Kentucky Baptists approved a strong resolution on the sanctity of human life at its
annual meeting Nov. 11 at
Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington.
Here's the text:
A Resolution on Protecting Unborn Human Life
WHEREAS, the Holy Scripture reveals that all human life is created in the image of God, and therefore sacred to our Creator (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 9:6); and
WHEREAS, the Bible affirms that the unborn baby is a person bearing the image of God from the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13–16; Luke 1:44); and
WHEREAS, Scripture further commands the people of God to plead for protection for the innocent and justice for the fatherless (Psalm 72:12–14; Psalm 82:3; James 1:27); and
WHEREAS, our confessional statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, affirms that children “from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord”; and further affirms that Southern Baptists are mandated by Scripture to “speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death”; and
WHEREAS, some prominent congressional leaders and others have promised a reconsideration of the “Freedom of Choice Act” and other abortion rights legislation; and
WHEREAS, some religious leaders in the United States have called for churches to move beyond the abortion discussion so that the sanctity of unborn human life is reduced to one of a litany of other issues;
WHEREAS, the legacy of the abortion culture has grown to include ongoing assaults on human life such as euthanasia, the harvesting of human embryos for the purposes of medical experimentation, and an accelerating move toward human cloning;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we reiterate our conviction that the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision was based on a fundamentally flawed understanding of the United States Constitution, human embryology, and the basic principles of human rights; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we reaffirm our belief that the Roe v. Wade decision was an act of injustice against innocent unborn children as well as against vulnerable women in crisis pregnancy situations, both of which have been victimized by a “sexual revolution” that empowers predatory and irresponsible men and by a lucrative abortion industry that has fought against even the most minimal restrictions on abortion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we offer our prayers, our love, and our advocacy for women and men who have been abused by abortion and the emotional, spiritual, and physical aftermath of this horrific practice; affirming that the gospel of Jesus Christ grants complete forgiveness for any sin, including that of abortion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge our Kentucky Baptist churches to remain vigilant in the protection of human life by preaching the whole counsel of God on matters of human sexuality and the sanctity of life, by encouraging and empowering Southern Baptists to adopt unwanted children, by providing spiritual, emotional, and financial support for women in crisis pregnancies, and by calling on our government officials to take action to protect the lives of women and children; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we petition our new president-elect, members of Congress, our governor, and state legislature to work to legally protect the lives of all innocent American citizens, including those of the unborn; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we will pray and work for the repeal of legalized abortion; for financial, emotional, and spiritual care for single mothers; for pro-adoption legislation; and for the day when the act of abortion will be not only illegal, but also unthinkable.
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posted by: Site Administrator on November 17th, 2008
The
Kentucky Ethics League is reporting that a petition to ask voters to approve the sale of alcohol by the drink in restaurants that seat 50 or less is being circulated in McDaniels precinct in Breckinridge County. The exact date for a vote has not been set but is expected to be sometime between Dec. 22 and Jan 22.
A group is organizing to fight the issue. A meeting of the dry forces is set for 6 p.m., Dec. 2, at the Corinth Baptist Church.
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posted by: Site Administrator on November 17th, 2008
Analysis of the results of the passage of a constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman in California showed a variety of factors at play in the historic victory on election day. Prayer, a consistent message, better than expected fundraising and cooperation among religious groups were cited among other reasons for proponents ability to win over a majority of voters in what is arguably the nation's most liberal state.
Here's a recap of the analysis from
Baptist Press:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BP)--Back in July, when a Field Poll was released showing that California Proposition 8 was trailing 51-42 among likely voters, the Election Day outlook for supporters of traditional marriage wasn't too bright. Two months later, when a mid-September Field Poll showed Prop 8 backers behind 55-38, the outlook turned grim.
So, how did supporters of Proposition 8 manage, in a mere seven weeks, to turn a 17-point polling deficit into a five-point Election Day victory? It had even trailed in the final three pre-election polls.
Experts and supporters of Prop 8 -- the constitutional amendment which overturned a state Supreme Court ruling and banned "gay marriage" -- point to a number of factors, led by three main ones: a solid consistent message about the impact of "gay marriage" on public schools, better-than-expected fundraising and historical cooperation among various religious groups to back the measure and get out the vote.
The 52.5-47.5 percent victory resulted in perhaps the biggest setback yet for the movement to legalize "gay marriage" nationwide -- as opponents of Prop 8 acknowledge -- and one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the pro-family movement. The day after the election, cities across California, including Los Angeles, already were stopping issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Several lawsuits, led by the ACLU and the city of San Francisco, were filed at the California Supreme Court in an attempt to try and prevent Prop 8 from taking effect, but the suits appear to be long shots.
Click here to read the full story.
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posted by: Site Administrator on November 10th, 2008
There's no big surprise here but
Churchill Downs Inc. has gone on record saying it will pursue expanding gambling once again in the upcoming
Kentucky General Assembly session. A story in this morning's
Louisville Courier-Journal quotes
Churchhill Downs President Bob Evans as saying the company will ask the legislature once again to approve slot machines at the racetracks.
Gambling expansion has repeatedly been beaten back in the General Assembly but big gambling has so much to gain financially (at the expense of Kentucky's families) that the industry is willing to spend as much as it takes for as long as it takes to get what it wants.
Of course, with the nation's economy slumping, expanding gambling is an even worse idea than usual. Addictive slot machines will suck money out of Kentuckians' pockets like vacuum cleaners.
Here's the story from the
Courier-Journal:
Churchill Downs Inc. President Bob Evans pledged to pursue expanded gambling next year in Kentucky, citing Maryland voters' approval of slot machines.
A portion of slots revenue would go to boost racing purses.
"With Maryland voters just approving slots there this week, Kentucky is now the only one of the three states that conduct racing's storied Triple Crown without legislation allowing slot machines," Evans said in a conference call with investors and analysts yesterday to review third-quarter earnings.
Maryland's law allows slots at Laurel Park, although not at Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness Stakes is held. Both of those tracks are owned by Magna Entertainment Corp.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
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posted by: Site Administrator on November 7th, 2008
John Chowning, the chairman of the Kentucky Baptist Convention's Committee on Public Affairs, wrote the guest editorial in this week's
Western Recorder newspaper. Chowning is also vice president for church and external relations at
Campbellsville University and pastor of
Saloma Baptist Church in Campbellsville.
The message is very appropriate as we head into Tuesday's election.
Here's the editorial:
Much has been written about the historic nature of the election we’re about to experience. On a national level, U.S. voters will elect either the first African-American president or the first female vice president. The election of either candidate will be long remembered as a significant moment in the American experience.
Beyond the elements of skin tone and gender, however, Americans seem to sense this time also marks an important cultural moment in our history. We go into this election as a nation at war and in the midst of severe economic crisis. Emotions are running high and nerves are becoming frayed as partisans for each set of candidates maneuver, spend and calculate.
As we approach this significant moment, it’s only right that we ask ourselves as Christians, “How would God have me respond?” As we look to the Scriptures, we find that God actually has quite a lot to say about our relationship to governmental authority. In 1 Peter 2:13-14, Peter says to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him.” In Romans 13:4, Paul (while living under the rule of a pagan government) said, “Government is God’s servant to you for good.” In Mark 12:17, Jesus himself reminds us to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
So how does this play out in a practical way in 2008? Here are some concrete ways to allow your faith and American politics to intersect:
Pray. Pray for your country, for this election and for all of the candidates, even those you do not support. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority.”
Vote. If you are eligible to vote, do so. Examine the words, past actions, qualifications and experience of the candidates. Look beyond the smiles and personalities to the platforms of their parties and ask God for His guidance as you decide for whom to cast your ballot. Party platforms, voter guides and comparative analysis of the candidates’ issue stances are readily available on the Internet and in various publications.
Engage. Voting should only mark the beginning of Christian civic involvement. In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus tells us to be salt and light. In the context of Christian citizenship, this means being willing to be counted on issues of importance. Be willing to call or write your government leaders. Attend rallies, support resolutions or sign petitions as appropriate. Government leaders often hear only from people with extreme viewpoints because the vast majority of citizens avoid getting involved.
Participate. One of the greatest needs in America today is for Christians to take their citizenship to the level of actual service. Most elected positions in the United States are not full-time jobs so committing to public office does not necessarily mean a career change. People who are juggling the responsibilities of other jobs, church obligations and busy family lives can fill school boards, city councils and even state legislative positions. Serving is not easy. Most people don’t want the hassle. But if you have the qualifications to serve, maybe you should be praying about whether God is calling you in this direction.
Here’s a final point to remember about the interesting times in which we live: God still is in control. He will be in control on Nov. 4, and He will still be in control on Nov. 5, no matter who is elected. And it is to Him that we owe our ultimate trust and allegiance. In his own farewell speech as a national leader, Joshua reminded the people of Israel of this crucial point. “Choose you this day whom you will serve,” he said, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
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posted by: Site Administrator on November 2nd, 2008