SCOTUS Watch | July 10, 2020
SCOTUS finished the current session’s term this week and has issued several significant rulings in the last two weeks. We will be taking a look at the Court’s recent rulings, three cases this week, and four cases next week, breaking them down to understand the substantial impact of each one.
Why You Should Worry About the Supreme Court’s Disturbing Ruling on the First Amendment
Just before the stroke of midnight on May 29, while protests and riots against the murder of George Floyd raged across America, the Supreme Court issued one of this year’s most important rulings on the First Amendment.
The Decline of Christian Values is a Danger to America
On this Flag Day, we are in another battle against the ultimate oppressor. Because what makes this nation so different is that this nation is rooted in the belief that our ultimate freedom comes from God, not the government. As Christianity declines and people lose sight of these truths, we are in serious danger.
Justice, What's Right and the Standard of Truth
Today, we see people fighting for “justice” who have different definitions of what’s “right” because they don’t agree on the standard of truth.
Abortion and the Believer
I was shocked when I read the statistics. Research shows that 70 percent of women who get abortions identify as “Christians.” How could this be true? Don’t Christians believe the Bible is the Word of God? Don’t they know what it says about the sanctity of every human life?
My Faith Votes Conversation with Abby Johnson
Watch our conversation with Abby Johnson to learn what's currently happening on the abortion front in our nation and what we can do to stand for life.
The struggle of social distancing and service
2020 has introduced a new term to our social lexicon -- “social distancing.” And it turns out social distancing is a really destructive response to a really destructive disease.
My Faith Votes Conversation with Pastor Robert Morgan
Watch our conversation with Pastor Robert Morgan about how the Bible played a critical role throughout our nation's history.
Coronavirus is redefining the words ‘church’ and ‘worship’
For my congregation, the church isn’t a building and worship isn’t a one-hour-per-week activity.
My Faith Votes Conversation with Dr. David Jeremiah
Watch our conversation with Dr. David Jeremiah about facing fear with faith in this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.
Abortion in the Coronavirus Age
A stunning order from Jay Inslee (D), governor of Washington state, just hammered home the unrelenting obsession that some in this country have with legalized abortion.
Threats, Justices and the War on Abortion
In an unprecedented move, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer threatened Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh at a rally in front of the Supreme Court.
Sex Ed and Religion -- A battle in Washington State
Washington State has introduced a new sexual education bill that seems likely to become law soon. Few things generate as much controversy as teaching sex ed in schools.
Losing Parental Rights in Education
A proposed bill in Mississippi appears that it would strip both homeschool parents and private school administrators of their control over the curriculum. HB188, if passed into law, would mandate that all high school students in the state, whether in public, private, or homeschool, must be given “the same curriculum requirements” regarding state history and the US government.
Franklin Graham Has Been Canceled
Franklin Graham has been canceled. The famous son of America’s most famous evangelist, Billy Graham, had a series of summer crusades scheduled in the UK. But starting a couple of weeks ago, the venues began to ban him from speaking due to his supposed Islamophobia and homophobia.
Fostering Hope in the City of Sin
Fostering Hope is working alongside churches in the Las Vegas valley to grow the number of certified foster families, provide ongoing support for current foster parents, bring awareness and education to the unmet needs in the valley, and meet the practical needs of local agencies caring for children.
2020 March for Life
An estimated 500,000 people marched yesterday. It wasn’t a protest, it was a march for life. President Trump’s opening remarks to the crowd ignited excitement; “It is my profound honor to be the first president in history to attend the March for Life!”
So, What Do You Think about Christianity Today’s Editorial?
One week ago, Christianity Today (CT) published a column that sent the Christian community into a frenzy. The publication’s Editor in Chief, Mark Galli, authored an editorial that described the President as “profoundly immoral” and called for his removal from office. Twitter lit up. Counter opinions were swiftly published, including at another publication, The Christian Post, which took the exact opposite position in its own editorial..
Freedom Wins in Court Ruling
On September 17, 2019, front page headlines in the Arizona Republic read: “LGBTQ decision goes against city.” The complaint concerned the AZ Supreme Court’s ruling that the business Brush and Nib Studio cannot be forced to create custom wedding invitations to same-sex couples.
The Dangerous Business of Proclaiming Christ
True Christians in the West are by default becoming more and more distinct from the surrounding culture. As the culture quickly slips into neo-paganism, proclaiming Christ is becoming more and more dangerous and offensive. This can have a devastating effect on our relationships, our reputations, and even our jobs.
Religious Freedom and Its Power to Unite Christians
“It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand,” said John Adams, second President of the United States.
Critical Updates from the Religious Freedom Summit
My Faith Votes was honored to have our Chairman Sealy Yates attend the Second Annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom Summit in Washington D.C last week. We talked with Sealy to learn more about the event, the critical takeaways for Christians, and how we can speak out on behalf of the persecuted and the voiceless across the world. Read our full conversation below.
The Foundation of a Strong Society
Strong families create strong societies. There is no question about it. Rebecca Hagelin, with Dr. James Dobson Family Talk, says it this way, “A stable family unit is the foundation on which to build a stable society and to raise stable children. Creating sound, stable families is so obviously the answer to saving our society from a litany of social ills and heartbreak that it is often overlooked in a search for more complex and less-effective ‘solutions.’”
A Reminder To Us All This Independence Day
It’s one of my favorite times of the year. Parades, picnics, fireworks and all things red, white and blue to mark America’s birthday. Growing up in a farming community in the Midwest, summertime meant plenty of hometown parades to celebrate our American pride and values. As a child, I loved all the sights and sounds.
Why Abortion Wasn’t a Hot Topic in the Democratic Debates
Twenty candidates sparred over the economy, immigration, healthcare, and racism during the 2-night Democratic debate, but there’s one issue they don’t fight over – abortion.
A Prayer For My Son
In our culture, the role of a father in a child's life has been diminished and devalued. And if we as Christian fathers hope to buck the trend and live up to the calling God has asked of us in fatherhood, then we must pray faithfully and fervently for our children. Here is a prayer I've written for one of my sons.
Men — Listen Up This Father’s Day!
This Father’s Day, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a father like me — a conversation that all fathers need to face. I just got done giving a presentation to a large audience when the usual line of people formed to ask questions or give their input to the talk.
A Q&A with Dennis Prager: God Will Ask You Why You Didn’t Vote
A few weeks ago My Faith Votes sat down with Dennis Prager, the leading conservative radio host, author and co-founder of Prager University. The wide-ranging conversation, which you can view here, touched on the political and cultural divide in America, how the ideology of the Left constitutes a godless religion that has infiltrated society’s core, raising boys in today’s culture and Big Tech’s biased censorship of over 100 PragerU videos.
Immigration Solutions or Political Games?
The politics in Washington D.C. are raging at an all-time high. It’s becoming difficult to distinguish between our representatives who serve on Capitol Hill and actors in a drama.
My Faith Votes Applauds HHS Decision to Discontinue Use of Fetal Tissue from Abortions for Research
DALLAS — Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes, issues the following statement following the announcement by HHS that human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions will no longer be used in research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A Message from President James A. Garfield for this Memorial Day
In 1868 Congressman James A. Garfield, who would later become the 20th president of the United States, gave a speech on “Decorations Day” at Arlington National Cemetery, the day we now refer to as Memorial Day.
We Must Stand with Israel When Rockets Fly
Last week, Israel was pounded by what seemed like an endless stream of rocket attacks. The explosions and bloodshed serve as a reminder that our ally is an island of freedom in a sea of turmoil. Now, as always, the only flourishing democracy in the Middle East needs our unwavering support.
Church Membership in America
A new Gallup survey shows that church membership in America has plummeted 20 points since 1999 to just 50 percent. And the percentage of Americans claiming to have no religion has more than doubled since then.
Removing George Washington
George Washington High School, which is part of the San Francisco Unified School District, has voted to remove two 83-year-old murals depicting (ironically) the life of George Washington because of complaints that their depictions of African-American slaves working in the fields and a slain Native American in the West were offensive and might “traumatize” students and community members.
What You Must Know about the Equality Act
Equality. It is a word that has helped spark movements and revolutionary change around the globe. It is a powerful word representing opportunity, fairness, and equal rights for every person under the law.
ISIS Reduced to Memes
While the cause of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire is still under investigation, officials say that so far, there is no evidence of terrorism or arson. The most likely cause was an accident sparked by flammable chemicals from a restoration project. That didn’t stop ISIS from quickly creating an Internet meme mocking the loss and celebrating the pain it inflicted on Christians.
Notre Dame Update
It now appears that thanks to brilliant Old World construction, brave firefighters and perhaps miraculous intervention, much less of Notre Dame Cathedral was destroyed than was first feared. The worst damage seems to have been contained to the spire and roof.
Mike Huckabee identifies 'biggest threat' to moral fiber of US, why it's the Church's fault
Redefining gender and sexual identity is the “greatest threat” to the moral fiber of America, said former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, and the fault lies with the Church.
Fighting for Life
Georgia legislators have passed a bill banning abortion after the baby has a detectable heartbeat, which is around six weeks, unless the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life or poses “substantial and irreversible physical harm” to the mother.
Fully Human, Fully Alive
What an amazing ultrasound video—my eleven and a half week grandbaby stretching his legs and “jumping” in my daughter’s womb! We could see the tiny heart beating, and it became crystal clear that this little creation wasn’t just a “piece of tissue” but a living being.
Lifting Up the Poor
In politics, we hear comparisons between the haves and the have-nots. The wealthy and the poor. The one percent and the lower class. We’ve listened to the calls for wealth redistribution, free college and Medicare for all. And this rhetoric will only continue to increase.
Unique From Day One
My Faith Votes sat down with one of the keynote speakers of this year's March for Life, Abby Johnson, where she explained the power behind this year’s theme, “Unique from Day One.”
A Conversation With Michele Bachmann
Jason Yates, My Faith Votes, recently sat down with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, former Congresswoman from Minnesota and former Presidential candidate, to glean her insight on the cultural moment we are living in and how Christians can bring biblical answers to our communities.
House Democrats Make Abortion Funding Top Priority
Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes, issues the following statement in response to the passage of legislation in the U.S. House to reopen the government that includes funding for pro-abortion initiatives.
Judge Kavanaugh Statement
Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes, releases a statement in response to President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
DOJ Announcement of the Place to Worship Initiative
My Faith Votes releases the following statement in support of the “Place to Worship Initiative,” which will focus on protecting the ability of houses of worship and other religious institutions to build, expand, buy, or rent facilities
My Faith Votes Applauds Bipartisan Effort in ‘Fighting for the Vulnerable’
There is no greater purpose than for our leaders to uphold the dignity of every person, and this legislation is a fantastic step forward in the fight to protect the life and liberty of those threatened by sexual exploitation.
See Which Senators Voted No on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
This vote not only failed to acknowledge fundamental science but it ignored the voice of the majority of Americans. According to a recent Marist and Knights of Columbus poll, 76% of Americans don’t support abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Every Year We Abort 1.5 Million Babies While Over 3 Million Families Are in Line to Adopt
Human dignity should not be forfeited or diminished, but we still abort millions of babies a year.
Dr. Carson's New HUD Initiative
In early December Dr. Carson, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former National Honorary Chairman of My Faith Votes announced a new initiative within HUD that should excite the community of faith.
Fate of the Johnson Amendment Soon To Be Decided
Congress will be in conference to negotiate and reconcile the differences in their two tax bills. there is one item faith leaders want to see in the final bill. the abolishment of the Johnson Amendment.
My Faith Votes Calls for Unity after Attack on Congressional Leaders, Including Majority Whip Steve Scalise
Let’s then set anger aside from both our mouths and our hearts, and instead let’s seek peace and the common good. America is strongest when, in the midst of our diversity and differences, we can still come together.
My Faith Votes Rallies Pennsylvania Christians to Oppose New Guidance
My Faith Votes is rallying Pennsylvania Christians to oppose a new guideline that seeks to redefine sex in the state.
A Step Forward For Religious Liberty
Last Thursday in the Rose Garden on the White House lawn, on the very same day as the National Day of Prayer, President Donald J. Trump signed the Presidential Executive Order, “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.” You can read this brief Presidential Executive Order here.
Alabama Advances Faith-Based Measures
My Faith Votes commends Alabama legislators for recently approving two important measures for the faith community. The first allows voters to decide if a “right to life” protection will be included in the state’s constitution. The second would grant religious freedom protections to adoption service providers.
George Barna: Worldview And The State Of The Church (Video)
What does it mean to have a biblical worldview? Do the majority of Americans hold a biblical worldview? George Barna of the American Culture & Faith Institute recently conducted a massive research study on this topic, and the results may surprise you.
To Ban Or Not To Ban?
Looking back over the last many months of electrifying and sometimes offensive comments made by many in the media and political spheres regarding the refugee issue, it is no surprise how the issue of the refugee and travel ban has become so emotional and sensitive. From a Christian perspective, it really is a difficult topic to navigate.