149

The BBC story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8670726.stm


GOOGLE “GEORGE WASHINGTON” – GET 74 MILLION HITS, GOOGLE “NEW WORLD ORDER” – GET 276 MILLION HITS

May 1, 2010

……..Have you ever read a good article with a poorly chosen title?  I stumbled on one about a popular “conspiracy theory.”  The article is balanced and informative.  The title doesn’t fit the piece well, but that’s O.K.  It’s hard to find a good article about the “New World Order,” a term our leaders have been using for years.  I didn’t know that Pres. Bush #1 used the term so frequently until fairly recently.

The Bible tells of a time ahead when there will be a consolidation of power.  One doesn’t need to listen hard these days to hear terms like “world constitution,” “one world community,” and “New World Order.”  The technology to create such an “Order” wasn’t available when Herbert Walker Bush used the term in his speeches.  It now is.

The thing that must be conquered to achieve such an “Order” is the resolve of the people.  For those, like myself, who believe that consolidation of power is eventually certain, the true battlefield lies in the willingness of man to give up his rights in exchange for certain promises.

The final terminology for the consolidation may not be “The New World Order,” however, this term certainly stirs the emotions of many, particularly those who see it described in the pages of scripture.

Read this article and decide upon your own title:

Chris Reimers

http://www.newswithviews.com/LeMieux/michael125.htm


G20 REPS DISCUSS ONE WORLD ECONOMY

April 28, 2010

Gary Stearman talks about G20 weekend discussions and how they relate to Biblical prophecy.

Click below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UvVbfJGiIQ


CHRISTIAN KICKED OUT OF AMERICAN COLLEGE BECAUSE OF VIEWS ON HOMOSEXUALITY

April 26, 2010

This story tells how Christian views on homosexuality may now effect someone’s effort at attainment of a higher education. 

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=144881


IS THE CENSUS BUREAU ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO LIE? ARKANSAS JUDGE OVERTURNS THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

April 18, 2010

Watch this video by Jerry Cox of the Arkansas Family Council.  He is one of my favorite Arkansans. You may be surprised by his comments.

http://familycouncil.org/?p=918

In another story about homosexuality, an Arkansas circuit judge made a decision last week that made “unconstitutional” a law that was established by the people of Arkansas in the 2008 election.  The people voted 57% to 43% in favor of a law the judge has now decided to be unconstitutional.  You may recall the effort that many Arkansans made to get Act 1 on the ballot before it was approved by those who went to the polls.

Here’s the story.  We haven’t heard the last of this one.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-strikes-gender-affirming-care-ban-arkansas/story?id=100257964

Jerry Cox called Judge Piazza’s ruling “a classic example of judicial tyranny.” I couldn’t agree more.

This story reminds me of the FEDERAL judge that decided that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional…LAST WEEK!!!

To quote U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb of Wisconsin, her ruling “was not a judgment on the value of prayer. She noted government involvement in prayer may be constitutional if the conduct serves a ‘significant secular purpose’ and doesn’t amount to a call for religious action. But the National Day of Prayer crosses that line,” she wrote.

WHAT????? When did prayer ever become a secular practice?

It is interesting that Mr. Obama is going to observe the National Day of Prayer.  We know, however, that his prayer will be inclusive of all religions.

***FOR THOSE OF YOU READING “AMERICA IS BROKE,” PLEASE START HERE:

So when did the big change begin?  When did Christianity become one of many? I wish that I had the answer.  I know that it once was different in America.

There is a great difference between today’s justices (at all levels) and those who held the same positions in 1844.  You may be staggered by the difference between the courts of our lifetime and the ones in 1844.

This is only one example.  It’s the story of a Supreme Court case in 1844. Those who say that this was never a Christian country should read the 1844 U.S. Supreme Court case of Vidal v. Girard’s Executors, 43 U.S. 126, 132.  Here are some of the facts of the case:

A man named Stephen Girard, a deist from France, moved to Philadelphia.  When he died, he left an estate worth $7 million.  He left instructions that an orphanage and school be established with the stipulation that no religious influence be allowed.  The city of Philadelphia rejected the offer.  Lawyers representing the city declared:

“The plan of education proposed is anti-Christian, and therefore repugnant to the law…The purest principles of morality are to be taught.  Where are they found?  Whoever searches for them must go to the source from which a Christian man derives his faith-the Bible….There is an obligation to teach what the Bible alone can teach…a pure system of morality…

….the Old and New Testament’s importance is recognized.  In the Old it is said, ‘Thou shalt diligently teach them to thy children,’ and in the New, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not…’  No fault can be found with Girard for wishing a marble college to bear his name forever, but it is not valuable unless it has a fragrance of Christianity about it.”

The case reached the Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously, stating:

“Christianity…is not to be maliciously and openly reviled and blasphemed against, to the annoyance of believers or the injury of the public…It is unnecessary for us, however to consider the establishment of a school or college, for the propagation of…Deism, or any other form of infidelity.

Such a case is not to be presumed to exist in a Christian country…Why man not laymen instruct in the general principles of Christianity as well as ecclesiastics…

And we cannot overlook the blessings, which such men by their conduct, as well as their instructions,…must impart to their youthful pupils.  Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without note or comment, be read and taught as a divine revelation …its general precepts expounded, its evidences explained and its glorious principles of morality inculcated?

Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from the New Testament?”

This was the view of the ENTIRE U.S. Supreme Court in the middle of the 19th century.  Imagine the Supreme Court of 2010 voting unanimously on any “religious” item.

Imagine, in 2010, a municipality turning down  free money because they viewed something not Christian.  Today’s argument would be that the orphanage would create jobs and a home for kids.

This argument reminds me of the “benefits” we were to receive from the lottery.  Our college students were to receive assistance with the cost of higher education.  Unheard voices, like those at the Arkansas Family Council, warned that tuitions would only rise and offset any tuition assistance.  Where did the AFC get their information?  They took information from surrounding states.  They listed examples of how the costs of college went up after lotteries were instituted.  This was just one of many negative effects the Arkansas Family Council published about a then proposed lottery.  Unfortunately, a few 15 second sound bites was the extent of the press that the folks concerned about the ill effects of a lottery got.  Millions of dollars spent to convince the populace of “a good thing” won the day.  Most churches were silent.

Did you see the story on the news last night?  College tuition costs in Arkansas are rising.  They didn’t increase last year.  Now we have a lottery and tuition costs are going up.  Although our increases aren’t as large as those in some states, a fact that the media made sure to point out, I think increases that range from 4% to 8% are unacceptable.

A few lottery administrators are living lavishly, overpaid college professors and administrators will have large pay increases, and students will be no better off than they were before.  Many will still end up with student loans that they will be paying for years.

Christians believed in 1844 that if they made decisions based on Biblical principles that blessings would follow.  Jobs and places for kids would be a part of those blessings.

What would $7 million be in today’s dollars? I’ll make a conservative guess.  How about $250 million.  I think that’s the amount one of the states will get because its legislators made concessions and voted to help pass the government’s new health care plan.  Any city, Philadelphia in particular, that turned down that kind of money today would be viewed as insane.  Turn down money because of some principle?  Be real.

The statements made by the 1844 Supreme Court in the noted case would be viewed as “intolerant,” at best, today.  And what would the Court of 1844 say about the Court of 2010?  I think they would be so shocked at what’s going on that they wouldn’t be able to say anything.

In 1844, Christian principles were the most important thing.  The contrast between the worldview of the man or woman who replaces Justice Stephens and the worldview of Justice Story cannot be overstated.

And now we have a Federal Judge saying that the National Day of Prayer is Unconstitutional? WHAT???????

I’ve heard people say that they fear a Theocracy of some kind if Christians get control of things.  Christians – ones who believed that the entire Bible is truth – once made up a large majority of America and no one considered the absurd notion that a Theocracy was possible until the millennium.  It was a Constitutional Republic then; it is a Constitutional Republic now.  Barely.  Nothing in the seven Articles in the Constitution has changed.  The Bill of Rights is the same.  Our problem is that we have done the same thing with the Constitution that we have done with the Bible.

What is different? The worldview of Americans living in 2010 is different.  Today, lawyers representing the city of Philadelphia would not think to make a statement like the one made in the court case I’ve mentioned.  The U.S. Supreme Court certainly wouldn’t make a statement similar to the one noted here from Vidal v. Girard’s Executors. Someone might be offended by Biblical principles.

The United States was not considered a Theocracy then, but if we consider doing something “Christian” now, well, there is concern that we may turn our nation into one. Today, in many places in this country, a manger scene may not be set up unless a winter solstice scene is allowed alongside.

Most Christians will tell you that we won’t have a Theocracy until Jesus returns.  It would be impossible to have one before then.

If you are not a Christian and you are still reading this, there is something important that you should know.  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  I write these words, not to scare or warn, although warning would not be out of line.  I write these words because I believe, like Justice Story, that they are the truth.

The Supreme Court stated in 1844 that this was a Christian country, a true statement then.  Our current President says that this country is not Christian.  I would argue that he is, sadly, correct.  Godlessness is being taught in 100% of our public science classrooms nationwide.  If a professor at a college getting government funding mentions the words “Intelligent design,” he/she is in danger of losing his/her job.  Don’t believe it?  Check out the movie/documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed “starring” Ben Stein.  I was not surprised by the angry and hateful response by so many to such a simple expose.

Christians obviously want the clock turned back to 1844 in many ways.  I’ll take the mule and all that goes with along with it if I can get back a Supreme Court like the one on which Judge Story served.  Is it possible?  Those who are familiar with scripture know the answer.  With God all things are possible.

If Act 1 is not upheld, a project that I and many of my friends spent hours on because of our concern for the welfare of children, I fear that we may be too far down the road to decadence.

If we are too far gone, if the clock isn’t turned back, we need not be concerned about a Theocracy.  We will need to be ready to embrace one.

Chris Reimers

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,

On the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness

From then on and FOREVERMORE. – Isaiah 9: 6-7c

…and Justice Joseph Story?

Joseph Story/Associate Justice 1812 to 1845

Story was only 32 years old when he joined the Supreme Court and was overshadowed by John Marshall during most of his tenure on the bench, but he ultimately had a greater impact on the law, society and legal theory than any other justice in history. Even though Marshall assigned virtually all the major early Supreme Court opinions to himself, Story was the intellectual anchor who gave lasting meaning to the decisions. After declaring the outcome of one case Marshall turned to him and said, “Now, Story, that is the law; you find the precedents for it.” When he was allowed to write, Story proved that he was the better of Marshall as a legal mind. In Martin v. Hunter’s Lessee (1816) he established the Court’s authority over state decisions touching on federal law. His decision in Bank of the United States v. Dandridge (1827) led to the creation of the modern corporation as a legal entity and other seminal opinions laid the foundations for admiralty law, equity law and patent law. In United States v. Amistad (1841), which was the basis of a 1997 Steven Spielberg film starring retired Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun as Story, he bolstered the abolitionist movement by ruling that the transport of a group of Africans across the Atlantic was illegal and the slaves should be freed.

Taken from HistoryNet.com.

Judge Story is listed as one of the top 9 Supreme Court Justices of all time.