In Which I Paint With Some Bright Yellows

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A consensus appears to be developing among otherwise reasonable people that Kim Davis, of Rowan County fame, either needs to start issuing marriage licenses or quit her job.

For those just joining us, a county clerk in Kentucky is refusing to issue marriage licenses against her conscience and is also refusing to resign. Her name, which should be on a bronze plaque on the side of the courthouse, is Kim Davis. A federal judge has ordered her to appear in his courtroom Thursday to explain why Davis should not be held in contempt of court for refusing to issue marriage licenses.

File this under sentiments which seem extreme at the time, but heroic when the danger is over, and you are reading them inscribed on the base of a polished marble memorial.
File this under sentiments which seem extreme at the time, but heroic when the danger is over, and you are reading them inscribed on the base of a polished marble memorial.

But there is a difference between contempt of court and seeing that the courts have become contemptible.

Now while florists and bakers and photographers enjoy a great deal of active support from the broader Christian world, the most people like Davis will get is a sympathetic lack of sympathy. It falls out this way because Christians generally understand the private sector — that’s where they live, after all — but they don’t understand the nature of government. They don’t understand the public sector and the relationship of God’s  Word to it. Their theology develops a distinct limp as soon as they step into the public square, but it is not the kind of limp you might acquire by wrestling with God at Peniel. It is more like what might happen if you dropped the Collected Works of Immanuel Kant on your foot. That results in quite a distinctive limp, one  you see everywhere.

Here is a quick sampling of that sympathetic lack of sympathy:

Carly Fiorina says the clerk needs to comply or move on. Ed Morrissey says the same. Ryan Anderson generally agrees with that, as does Rod Dreher. Note particularly the last comment in Dreher’s piece — that there are hills to die on, but that this is not it.

Update: After Ryan Anderson objected, I went back and reread him. His position is more nuanced than I let on, and so my apologies to him. I still have objections to his solution, but that will require a separate post.

So I want to begin by making an observation about that hill-to-die-on thing, but then move on to discuss the foundational principle that is at stake here. After that, I want to point out what it would look like if more government officials had the same understanding that Kim Davis is currently displaying — despite being opposed by all the intoleristas and also despite being abandoned by numerous Christians who admire her moxie but who don’t understand her moxie.

First, whenever we get to that elusive and ever-receding “hill to die on,” we will discover, upon our arrival there, that it only looked like a hill to die on from a distance. Up close, when the possible dying is also up close, it kind of looks like every other hill. All of a sudden it looks like a hill to stay alive on, covered over with topsoil that looks suspiciously like common ground.

So it turns out that surrendering hills is not the best way to train for defending the most important ones. Retreat is habit-forming.

This brings us to my second goal this morning, which is to highlight the principle. Pick some absurd issue — admittedly a dangerous thing to do in these times that defy the tender ministrations of satire — and that means that to be sufficiently absurd it would have to be an issue like legalized cannibalism. Now let us say that we live in a time, some weeks hence, when cannibalism can be practiced generally on established free market principles (Dahmer v. Illinois, 2023). But if you want to have a BBQ of that nature in a city park, on city property, then you are going to need a permit. Now say that you are Kim Davis’s granddaughter, and your office issues the permits for all activities in all the city parks. Do you issue the permit? Or do you arrange for a compromise? Find somebody in the office not nearly so squeamish as you are? “Hey, Queequeg! Can you handle this one?”

I interrupt this post to anticipate an objection to my choice of illustrations. “Are you saying, Wilson, that same sex mirage can be equated with cannibalism?” Well, no, they are very different sins. That said, they are both very wicked and God hates them both, and county clerks ought not give either one the sanction of law. But I am not trying equate anything here — I am simply trying to illustrate how a believer’s conscience ought to work if he is employed by a government that tries to sin grievously through the instrumentality of a godly magistrate. This is just how I paint illustrations, with bright yellows and gaudy greens. I do that so that people can see them.

So, follow me closely here. Chesterton once said that art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere. We have a set up where a line must be drawn at some point. And in the abstract all evangelical Christians would almost certainly agree that when that line was crossed, wherever it is, the revolt of the county clerks would be a good thing. With me?

Let me spell it out further. Back in the thirties, if a county clerk had refused a marriage license to a couple because they attended a church where the pastor baptized people with heads upstream, instead of her preferred way, with heads downstream, we would all agree that said clerk had gotten above himself. And if a county clerk expedited and stamped all the processing papers for trains full of Jews headed to Auschwitz, we would all have no problem with said clerk being prosecuted after the war. And when he was prosecuted, “it was entirely legal” would not be an adequate defense. Got that? Two positions, marked clearly on the map, and there is a line somewhere between them.

Where is that line? Why is that line there? By what standard do we make that determination? Who says? These questions cannot be answered apart from the law of God, and that is why we are having such trouble with them. We want a pagan society to respect our sentimental religiosity, and that is not going to happen any time soon.

The point here is not just private conscience. The right to liberty of conscience is at play with florists, bakers, and so on. But Kim Davis is not just keeping herself from sinning, she is preventing Rowan County from sinning. That is part of her job.

Every Christian elected official should be determining, within the scope of their duties, which lines they will not allow the state to cross. When they come to that line, they should refuse to cross it because “this is against the law of God.” They should do this as part of their official responsibilities. This is part of their job. It is one of the things they swear to do when they take office.

This is nothing less than Calvin’s doctrine of the lesser magistrates (Institutes 4.20.22-32), which I would urge upon all and sundry as relevant reading material. And as Calvin points out, after Daniel — a Babylonian official — disobeyed the king’s impious edict, he denied that he had wronged the king in any way (Dan. 6:22-23).

Now this takes me to my citation of Jefferson above. Some might say that it is a shame that I, a staunch Calvinist, have taken to quoting a Deist on the relationship of righteousness to government. And I say that it is a shame that a 18th century Deist has a better grasp of the relationship of righteousness to government than do two and a half busloads of 21st century Reformed seminary professors. The striking inconsistency might have two possible causes, in other words.

If just ten governors treated Obergefell the same way Kim Davis is treating it, that entire unrighteous and despotic imposition would collapse and fall to the ground. And if they did so, they would not be sinning against the United States. Rather, they would be preventing the United States from sinning.

The end game here is not armed revolution. The end game is simply a refusal to cooperate with their revolution. Make them fire or impeach faithful officials. Once removed, such faithful officials should run for office again with a promise to continue to defy all forms of unrighteous despotism. As one friend of mine put it, “Lather. Rinse. Repeat.”

Some might ask what the good in that would be. Wouldn’t it just result in no Christians in such positions? Perhaps, but it would be far better to have godless results enforced by the godless than to insist that the godly do it for them. It would be far better to have the “no Christians in power results” when it was actually the case that no Christians were in power. I would rather have non-Christian clerks acting like non-Christian clerks than to have Christian clerks do it for them. I mean, right?

Don’t tell believers to stay engaged so that they can make a difference, and then, when they start making a difference, tell them that this is not a hill to die on. Make the bad guys reveal themselves. Make them crack down on evangelical county clerks, while continuing to wink at sanctuary cities and local defiance of federal pot laws. Why do they apply their “It’s the law! Bow down!” standard so inconsistently? Well, mostly it is because evangelicals are sweet and naive enough to let them get away with it.

So it is ironic that this valiant stand is being taken by a clerk, because those sidling away from her provide a standing example of our real problem — the trahison des clercs.

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somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago

If I’m understanding this correctly, we would celebrate the Quaker who refuses to issue the concealed weapons license for following their conscience?

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago

Does a CCL necessarily break pacifistic opinions? Does having a gun necessarily mean that you commit violence?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

I wouldn’t presume to speak for Quakers specifically, but yes the pacifism of a John Howard Yoder would proclude participation in these types of systems (i.e. firearms ownership/regulatory firearm framework).

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago

Well, one obviouse thing–can Quakers be sheriffs? Here in Alabama, and I assume elsewhere, it’s the county sheriff who has authority to allow or, provided a written reason, deny CCL’s. Another thing–I assume that CCL’s can only be obtained from the sheriff of the county of which you are a resident, and if that’s the case, the applicant has NO opportunity for appeal to receive his lawful right outside of the sheriff. However, someone seeking a marriage license can just go to a different county. But, if my understanding of how you can get a CCL, that you CAN get… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

When I got my marriage license, like when I got my weapons license, I had to do it in a specific county. I’m sure it’s not that way for everyone, but it does work out that way to me. That’s partially why this is a bit of a conundrum for me. I think we’re all comfortable with someone following their conscience when we agree or minimally see the merits of their position. It seems to me that we are hoping that either everyone will agree with us or be hypocritical about their beliefs.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago

From a little google research, I don’t believe you’re required to do so in your resident county, but my be limited to getting it from the county in which the ceremony is performed.

Melody
Melody
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

I got married last year. My license was from the county I lived in, but my fiance lived in another county and we were married there. We live close to the border of another state, so they warned us that if we were crossing the border to get married it would be invalid, we would need a license from that state.

Damon
Damon
9 years ago

What state is that? Every state I have been in, the county was unimportant. In Texas, you can get a marriage license in any county….

David R
David R
9 years ago
Reply to  Damon

To add to that, the gay couple in this case could get their “license” in a another county in the state. They said they do not want to do that. That want Kim Davis to give it to them. They want her to comply. They want her to bend the knee.

triangle whip
triangle whip
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

Bingo!!!

Bubba Gump
Bubba Gump
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

It all comes down to the homosexuals wanting everybody to be forced to accept their way of life. It would be an easier path for them to have went to the next county. In doing that it might ease tensions and acceptance. Force only reinforces resentment. For a group that claims tolerance they sure are intolerant.

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

This is about forcing a Christian to cave into the homosexual agenda. And the media, including Fox, and some of the republican candidates are just as gullible. That includes Carly F., Trump, and Kasich.

MartinAustinTX
MartinAustinTX
9 years ago
Reply to  Damon

You don’t need a government license in Texas at all. It recognizes “common law marriage.”

some1
some1
9 years ago

When I got married, I wasn’t even a resident of the state I got married in (California). Furthermore, while my wife was a resident of California, we got married in Santa Ana County (Southern California) while she was a resident of Hayward County, if I recall the name correctly, which is near the Bay Area. Granted, different states almost certainly have different laws on that.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  some1

But the license has to pertain to the county you get married in, regardless of where you’re from. It’s all well and good if you just decide to go down to the courthouse one day, take out a license, and visit the JP, but if you do things like reserving a church and reception hall, hire a minister, and invite people, it’s a little less flexible if you find out that county isn’t going to issue the license.

Stephanie Skelly
Stephanie Skelly
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

It’s been a few years, but when I married in California, almost 25 years ago, I lived in one county, my soon-to-be husband in another (which was where we got our marriage license) and we married in a third county. In most states, you can get your license anywhere in the state you marry in.

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago

Or out of state.

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

There is sometimes a waiting period, depending on your state. You are married by someone legally allowed to do so in your state. That person, usually two witnesses, and sometimes the bride and groom sign the marriage license. The marriage license is returned to the county clerk’s office.
United States Marriage License, Where to Apply for …
http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage_licenses/

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago

It definitely is not that way here. You can go out of state to get married.

There is sometimes a waiting period, depending on your state. You are married by someone legally allowed to do so in your state. That person, usually two witnesses, and sometimes the bride and groom sign the marriage license. The marriage license is returned to the county clerk’s office.

United States Marriage License, Where to Apply for …

http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage_licenses/

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

You have to get your permit in the county you live in. You’d have to move to another county and try there.
A pacificist is highly unlikely to become a law enforcement officer of any type.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

This doesn’t really matter, though. What matters is that the Quaker magistrate *thinks* that the issues are connected. It’s his religious conscience, after all, not ours. So if we are actually arguing for an extension of Reformation-era lesser magistrates theology to the political convictions of every individual official throughout the United States, then this is what we’re advocating for. Every law passed by the state legislature is merely provisional, as it will all depend on whether your local officials actually find it acceptable to their conscience to carry out the law.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

I understand what you’re saying, and since I haven’t sat down to research and think it all out, I’ll defer to someone else who is perhaps more knowledgeable than I am to defend the doctrine.

andrewlohr
andrewlohr
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

The police are lesser magistrates and they rarely enforce precisely the posted speed limits. In other words, they nullify the law.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago
Reply to  andrewlohr

They also do the same with drug laws, particularly when winking at one law will gain a conviction on a more serious crime.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Every law passed by the state legislature is merely provisional, as it
will all depend on whether your local officials actually find it
acceptable to their conscience to carry out the law.

Yes, it is.

This brings us right back to the individual and Jesus Christ who works in individuals.

It also brings us back to our republican form of government where things are pushed way down to the lowest level of community–family, neighborhood, town, city, county,state and dealt with there.

Paul Killian
Paul Killian
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Is this a matter of conscience or justice?

Andy
Andy
9 years ago
Reply to  Paul Killian

Since when does one negate the other?

mccgsm
mccgsm
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

Actually, handling draft registration forms might be a better example, as postal workers used to do that (and still may for all I know). A number objected in the jolly old days of the anti-war 60s (where Peace-in-our-Time Winter Soldier John Kerry won his statesman’s spurs) and had spotty success initially, but ultimately lost out. Given the gravity of national defense, that may have been a right result, but I’m not sure that the nation has such a great interest in coercing affirmation of sexual unions.

Cato
Cato
9 years ago

Somethingclever,
This is not complex; we will recall those refusing to uphold
righteous law, and we will reinstate those refusing to bend the knee to Baal,
as is clearly the case here.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Cato

Am I understanding you correctly, then, that you would fire the Quaker for his/her religious objection to violence?

Tom
Tom
9 years ago
Reply to  Cato

Who will define righteous law?

Krychek_2
Krychek_2
9 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Katecho and Timothy. You must be new here.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago
Reply to  Krychek_2

I’ve never appealed to my authority as the basis of law. I point to the authority of the One who will actually judge us and will judge the judges. That’s the definition that matters. We don’t exist for ourselves.

Greg
Greg
9 years ago

No, because the Quaker is incorrect on that point.

Did you even read the post? It’s summed up in the Jefferson quote:

“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”

Wilson is saying precisely that it is not about conscience.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Greg

“I am simply trying to illustrate how a believer’s conscience ought to work” is a direct quote. How is he saying it’s not about conscience?

David R
David R
9 years ago

You did not understand the argument correctly. Re-read, and take special notice of the line and where to draw it.

I would also recommend re-reading the Jefferson quote and also Letters from a Birmingham jail.

Then, after this review, ask yourself the question, is a concealed-carry license an unjust law?

Jonathan Evans
Jonathan Evans
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

It may be an unjust law, according to the belief systems of the hypothetical Quaker.

So if the Quaker believes the law unjust, should they be allowed to refuse to abide by the law?

David R
David R
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

I’ll let Dr. King answer your question. “You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court’s decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, it is rather strange and paradoxical to find us consciously breaking laws. One may well ask, “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” The answer is found in the fact that there are two types of laws: there are just laws, and there are unjust laws. I would agree with St.… Read more »

Jonathan Evans
Jonathan Evans
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

The hypothetical Quaker finds the self-defense and concealed carry laws in violation of moral law. Therefore, those laws are unjust laws.

So, should he be allowed to ignore the law and keep his job? Or should he be fired?

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

Well, as I’ve said in another comment, the Quaker is already in a pickle with being a sheriff. The Quaker already disqualified himself for the job, by virtue of being a Quaker, even before the first CCL application comes to his desk.

That’s not, to my knowledge, the case with Davis.

I realize that the CCL is just an example to illustrate the principle, but I’d have to see a realistic example where it would be an ACTUAL issue that would affect my opinion.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

In my state, a clerk issues the weapons license.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago

I was speaking in the context of my residence, so that’s a fair point to make

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

The fact that the sheriff issues a weapons license is purely coincidental and has no bearing on the actual argument.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

It does if that sheriff is a Quaker who has a problem with guns.

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

It might make it difficult for that specific Quaker to avoid hypocrisy, but it doesn’t actually address the issue that was raised.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

If a Quaker, a pacifist, knowingly takes a position that obviously involves violence in the execution of his duties, but then tells me that it’s against his conscience to allow me to carry a concealed pistol because violence… then… yes, that’s a problem because he shouldn’t have had the position in the first place.

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

Just. Nevermind.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

It does address the situation. In the case of a Quaker *as a sheriff* who denies a CCL on the basis of his conscience does NOT get my support. A Quaker as a county clerk, a position not inherently violent, denying a CCL on the basis of conscious is quite different.

If Davis’ position inherently involves her condoning homosexuality, and NOT RETROACTIVELY so, then she’s in a different position than when the laws are changed out from under her.

Jonathan Evans
Jonathan Evans
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

FWIW, not all CCLs are issued by sheriffs. The issuing authority varies by state. In Florida (where I got mine), it’s issued through a clerk at the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

Or, let’s consider another issue. A devout Catholic, who considers Protestantism to be heresy, refuses to issue building permits to new non-Catholic churches. He’s morally opposed to spreading heretical lies, so a law permitting building new non-Catholic churches is an unjust law.

Should he be fired?

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

Like I said to somethingclever, fair point, but could I just petition the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction for aid?

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

He could be a rogue Quaker, a slightly off the beaten path Quaker, a deviant Quaker, etc.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

But then he’s got a problem on the point of consistency in keeping a gun off my hip when the silly pacifist has one on his : )

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

I mean yes it’s pretty absurd. Kind of like saying “I do a good job for the people of my district,” even as you are literally refusing to do your job. I’m staying in office because I do a good job except for that not doing my job thing, and I’ll go to Hell if I give out the license. So it sure seems like I should resign; but no because freedom. Even though by staying in I’m hindering your freedom to get the benefit of me doing my job that I won’t do.

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Well, a competitor is free to run against her, appealing to her poor job perfomance in this case, and win.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

But, interestingly, this brings us right back around to the very reason why the Supreme Court sometimes (rarely in the grand scheme of things) finds that certain rights are fundamental and not subject to the political process. The whole point is that certain things have to be given to people whether or not the democratic process wants to give them. We can’t outlaw speech based on its content even if it would be immensely popular to do so. We can’t have laws that discriminate on the basis of race even if a governor pushing for such laws could get re-elected… Read more »

Wesley Sims
Wesley Sims
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Well, does this not take us to a point that Doug has brought out that ultimately, like the dissenting Justice stated, the Obergefell decision shows the impotence of SCOTUS? The clerk, with the backing of her constituents, can tell the federal courts to do what they must–throw her in jail or send the National Guard like it was Tuscaloosa–but so long as she is elected to hold her post as county clerk, not one marriage license will be signed by her. And, if the courts, or whatever official with the authority to do so, lacks the will–or the National Guard… Read more »

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sims

We’ve always known that SCOTUS lacks power to enforce its own judgments, as it should. Separation of powers and all that. But the feds are not going to take it lightly. Probably jail won’t be necessary. Fining the crap out of her every day she refuses will make the point nicely. And even if the internet war machine raises money to pay her fines, they can’t do that for everyone. Ultimately gay marriage is here to stay and the Supreme Court’s decision was a reasonable one (though Kennedy’s actual articulation left much to be desired). I think the smart play… Read more »

holmegm
holmegm
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

“Probably jail won’t be necessary”

Tricky thing, events, eh?

Jail was what the apostles of “love” wanted all along, and they are now celebrating, in all their unrighteousness.

andrewlohr
andrewlohr
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

During the French and Indian War, when Quakers ran Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin got them to appropriate money for ‘wheat, corn, barley, and other grain’ for the militia–it being understood that the ‘other grain’ was gunpowder.

David R
David R
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

CC permits are not unjust, by any reasonable measure so I would not support him in his resistance and he should be removed from office. So, he can choose to ignore the law and he will suffer the consequences of those actions. Just like Christian’s chose to ignore Roman law and suffered death, receiving a much greater reward as a result. Just like Dr. King went to jail for resisting unjust laws. I support the clerk’s actions in this case because she is standing up for truth and moral law. She is standing firm against an unjust law. She is… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

You’ve made an assertion of what’s reasonable, but that’s debatable both as a standard and on definition. You’ve made an assertion, not an argument.

David R
David R
9 years ago

Im not sure I follow? I have made an argument, with defined standards. I have yet to see anything from either you, other than asking hypotheticals, which have been answered.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

I asked a question, which you’ve apparently taken as a position. I can understand how you might leap to that conclusion, but it was your leap. Own it. You are the one who has taken a position. It’s incumbent upon you to defend that position since you made it. Then you made an assertion: CC permits are not unjust by any reasonable measure. That they are not unjust is an assertion you do not defend despite the fact that there are and have been many reasonable cases made against them. You’ve also failed to show how reasonableness is a good… Read more »

David R
David R
9 years ago

The standard is just vs unjust law. If a law is just, then it squares with natural law or God’s law. A law that violates these, is an unjust law, and resistance to that law is justified and good. Some would say it is the duty of those in positions of power to defy those laws. For those who refuse the law, whether just or unjust, they will have to face the consequences. In the case of Dr. King, he went to jail. In the case of Christians under Roman rule, they were martyred. In Dr. King’s case, the civil… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

It might surprise you that I think the regulation of the right to self-defense is itself a violation of natural law. I think it’s unjust that the state regulates my right to my life. So I guess if I was the clerk, I should give permits to everyone or no one in protest. And I’d be removed from office and either reelected or not. None of this would itself be good reasons to believe I’d either done the right thing or the wrong thing. But your question isn’t about my defense of pacifism, as I am not a pacifist. It’s… Read more »

Daniel Woodworth
Daniel Woodworth
9 years ago

I’m not sure why this discussion is continuing. Obviously, the difference between correct interposition by a lesser magistrate and incorrect interposition is the cause for which the interposition is undertaken. If the Quaker was correct that issuing CHLs was unjust, then he would be right to interpose to stop it. If Ms. Davis is right that issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples is wrong, then she is right in interposing to stop it. From a practical standpoint, it is then up to the people – this is, after all, government by the people, and a government can be no better… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago

Sure. People are right when they’re right and wrong when they’re wrong. I’m fine with that.

Jason Teal
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

Quakers=http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02361/scarecrow_2361807b.jpg

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jason Teal

Could you explain why you think it’s a straw man fallacy? All parties represented seem to really hold the positions described.

Paul Killian
Paul Killian
9 years ago
Reply to  Jonathan Evans

There would be no such thing as justice if individual consciences were the guide.

The_Physeter
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

You quote Martin Luther King Jr., All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. To use the words of Martin Buber, the great Jewish philosopher, segregation substitutes an “I – it” relationship for the “I – thou” relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. So segregation is not only politically, economically, and sociologically unsound, but it is morally wrong and sinful. …while arguing that discriminating against an entire class of people is the… Read more »

validatedself
validatedself
9 years ago
Reply to  The_Physeter

If a vocal minority demanded the right to drive down the right side of the road and cried discrimination when the traditional left side drivers resisted their demand, would that actually be discrimination? No one is saying they can’t drive, just that they can’t redefine the nature of it.

The_Physeter
9 years ago
Reply to  validatedself

Is a gay couple’s marriage going to collide with yours, killing you both?

Brigadier
Brigadier
9 years ago

Jesus told His disciples to be armed: Luk 22:36 And he said unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

He NEVER condoned homosexuality. In fact, quite the opposite.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Brigadier

I’m not a pacifist (nor am I defending homosexuality), but to say there are no statements in the NT that seem to strongly recommend the pacifist position would be incorrect. In any case, I’m not asking based your or my view of the issue, but the sincerely held belief of the hypothetical Quaker.

Brigadier
Brigadier
9 years ago

I am saying the Quaker is wrong, based on the teaching of Jesus. And to try and project Jesus’ pacifism on to all other Christians is intellectually dishonest.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Brigadier

I appreciate what you’re saying, and I’ve come to the same conclusion about pacifism. But Jesus preaches about the nature of his kingdom in Matt 5-7 and says not to resist the evil person, to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies etc. I don’t think it’s intellectually dishonest if a person came to the conclusion that he meant pacifism.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago

It might not be intellectually dishonest, but it would be willfully ignoring a LOT of scripture.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

Agreed. I have and do respond with OT examples Divine ordained violence, Luke 22 as noted above, Romans 13, Paul’s allusions to combat, the Conquering Jesus of Revelations, just to name a few passages. This isn’t really the question I’m asking though.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

The ultimate point is that law always proceeds from religion, and if your beliefs don’t match the official religion, so much the worse for you.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

Sounds a lot like mob rule to me.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

As opposed to what? (I would note that post-Constantinian Christian society has with few exceptions involved a state-sanctioned church and a church-sanctioned state, with varying degrees of toleration for dissent. Would you call Elizabethan England or the Byzantine Empire a government of “mob rule”?)

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

If I’m only safe if I’m in the majority, that’s precisely what it is.

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Brigadier

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to arm themselves? To fulfill a prophecy about the Messiah, that he would be labeled among the transgressors. Not exactly an endorsement of the 2nd amendment.

Brigadier
Brigadier
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

If that is what you pacifist Christians tell yourself so you can sleep at night in spite of your lack of masculinity, then by all means, keep it up. But as Christians, we are charged with fighting evil and I fully intend on doing that.

Jesus came to earth as a sacrifice. That was HIs purpose. If I sacrifice myself or my family by being a wussified pacifist anti-gun ‘Christian’, what good does that do?

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Brigadier

I’m not telling myself that…it’s literally the next verse.

Tom
Tom
9 years ago
Reply to  Brigadier

Dude, quit. You’re making the rest of us just-war types look like arrogant jerks.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago

If the Quaker ran for office knowing that his job would be to issue weapons permits, and then refused to do so, that would be a problem.

If the law were suddenly changed so that the Quaker, and only the Quaker, was the person empowered to issue said permits, I’d stand by him.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

“Suddenly changed” as in everybody has seen this coming for five years?

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

So nobody with a conscience should have run for this office for the last five years, because we “knew it was coming?”

Perhaps she was brought to this office for such a day as this, just sayin’.

Yes, suddenly. When she ran for this office, a person with a conscience could do it. Now they can’t, no grandfather clause.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

Yeah, so to invert my analogy, the hypothetical Quaker is elected when there’s no legal concealed carry, but it’s overturned once they’re office. They refuse to issue permits so as not to be party to violence. I’m tracking with you.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago

As a matter of what should be allowable under the law, I think the person should be allowed to follow his conscience, but some accommodation would have to made to protect the rights of the citizenry (i.e. transferring the job duty to another official for the duration of the Quaker’s term.)

As a matter of what’s really right and wrong, see Greg’s point: the Quaker is actually wrong, so I can’t say the Quaker is right to do this.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

Your second paragraph is where the wheels fall of the bus for me. What keeps civilization from grinding to a halt? If every time an official thinks something is wrong they stop doing part of their job, it will create constant turmoil, I think. I feel like we’re banking on a lot of people agreeing about what’s unjust or at least hoping they don’t have enough conviction to do anything about it.

David R
David R
9 years ago

Did civilization come to a grinding halt when Dr. King refused to obey unjust laws? Did civilization come to a grinding halt when the Founders decided that after a long train of abuses and usurpations that it was their right and their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security? Did civilization come to a grinding halt when Daniel refused to pray to the king? In all those instances you have the exact opposite happening, civilization advancing. Do you have a principle with which it is right to refuse to enforce or obey… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

In each of the instances you mentioned, chaos ensued. And the chaos was proportional to the number of people who disobeyed the laws. You seem to think that fewer laws are unjust than I do. If civilization rebuilt itself after the chaos, it was only because a new stasis was reached, but again we’re relying on some people ignoring some laws they believe to be unjust. And yes. But I admit when my systems appear to have weaknesses, and I pursue those threads until the answer satisfies me to the proverbial sweater is undone. I am pursuing something hear, and… Read more »

carole
carole
9 years ago

Note the pastor’s reference to German’s under Hitler’s rule. Should everyone have obeyed the laws then? Should we no longer look at those who did not as heroic?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  carole

David asked about civilization coming to a grinding halt as a result of various forms of revolution etc. Your example is the same. Both when Hitler came to power and when he removed, there was chaos an upheaval. That’s a very different question from the one you’re asking, which is whether or not it was worth it.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

Diversity creates weakness, and this is one of the ways it does so.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

Diversity is inevitable; it’s only a matter of degrees of diversity.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

The problem is that the wheels also fall off when all the lesser magistrates are told, and simply accept, that they have to just obey man rather than God.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago

I’m not “banking on” anything. My answer is not pragmatic.

Since it is objectively wrong for the Quaker to be a pacifist who wants to interfere with other people’s ability to own a gun, which is not a sin, how could I say anything other than that the person is wrong to hold that belief and wish to implement it?

That it relies on an objective standard of right and wrong that is not universally shared is true, but that’s no reason to subvert the standard.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

I could have been more clear, but when I did say “we” instead of “you”, hoping to indicate that I meant the position of lesser magistrate in general. I admit I’m making some presumption about your position on that score. So it wasn’t whether or not your statement was pragmatic, but whether it has to work itself out in real life. And I think we agree that it does. So yes. People are right when they’re right, and wrong when they’re wrong, but that sort of tautology isn’t very helpful if I’m deciding if I think a law is unjust… Read more »

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

I’d be fine with transferring the duty, but this being an elected position that is not something that can just be done. There are (state) constitutional issues with separation of powers here; nobody has authority to just up and say “Okay, so and so will now have authority to issue marriage licenses instead of the actual clerk”.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

If your conscience affects you from performing a fundamental job duty then I don’t think you can plead “suddenly” unless it really was an unforeseeable change. Here, you went into it knowing it could change. It did change. Now again just resign — nobody is Thomas More-ing you here, forcing you to sign a document or die. You do not have to hold this office. That’s what makes this different from the general principles of civil disobedience, where we disobey certain laws when they are unjust. Even a govt official should disobey a law that is unjust if the atrocity… Read more »

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Any law can change in a matter of months or years. It’s not unforeseeable that someone elected to DA today, could find himself being required to prosecute people for printing “hate speech” next year. Should nobody but people who love tyranny run for DA? Or should people who run for DA just knuckle under and engage in such unjust practices? Or should all the people with consciences just quit doing any job that has any public influence and let tyranny take over without so much as a whimper?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

I appreciate your consistency, and I think that’s a fair addition. I admit I would be frustrated if my right to self-defense were hampered by even a sincerely held belief.

Jonathan Evans
Jonathan Evans
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

Well, while I disagree with you, I do appreciate and applaud your commitment to logical and moral consistency.

Trent Jackson
Trent Jackson
9 years ago

The post is about standing against injustice. Injustice is a truth outside of you, me and your hypothetical Quaker. It’s not about standing for what we individually believe to be true (which is relativism), it is about standing for what is true (God’s Word). The passivist view of the Quaker is not biblical so CCL’s are not an injustice that should be stood against. You are completely missing the point. This article does not advocate for relativism.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Trent Jackson

Doug Wilson is very much advocating that she should follow her conscience. “I am simply trying to illustrate how a believer’s conscience ought to work” is a direct quote. I agree than an ideal exists apart from the subjective, so I’m not a relativist, either. The question is about our level of certainty that we know what is just and unjust. I feel relatively certain that you and I are wrong about something else, even though we are convinced it is what it true (God’s Word). I’m not so bold as to believe I will only be confirmed in my… Read more »

Trent Jackson
Trent Jackson
9 years ago

Yes, follow her conscience (con=with, science = knowledge) as so long as it is early in tune with God’s word which is outside of herself. I understand the conundrum you are alluding to. And we might not have all knowledge and know all truth. But does that mean we then just follow all laws that man makes? No not at all. You are comparing a very small controversial topic (pacifism) to a very clear truth (homosexuity). It is about clarity and seeking the truth. So again, I believe you are missing the point which has already been said which is… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Trent Jackson

I think you are relying too heavily on whether or not something is “controversial”. I think this is a bad place to rest our judgment because true things can be (maybe always are) controversial. Homosexuality, for instance, is a very controversial topic. With respect, I refer you again to Wilson’s words, “Every Christian elected official should be determining….”. This requires personal judgment exacted on a corporate body. But at the end of it, she’s doing what she thinks is right. To say, “she’s right because she’s right” is tautological at best, and begging the question at worst. Either way, it’s… Read more »

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Trent Jackson

No, this is exactly the problem with this article. Who decides what is or isn’t Biblical? I can argue that pacifism is Biblical. You can argue it isn’t. Who decides who is right? The arrogance is amazing.

Tell the pre-Constantine Church that pacifism is not Biblical.

Trent Jackson
Trent Jackson
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

So you take the belief that it’s impossible to know the truth and stand for it? It’s arrogance to know the truth and stand for it? is God’s word a mystery? What then, we should just all be relativists and believe the self-refuting “truth” that we can’t know what’s true?

ashv
ashv
9 years ago
Reply to  Trent Jackson

No, the point is that a Christian state needs an authority to interpret Scripture as a basis for its laws — a church or a church council.

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Trent Jackson

It was arrogant to dismiss a valid interpretation of scripture.

You are saying it is valid to stand up for only what you believe is right. You are making yourself the standard for what is right and wrong.
For example, I believe that Jesus teaches a clear non-violent ethic for Christians. You can disagree. That’s freedom.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  HChris

One of you is right, and one of you is wrong. The fact that both of you think you are right, does not make the one who is right less right, and the one who is wrong less wrong.

(This works in a binary situation where the question is, “does the Bible teach pacificism?” Either it does or it doesn’t. In some other situations, the possibility exists that both of you could be wrong, but not on a binary question.)

HChris
HChris
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

I absolutely agree.

Yet, one is still free to be wrong. I would be happy to have a discussion as to which is right and which is wrong. But, if at the end of the conversation neither party is convinced of the other’s position, we must agree to disagree.

eloquacious
eloquacious
9 years ago

Or a conservative Muslim refusing a woman a driver’s license? Or an Earth Goddess vegan refusing to sell you meat or cheese at the grocery store?

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  eloquacious

I’m confused — where in the U.S. has the law been changed to allow women to get driver’s licenses or to require stores to sell meat within the working life of any living person?

This has to do with someone upholding the oath of office they took, not suddenly deciding at some later point not to do what the job has required all along.

Paul Killian
Paul Killian
9 years ago

There is nothing unjust about concealed weapons.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Paul Killian

I take it you’re not a Quaker.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

Or a relativist.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  katecho

Or a comedian.

Paul Killian
Paul Killian
9 years ago

I take it you determine “justice” by the standard of your own feelings and thoughts.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Paul Killian

Nope

Paul Killian
Paul Killian
9 years ago

I take it you think justice is based on the mind of individuals.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Paul Killian

No

Cody Libolt
9 years ago

Wilson isn’t telling anyone to celebrate something unless they themselves believe in it. The difference between your Quaker example and the current evangelical breaking the law, is that this evangelical is actually right.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Cody Libolt

Yes. Right people are right, and wrong people are wrong. That sort of tautology is not particularly helpful, though.

Cody Libolt
9 years ago

Friend, I was answering your question. My answer was not a trivial tautology. It was the proper answer. It is right to stand up against unjust laws, as and when those laws are sufficiently unjust. For this reason, it would not be right for a Quaker to rebel as in your example. There is no reasonable ground for it, only a personal conviction. The laws you mentioned are not unjust. The point is that if you want to criticize Wilson’s view, you must do more than liken it to an argument no one would believe. You must actually show why… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Cody Libolt

Apologies, I didn’t mean to be overly terse with you, but I’ve answered statements very similar to yours a number of times on this thread already. You’ve made a number of invalid assumptions. One is that I am criticizing Wilson’s view. I actually share his view of lesser magistrates. That doesn’t mean I’m arrogant enough to be beyond questions, or questioning. If I see an apparent weakness in a system I hold, I test it. I can understand why you might assume I was criticizing, but it was asked as a question, and meant as one. Secondly, the Quaker probably… Read more »

Cody Libolt
9 years ago

I appreciate your comments here. I did suppose you were criticizing Wilson’s view with a reductio. You meant this question about the Quakers literally. You want to know what makes the difference between the cases. The difference is that the facts (which I am not here naming, note) are on the side of traditional marriage and the facts (which, again, I am not here naming) are not on the side of the Quaker who wishes to hold the office of a gun licensor and then to not license guns. That’s the broad outline. The starting place of a discussion. You… Read more »

Cody Libolt
9 years ago

Are you wanting to discuss the question of the propriety of gay marriage, or the question of whether your comparison of Kim Davis and the Quaker is meaningful?

Mark Buzard
Mark Buzard
9 years ago

does the Bible say having guns is a sin?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Mark Buzard

There’s been a strong Christian pacifism going back to the early church.

tovlogos
tovlogos
9 years ago

I wouldn’t celebrate the Quaker’s position until I had a full view of his theology. I know that the mistranslation of the 6th commandment, “Thou shall not murder” (ratzach), as opposed to “Kill”(harag), has had some effect of the promotion of pacifism.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  tovlogos

Jesus’ explicit teaching undergirds it as well: love your enemies, turn the other cheek, don’t return evil for evil. There’s a history of Christian pacifism that runs all the way back to the early church.

I don’t have a full view of her theology yet.

tovlogos
tovlogos
9 years ago

Yet, if someone attacked my family, I wouldn’t hate him at all; but I would stop him by what ever means necessary. There’s another dynamic going on when other people are involved — Your family trusts you. A man who would stand by and watch his family being destroyed, I would see as big a criminal as the perpetrator. The many times Jesus hid from being murdered (before His time) says something about common sense. Luke 4:29 is a good example; and Luke’s passages about carrying a weapon.(Luke 22:36). It’s also difficult to avoid noticing that Peter was walking around… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

If a Quaker could show me an actual prohibition against guns in scripture you might have a point. But he can’t. Homosexuality is expressly forbidden.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

I’m assuming you don’t mean guns specifically, but violence in general. If I’m wrong about that, let me know. But there are plenty of prohibitions against violence. Jesus, in His sermon where He describes His kingdom, goes to great length to talk it. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies. Don’t return evil for evil. Later when we see Peter forcefully resist “All who take the sword will perish by the sword”. There’s been a Christian Pacifism since the early church for those reasons.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

He also said the magistrate holds not the sword in vain. Nor did he tell soldiers to leave their service. The two issues are not the same. One is cut and dried. Homosexuality is a sin, always and at all times. Violence is far more situational.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

The two situations are analogous. Analogues, by definition, hold some similarities and some differences. I’m not sure the distinction you’re making here is a helpful one. It may seem clear to you, but it isn’t so clear to others. We can’t base our convictions of just vs. unjust on how certain the herd is that something is controversial.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

I’m sorry, those differences make them non-analogous. It’s not merely a question of conscience, It’s a question of proper theology. If you want to defend Quakerism knock your lights out. Unless you want to argue red letter theology, then all of scripture is God speaking. And the use of force, even deadly force, is not the same as the prohibition against homosexuality. This is why we have systematic theologies. What does scripture say about violence as a whole, not isolated portions to support a pet theology. I’ll flat out say it, the Quaker is wrong. This woman is correct, at… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Sure, wrong people are wrong and right people are right. That’s tautological and does not help move forward the conversation. You declare the Quaker wrong, but then I assumed you thought his viewpoint was wrong already from your first response. You think the woman is right. I gathered the same from your first response. So where does that leave us. You think people are right when they’re right and wrong when they’re wrong. That doesn’t inform the Quaker who disagrees with you form a historic position of Christianity. I would be hesitant to dismiss so cavalierly a consistent element of… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

Who are you trying to convince? Me? It’s a bad analogy. I declare the Quaker wrong because it can be demonstrated from scripture that he’s wrong. His view is unbalanced and simplistic. What does the WHOLE of scripture say about violence? What does it say about homosexuality? I’m not interested in “moving the conversation forward”. I’m not interested in what the world has to say on the subject because their thinking is not my authority. Until you can demonstrate that the Quaker is correct you’re just being specious. Make an argument from the whole of scripture that the use of… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Oh, myself. I asked a question I want answered for myself. You’ve made the mistake of assuming I was trying to make a point. I can understand why you would come to that conclusion; several others have in this thread and I have already cleared that up. I happen to like the position she’s taken, and I also happen to like the right to self defense. Which leads me to this quandary. So I asked a question, hoping a Christian community could work together to make sense of a situation. A lot of people have weighed in trying to do… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

Well, when we have to cross that bridge I’ll worry about it. But we aren’t addressing Quakers, now are we? What your posting is just a distraction from what the current issue is. The question that needs to be asked is what is the authority? If you think my insistence on sound doctrine is not a defense then I don’t know what to tell you. Also if you can’t see the difference between a clear prohibition and one that is situational I also don’t know what to tell you. We often try to make everything gray. It’s frequently not. There’s… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Oh, I’m very interested in sound doctrine. That’s why I am not afraid to ask questions about my doctrine and to expect well reasoned answers. I expect that a sound doctrine is consistent, not just tautological. What she should do is exactly what this whole discussion has been about. If it has drifted into a discussion about the validity of pacifism, it has been because you’ve been interested in that topic, not me. Your certitude is no guarantee of truth. That you can make assertions without supporting them is totally unpersuasive for anyone who does not already share your position… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

“Your certitude is no guarantee of truth”. Neither is your vacillation. If you can show I’m incorrect do so. You haven’t to this point. What are you arguing for, just throwing our hands in the air and saying, “well we just can’t know”. God didn’t mumble.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

So this has clearly devolved to the point where it’s no longer helpful. You’ve admitted you aren’t interested in answering the question or my objections to your position. Assertions have to be supported, not just reasserted to be valid. If you aren’t willing to do that, best we just call it a day.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

It’s degenerated to the point where you want to avoid certitude. What assertion needs to be supported? That the Quakers are wrong. I gave you two examples of where they ignored scripture. That homosexuality is wrong? Really? What I’m not interested in is games. You are playing games. You are seeking to avoid certitude. You abhor certitude. I cannot convince you or anyone else of anything. That’s not my job. My job is to speak God’s truth. That’s it. And yes, I vehemently assert it. God will take care of the rest.

JohnM
JohnM
9 years ago

How is our Quaker going to function as a sheriff, or really any kind of magistrate, if he is categorically against violence?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  JohnM

In my state, weapons licenses are handled by clerks of probate court.

JohnM
JohnM
9 years ago

Who are ultimately backed up by force, aka violence, if necessary.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  JohnM

In that sense we are all backed up by force whether we want to be or not.

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

I’m sympathetic to the Quaker argument. I don’t like to just say his theology is wrong because someone could do the same to me. Better to have a Quaker town where Quakers are welcome to not issue weapons permits. Don’t like guns or issuing permits? Go live in Quakertown. The problem with progressives is that they are totalitarians of tolerance. Their ideas should be enforced on everyone, all over the globe.

Kenneth Paul
Kenneth Paul
9 years ago

You understand incorrectly. The entire process of imposing this non-constitutional non legislation is, in fact a clear and direct violation of the Constitution. 2nd amendment is explicitly establishing the right of people to be able to defend themselves. Completely opposite.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Kenneth Paul

Two things here. One is while I happen to agree with you on both counts, we have a judicial body whose job it is to decide what’s constitutional, and they decided against us. I don’t like it. It can be undone. But for now, that is what it is. Secondly, if the Quaker thinks the 2nd amendment is unjust, it shouldn’t matter to him that it’s in the constitution. Just as if an amendment was passed saying that every third baby should be aborted, we would resist it, amendment be damned. So I appreciate the distinctions you’ve made, and I… Read more »

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Kenneth Paul

2nd amendment is explicitly establishing the right of people to be able to defend themselves.

Establish or codify?

Linda Stanton French
Linda Stanton French
9 years ago

Not necessarily. He’s talking about real sin, not somebody who is queasy about doing something that is not sin.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago

Your point has been made and answered a number of times by other people in this thread already, but just to summarize, the pacifist believes participating in systems of violence is a sin. He is taking seriously passages of Scripture like: turn the other cheek, love your enemies, don’t return evil for evil, those who take the sword die by the sword. We cannot dismiss his convictions as queasiness, when in fact some pacifists prefer the instinct for violence, but feel compelled by Scripture to refrain.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

If it’s unbiblical we can dismiss it. He’s taking seriously select passages. He’s cherry picking. Why should we honor that?

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Sure. Wrong things are wrong and right things are right. He feels the same way. How does that help us come to a better understanding of the topic?

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

What understanding? If it’s wrong what exactly is it you want to understand? You are purposely evading the issue. Why do you wish to live in uncertainty? Did God Mumble about homosexuality? We just can’t understand what He meant? It doesn’t seem like you want to come to a better understanding of the topic, it seems like you want to find a reason to avoid certainty on the topic. If you want something in depth read Gagnon. Don’t expect me to educate you in a combox. Romans 1 is clear about the subject. Paul specifically chose homosexuality as an example… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

I have read Gagnon in print at length and agree with him. In fact, I enjoy his facebook posts immensely as well. You’re making assumptions about my position again. I’m neither a pacifist, nor do I support gay practice of any variety. I also love certainty where I can find it. But I don’t believe untested things, undefended things, or inconsistent things are certain. I don’t expect you to educate me on anything. I didn’t ask you to respond. You decided to do that of your own volition. If you don’t want to answer the initial question and/or support your… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

What is you want? Me to defend judgments made on conscience? That’s not a very good criteria imho. She should oppose it not simply because her “conscience” tells her so, but because it violates God’s will as revealed in his word. So, no, the Quaker is not analogous, unless you can defend their position from God’s word. When Luther said “To go against conscience is neither right nor safe” he could only be correct because of the preceding statement. “My conscience is bound to the word of God.” You keep dancing around the issue of whether the refusal of the… Read more »

Linda Stanton French
Linda Stanton French
9 years ago

I’m talking, though, about what God said is sin. Not what people make sin that isn’t. Very often two very different things.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago

I agree with you that what God says is sin is sin and others aren’t, and so would the Quaker. So that doesn’t move the conversation forward.

Linda Stanton French
Linda Stanton French
9 years ago

The point was to clarify, not move the conversation forward. I assume you mean by “what God says is sin is sin and others aren’t”, “what God says is sin is sin, and what others say is sin isn’t”? By the way, according to official Quaker beliefs now, one doesn’t even have to believe in God to be Quaker, so their definition of sin doesn’t matter, it’s only based on what makes them feel queasy or not.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago

Fair enough

Nathan Bubna
Nathan Bubna
9 years ago

If you agreed with the Quaker, yes. If not, no. Either way, the Quaker should follow his or her conscience. The whole freaking point is that the celebrations of the masses should not define what the clerk should support. Morality should.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Nathan Bubna

I’m good with that line of reasoning because it has a type of internal consistency. I think you’ll find in the responses to my sincere question that many would disagree with you. It’s the ones who say yes to her and no to him that I need more information from. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago
Reply to  Nathan Bubna

What is their conscience is evil? What if their understanding is flawed? What if they think what is immoral is moral. Like say what the homosexuals claim.

Nathan Bubna
Nathan Bubna
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Then you simply tell them so. You don’t try to draw meaningless analogies.

Dunsworth
Dunsworth
9 years ago

No, I wouldn’t celebrate anyone who acts on a false principle.

I might speak in favor of his right to so, however.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago
Reply to  Dunsworth

I personally don’t find this whole “Following your conscience” thing compelling. I don’t trust my conscience, which is why I check it against scripture..

Andy
Andy
9 years ago

The answer is No, and the reason is that you’ve made a poor argument here. The Quaker illustration has to do with the personal ethics of the Quaker. Conversely, the Kim Davis case has to do NOT with her personal ethics, but with what Scripture clearly teaches and which is clearly binding on all human beings. Pacifism is NOT what Scripture clearly teaches and is therefore NOT binding on all people. Pacifism is a minority viewpoint among Christians; always has been. Even if pacifism could be inferred from Scripture, we could never rightly say that it’s clear, overt, and binding.… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Andy

I think if you look, you’ll see I’ve asked a question, not made an argument. That being said, you then note that your standard is clarity. I would suggest that is a very shaky place to build an argument.

Andy
Andy
9 years ago

My apologies: although your post was worded in the form of a question (hmm, are we on ‘Jeopardy’…?), I construed it as an argument, or at least that you were implying your own position. On some issues, yes, the standard /is/ clarity. For instance, if I’m going to evangelize nonChristians, I need to have clarity on just what the Gospel is — first for myself, then in order to explain it to the unsaved. Even my use of the term “unsaved” requires clarity: I have to be clear on what it actually means to be “saved,” and therefore how to… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago

So, What About the Clerk Who Won’t Issue Concealed-Carry Permits? by David French September 4, 2015 at 3:28 PM Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/385379/ “A state official who objects to protecting enumerated constitutional liberties is hardly in the same position as a person objecting to facilitating a ‘right’ five justices created out of whole cloth (historically speaking) five minutes ago.” I’m both disappointed and surprised here. Folks, if we all get to air off Supreme Court opinions because either they (a) actually are created/invented [sez who?] or (b) we only think they are, then what? French has been rock-solid/spot on about… Read more »

holmegm
holmegm
9 years ago

No, because the Quaker is wrong.

Systems can’t replace thought, no matter how much some wish they could. One of these things is not like the other.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  holmegm

I don’t know that “wrong people are wrong; right people are right” is especially helpful unless you already know whether you’re right or wrong.

Oldbull69
Oldbull69
9 years ago

I think you’re missing a key point: I don’t believe God’s law says anything proscribing the carrying of concealed weapons. The Quaker who refuses to issue a concealed weapons license cannot appeal to a higher authority to justify that action.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Oldbull69

There are a number of biblical cases to be made for pacifism. It’s Christian viewpoint that goes back to the beginning. I don’t happen to agree with it, but a pacifist would very much believe God’s law would proscribe weapons.

Eric
Eric
9 years ago

First, you’re comparing apples and oranges. Let’s assume that the concealed carry law is legitimate, I don’t believe for a minute that it is. It is, quite simply, another form of oppression. There should be no permits for guns whatsoever, as is the case in the Green Mountain State, Vermont, but let’s assume for one moment. First, this country is, and was, founded on the principle that every individual has rights given by the creator. Every public servant swears to protect those rights. The Quaker clerk is objecting to one of the many God given rights and the the Christian… Read more »

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Eric

We share a common view of government licensing. Shall we agree to carry without them because the law is unjust?

PastProdigal
PastProdigal
9 years ago

A pacificist wouldn’t be in any kind of a job where he’d be in a position to issue CCL. It’s a moot question.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago

I like that this is happening, but honestly, I cannot be the only one who wishes it was somebody other than her. Somebody who has a history of respecting the sanctity of marriage. [+] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12) [+] So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?… Read more »

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago

I read that her convictions have come since her conversion which was AFTER all the problems she had with marriage…

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago

That’s great if true, but unfortunately it still doesn’t change the fact that her witness to the world in this way is marred. However, I would be far more comfortable in supporting her in her civil disobedience if she has repented of her past sins in disrespecting the sanctity of marriage.

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago

So is Paul’s witness to the world marred because of his former blasphemy and persecution of Christians? That would sure make reading the New Testament go pretty quick, just skip over the parts he wrote. Tongue in cheek bro. I understand what you are saying, but I think you miss the point. God’s work isn’t always so neat and clean as we’d like. Unfortunately for someone who thinks as you are thinking, he chose a formerly very wicked person to stand up for His Truth today (assuming she is born again, etc.). I praise God that he uses wicked sinners… Read more »

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago

God can and will use who He will and His wisdom is greater than mine.

If Mrs. Davis has truly been born again, then I would understand her as being more a tool by which God is speaking to the Church and less so to the world. Sin has consequences and, as we are currently seeing, Mrs. Davis’ past has made her the laughingstock of the (American) world. We are in need of that reminder.

Paul, on the other hand, made the world scratch its head in wonder and confusion…

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago

I guess I don’t find God “using who He will” with “wisdom greater than mine” to be unfortunate or something I’d wish were different…

Let me exhort you as a brother to reconsider your word choices and to simply be faithful that God has ordained this for His glory and His Word will never fail – regardless of the instrument.

David R
David R
9 years ago

” Mrs. Davis’ past has made her the laughingstock of the (American) world.”

And the Cross of Christ is foolishness to those who do not believe. We live in strange times where Christians actually worry about being seen as a laughing stock by an American world that says men can be women, two dudes can get married, and chopping up babies for profit should be legal and supported with your tax dollars.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

[+] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12)

[+] So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? (Neh. 5:9)

This is all I’ve been saying. I’m sorry if you are offended by it.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

Better to be despised by the despicable than admired by the admirable.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago

Davis’ past has made her the laughingstock of the (American) world. We are in need of that reminder.

For it pleased God to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise….

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

Paul had a past. you seem to be glossing right over that. And selective in your view of divorce. Rather like the Quaker argument. What does the whole of scripture say about it? What about “a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases”?

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

You’re not the first to utilize the argument of Paul’s past in this instance. But it simply does not work in this situation. They are very different. NOW if this clerk was a proponent of gay mirage and suddenly had God break in and adjust her view on this issue and she completely reversed her stance…now that would be a situation worthy to be compared with what occurred in the life of the apostle Paul. Rosario Butterfield would be an excellent example. And I think everybody is completely missing what I am saying. I’m not sure if this is because… Read more »

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

But Paul was such a bad example, he was complicit in murder. He sanctioned it. I only wish we could find a better representative than Paul. Pretty much the same.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

Paul went from murdering Christians to being a Christian and ultimately being killed for the faith. That’s powerful. It’s an amazing thing. It makes the world go “huh?”.

If you cannot see the difference then there is nothing else I can do to help you see it.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

This woman went from being a person who divorced frequently thereby committing adultery. Now she’s born again and upholding sexual morality. If you can’t see that there’s nothing else I can do to make you see it.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  eklektos44

From a Christian perspective, yes, absolutely!

But I have not been speaking at all to the Christian perspective, but rather to the perspective of the world. If you will recall, the verses I shared in my first comment, speak to how the world perceives us.

eklektos44
eklektos44
9 years ago

” I am only seeking to point out that Scripture is proved out, once again, in what we are seeing.” Yes, scripture is proved out once again. Maybe her past is the point. God saves sinners.

David R
David R
9 years ago

With brothers in Christ like these, who needs enemies. Was the woman at the well’s testimony marred because she had 5 husbands before being saved?

This clerk is doing what every Governor who opposes SSM should be doing. She has more spine than most of the Christian leaders in this country. She is doing the right thing and it appears that God is once again using the weak and lowly to shame the powerful.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

I make the same point one comment below:

“If Mrs. Davis has truly been born again, then I would understand her as
being more a tool by which God is speaking to the Church and less so to
the world.”

There is a marked difference between being a witness to the world and being a witness to the church…

David Trounce
9 years ago

Brandon you may be falling in to precisely the trap the media (Screwtape) hoped you would fall in to. Move the emphasis to her reputation instead of her convictions.

Brandon Klassen
Brandon Klassen
9 years ago
Reply to  David Trounce

I fail to see how, if you have read all I have stated in this particular discussion, you would think I am falling into that trap…

joshbishop
joshbishop
9 years ago

I suspect the strength of her convictions about the sanctity of marriage come, at least in part, from her first-hand experience of what happens when the sanctity of marriage is denied.

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago
Reply to  joshbishop

Exactly, @joshbishop!

Doug Enick
Doug Enick
9 years ago

Here is her statement: “I have worked in the Rowan County Clerk’s office for 27 years as a Deputy Clerk and was honored to be elected as the Clerk in November 2014, and took office in January 2015. I love my job and the people of Rowan County. I have never lived any place other than Rowan County. Some people have said I should resign, but I have done my job well. This year we are on track to generate a surplus for the county of $1.5 million. In addition to my desire to serve the people of Rowan County,… Read more »

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago
Reply to  Doug Enick

Excellent! Where did you get that, Doug?

Doug Enick
Doug Enick
9 years ago
Doug Enick
Doug Enick
9 years ago
David Trounce
9 years ago
Reply to  Doug Enick

I love the way God works. One of her mother-in-laws was instrumental in her conversion.

johndubya
johndubya
9 years ago

In fairness to Kim, she revealed in a statement that she became a Christian around four years ago. Here is part of her statement: “In addition to my desire to serve the people of Rowan County, I owe my life to Jesus Christ who loves me and gave His life for me. Following the death of my godly mother-in-law over four years ago, I went to church to fulfill her dying wish. There I heard a message of grace and forgiveness and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I am not perfect. No one is. But I am forgiven and… Read more »

David
David
9 years ago

Kim Davis has been married 4 times. Is that relevant? Is that hypocrisy if she wants to defend Biblical marriage? Or is any enemy of our enemy our friend, even if they have in there own way dishonored Biblical marriage vows.

David
David
9 years ago

where did you read that?

David
David
9 years ago

ok, thanks! I pray it’s true. It would be wonderful to know that her recent actions are the result of a transformed life and God’s grace.

Michael Coughlin
9 years ago
Reply to  David

Amen.

jigawatt
jigawatt
9 years ago
Reply to  David
Matthew Hoover
Matthew Hoover
9 years ago
Reply to  David

Michael Coughlin & Jigawatt – thank you for putting the proper information out there. I would like to add a caution about what sorts of info we should pass on regarding these matters: “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischevious tongue”. Proverbs 17:4

Digger
Digger
9 years ago
Reply to  David

Her salvation is after her lifestyle of serial monogamy.

Bro. Steve
Bro. Steve
9 years ago

I speak English only…. What’s the punch line?

Art
Art
9 years ago

The “get out of the way” ethic being thrown at Ms. Davis sounds remarkably similar to that being thrown in our face on the other important subjet-du-jour: abortion. See Steven Pinker’s piece in the Boston Globe: “…the primary moral goal for today’s bioethics can be summarized in a single sentence: Get out of the way. A truly ethical bioethics should not bog down research in… sweeping principles such as “dignity,” “sacredness,” or “social justice.”” Yes, he really said that. https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/07/31/the-moral-imperative-for-bioethics/JmEkoyzlTAu9oQV76JrK9N/story.html In short, they want us gone/dead. Our mechanism of resistance was laid out for us by our Savior: speak and… Read more »

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Art

From the link….

A truly ethical bioethics should not bog down research in red tape,
moratoria, or threats of prosecution based on nebulous but sweeping
principles such as “dignity,” “sacredness,” or “social justice.”

heh.

Eric the Red, with Almighty God as my witness, I did not bring up these concepts, Peter Singer did.

Oh! Modified Humian Utilitiarianism! The Places You Will Go!!! (and its only one week later!)

Kevin Bratcher
9 years ago

I also see the county clerk stand as an early skirmish in the battle that will be fought by church pastors. Since at least some states require that pastors get a license from the state or county in order to perform marriages, the next step for homosexual activists will be to challenge the county or state licensing any pastor who dares to contravene the Constitution (in this case, anyway). Maybe it’s not a perfect precedent, but when Kim Davis is put in prison I don’t think it’s a stretch to say she’s just warming a cell for the first defiant… Read more »

The_Physeter
9 years ago
Reply to  Kevin Bratcher

Except that church pastors are not publicly elected agents of the government. That’s the whole point. Kim Davis should have become a pastor if she wanted to deny marriages to gay people. Interracial marriages became legal 50 years ago–any county clerk denying an interracial marriage license would certainly be treated like Davis is now–and yet have you ever heard of a church being prosecuted because they wouldn’t marry an interracial couple? Racist churches still exist, and they still claim they’re following God’s law. And that’s perfectly fine with the government as long as it’s in the church. It’s just like… Read more »

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago

Top form! Firing on all cylinders! Metaphor engine purring like a purry thing!

Digger
Digger
9 years ago
Reply to  Rob Steele

The use of metaphors isn’t rocket surgery, you know.

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago
Reply to  Digger

Right, it’s closer to brain science.

Bob French
Bob French
9 years ago

So, it seems as if Kim Davis is not issuing any marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, either. What is the reasoning behind that decision? It would seem logical to continue to do issue licenses as she has in the past, while refusing to violate her conscience by issuing licenses to same-sex couples.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Bob French

That was actually pretty clever on her part (I mean that sincerely). If she gives to some but not to others then she is more easily exposed to a charge of unequal treatment. If she gives to nobody, then she can more plausibly argue that her religious convictions along with her desire to be as fair as possible have simply paralyzed her ability to do anything.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  Bob French

The reasoning is that the licenses she issues are no longer valid, because they no longer signify marriage.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Jane Dunsworth

That’s way too cute though. Any court will just say “validity is a legal concept. By definition if we recognize them, they are valid.” Valid just means “able to receive the respect sought from the legal system itself.” God might not be happy with it, but God doesn’t determine tax exemptions.

Jane Dunsworth
Jane Dunsworth
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

You disagree with her reasoning. So noted. Bob asked what the reasoning was.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago

Then I don’t want my tax payer dollars going to someone who’s religious convictions prevents her from doing her job.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Are you a registered voter in that jurisdiction?

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

My gay friend who grew up there does.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Does what?

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

Lives in that county, pays taxes in that county, and should be able to marry in that county.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Well, he can marry,provided he finds a girl willing to marry him. Anything else he does is not marriage no matter what piece of paper he may have.
A piece of paper with the county stamp on it is now (I suppose)available to him as Kim Davis has deputies who apparently do not wish to join her in jail.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

Same sex marriage is law of the land. Two men and two women can now marry in this country. Doesn’t matter if you disagree with the ruling, it’s the law.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

There is no such thing as “same sex marriage” Two people of the same sex may do whatever they think they can get away with, and Rowan County is more than likely going to start handing out bits of paper purporting to dignify same sex conjugation. That does not make it a marriage, whether you or the supremes for that matter agree or not.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

Luckily your opinion is not law.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Opinions are not laws not mine, yours, or the supremes. Legislatures make laws in a republic,not courts.

But the point is that whether law or opinion neither the supremes nor yet the legislature can turn chokecherries into watermelon, regardless of how many citizens agree.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

There is no law to straight marriage either. Marriage is marriage, the Supreme Court found no reason to deny that right to same sex couples. The bans were unconstitutional.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Comparing gay marriage to Nazis. Nice.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Do you know how absolutely frightening it is to be denied something in America under “Gods authority”? Scary stuff.

Dave
Dave
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

Yes, we see something frighting every day. Unborn babies are murdered and their tiny parts and whole bodies that just popped out are sold to the highest bidder. Yes, murdering babies and depriving them of life is frightening.

Yes, homosexuals abusing children is frightening.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Dave

Abortion has nothing to do with this discussion. Heterosexuals abusing children is frightening as well, as is heterosexuals having children out of wedlock they can’t take care of.

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago
Reply to  Mr. M

I don’t want my tax dollars paying for AZT treatments.

Mr. M
Mr. M
9 years ago
Reply to  Barnabas

Because medical treatments and denying rights are the same thing..

Xon
Xon
9 years ago

This is absolutely the wrong hill to die on because religious liberty is going to get one good bite at the apple at the Supreme Court, and not even Scalia or Thomas will touch Kim Davis to defend what she is doing. As indicated (maybe, you never know for sure) by the fact that neither of them wrote a dissent from the denial of her petition for a stay this week.

If you support Davis and make her the model of what religious liberty looks like in the wake of Obergefell, then you are dooming the Kleins in Oregon.

David Trounce
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

How does dying on this hill doom the Kleins?

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  David Trounce

Because if the Kleins’ case gets to the supreme court, they will probably win (this is my opinion, obviously, but I’m not loony on this point). If Davis’ case gets to the supreme court, not only will she lose but you’ll get an 8-1 or 9-0 decision that virtually destroys any other religious liberty cases from coming before the court for a while.

And now Davis is first in the hopper.

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Let me say a bit more (sorry): the Kleins’ case stands for an important proposition that applies to religious liberty in many areas. Kim Davis’s case is a very narrow case that even a lot of conservatives think is bogus — the “right” of an official to have their cake and eat it too by holding on to their office that they refuse to perform all in the name of “freedom of religion.” Maybe we’ll get lucky and the Court will take up both cases and consolidate them into one — with Kennedy doing his thing and writing a majority… Read more »

David Trounce
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

I see your logic but not the inevitability. God is on the move.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Why the reliance on the “Supreme Court” ? Did not Scalia himself take note to Kennedy how weak the damn institution is? How tenuous its hold on the hearts of the people?

Why do you seek to bind us to these fools?

UPDATE: Ah!, I see below your reasoning. You still think, even after Robert’s “However” that reason and not power are what drive these nuts and you have faith that persuasion and ‘law’ will bring about a glorious change.

I do not share your worldview.

Digger
Digger
9 years ago

Wow! What a fantastic article. It is good to know that Elijah is, in fact, NOT the last believer alive!

Xon
Xon
9 years ago

The real problem here is that you (Doug and others) are mis-identifying who is trampling on whom. This really isn’t that tricky and we don’t need a presuppositionalist jujitsu to lay out a consistent position. You yourself have argued forcefully and persuasively in the past that not all sins are crimes. So, the simple fact that God says something is a sin does not mean that allowing people to do it via the civil code is an abomination. Your argument here seems to be that any law that disagrees with biblical morality (disagrees in the sense of *allowing people who… Read more »

David R
David R
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

“not defending those who would be abused.” Your view of abuse seems to only extend to those being hitched. There is an abuse to society, to the concept of family, and most importantly to children. This law is unjust, not simply because it flies in the face of reason and moral law, but because it harms children. It says that mothers and fathers are not necessary. That they are interchangeable. It says that marriage is about adult romance, and nothing to do with the children that the union produces. Your viewpoint will allow, by law, to actively deny a child… Read more »

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

We already allow gay couples to adopt. The train has left the station. This great abomination that screams to the heavens is nary more than a whimper of what has already gone before. I understand there are conservatives who have opposed it all from the beginning, but then we should at least be honest and say “this recent case is really no big new thing, but I’m just using it as a way to illustrate the desirability of that right turn 50 (150? 450?) years ago.”

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

That’s an odd definition of abuse. Abuse “to society” you say? Abuse to a “concept?” Like the way that FDR talked about the four freedoms, kind of? Sounds airy-fairy to me. In this corner, an actual flesh and blood person who will be denied an actual thing in the here and now. In that corner, a person who says their metaphysical understanding of definitions will be offended the other person gets the thing. Gosh, I guess we’re “abusing” someone either way so it’s a draw! Come on now. As for the abuse you mention that I’m prepared to accept as… Read more »

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

Even if research showed that mother-father families are better than all
others, that doesn’t mean that other arrangements shouldn’t also be
encouraged when they are as good as we can do. And to outlaw them seems
completely misguided. In any event, that ship has sailed.

Confirm people in their sin. That is not a winning strategy for the Godly minded.

Michael Maccabee Collins
Michael Maccabee Collins
9 years ago

“Don’t tell believers to stay engaged so that they can make a difference, and then, when they start making a difference, tell them that this is not a hill to die on.”
Fantastic. And why we are here.

Ben
Ben
9 years ago

If you go to work for an institution (private or public) that you know engages in immoral behavior, how can you be surprised if you find yourself being expected to engage in immoral behavior as part of the job? She is a moral person and is therefore an unfit employee for that particular institution. On the one hand I’d like to see her hang in there until they figure out she’s unfit and then fire her, but on the other hand, why would she work for an institution like that in the first place? It’s similar to a Christian becoming… Read more »

Xon
Xon
9 years ago
Reply to  Ben

Here’s the thing, and it’s what makes this situation such a nightmare (or a delight, I suppose, depending on your proclivities). She can’t be “fired.” It’s an elected position. She can be recalled (um, maybe? local KY law for removing from office prior to term ending is unclear). Literally the only options are to hold her in contempt for disobeying the judge’s order (conservative son of super conservative senator Jim Bunning). Which means jail or fines. Either way she’s a martyr. No good options for those who want her out. But not great for her when she has to start… Read more »

Ben
Ben
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

I didn’t realize it was an elected position. The question as to why she would want to work for an immoral agency still remains. Did she not see this conflict coming at all, especially in the last couple of years?

ashv
ashv
9 years ago
Reply to  Ben

Are you familiar with the term “lawfare”?

Xon
Xon
9 years ago

If after Lawrence v. Texas a local sheriff locked up a homosexual man and refused to release him from jail, saying that “gays going free violates my religious conscience,” would that have been okay too? Would the sheriff be the one standing against “tyranny” there? In both cases, you have the Supreme Court saying that if you are gay you are entitled to a certain benefit (in Lawrence it is freedom from criminal sanctions; in Obergefell it’s the benefit of being “married” for tax purposes, etc.) In both cases, you have a local magistrate denying the benefit to a gay… Read more »

Job
Job
9 years ago
Reply to  Xon

The benefit gained in Lawrence was the freedom to use another man’s anus for God-defying masturbatory intercourse. So the example you gave doesn’t really fit.

First, the sheriff would not simply lock up a homosexual man for being gay, rather for engaging in sodomy.

Second, any such sheriff would likely lock up far more heterosexuals, they being more numerous in the population.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

Amen. No more Fort Sumters.

But no more Wacos either.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago

That ladies and gentlemen is what is known as “bringing the awesome” . Well done Pastor Wilson.

David Trounce
9 years ago

Correct me if I am wrong, but it troubles me that in the first century, as well as many of the persecutions in places like Russia and China, it seemed to be the leaders of the church who copped the battering first. Here in the sunny west it seems to be the ordinary Christian on the street, with many of the chubby leading church ministers, thinkers and scribblers tucked away in safety somewhere.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  David Trounce

I think some of that is who’s getting attention at the moment. There are plenty of leaders I know who’ve taken a stand publicly on the issue in person and on social media. Everyone sort of expects that of them, so it’s not much news. There’s greater controversy in this type of event. They’ll get around to trying to obliterate the pastors and leaders soon enough. They’re trying to pick off the fringes at the moment. Testing the lines.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  David Trounce

501(c) status or Christ crucified; that is the question.

S9
S9
9 years ago

“In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, “I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.” To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: “If you don’t see the use of it,… Read more »

ashv
ashv
9 years ago
Reply to  S9

Now, apply that to the American (and French) Revolution.

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

In June 2013 Pastor Doug addresses the question of a believer attending the wedding of another believer who is marrying an unbeliever. His answer, in short, was that the believer cannot attend or participate in any way that says, “Amen”, to the union, because God doesn’t bless the union. Now he celebrates the courage of the clerk standing against homosexual marriage ostensibly for the same reason, she cannot affirm the union, because God doesn’t affirm the union. Clear? Consistent? No. This same clerk has issued, without doubt, hundreds of licenses to believers who are marrying unbelievers; thereby affirming again and… Read more »

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago
Reply to  Steve

So you draw the over here instead of over there. Interesting.

Steve
Steve
9 years ago
Reply to  Rob Steele

Not suggesting moving the line, just suggesting that lines need to be drawn, if drawn, consistently. I am a pastor and would not marry either couple in view. God has drawn that line. I would also expect the governments of the world to draw lines in other places. And, with the authority God has granted them, comfortably punish me for my adhering to God’s lines, not theirs. The history of the church is filled with such; and the gospel is strengthened by every assault. But drawing a line here, and not there, when or how it suits us, might indeed… Read more »

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago
Reply to  Steve

I’m having trouble following you. What I’m getting is that clarity, consistency, and lack of hypocrisy are the big things and that we can’t usefully engage the culture without them. Is that what you mean? Do you know anyone who has all those ducks lined up?

Bob French
Bob French
9 years ago
Reply to  Steve

You said: “This same clerk has issued, without doubt, hundreds of licenses to believers who are marrying unbelievers; thereby affirming again and again, without any apparent reluctance, what God does not affirm.” I don’t think her job consists of discerning whether or not the couples are believers, or not believers. You are a pastor and should discern those things. And even you may be wrong sometimes.

David Trounce
9 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Steve, sodomy is a sin, so is polygamy and a man marrying a woman under certan circumstances. Those lines should be drawn consistently. But two guys marrying is not a sin in the same sense. The bible does not condmen it outright. The reason to draw a line there is that two guys marrying is not a marriage. If a mother wanted to reasign her sons gender at birth so that the birth certificate read, “girl”, the doctor might rightly refusing and draw the line becuase it’s not a girl. Later that week, the same Doctor (who happens to run… Read more »

Melody
Melody
9 years ago

somethingclever is not.

somethingclever
somethingclever
9 years ago
Reply to  Melody

Probably should go by sometimesclever.

yigejidutu
yigejidutu
9 years ago

The best blog post on this issue that I’ve read. Period. I can imagine both Kim and Douglas’ critics gnawing their fingernails in frustration of how to respond when their arguments have been so thoroughly stomped.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

The broader issue here, as andrewlohr mentioned, goes by the term nullification. Jury nullification is when the jury refuses to convict when they believe a particular law is unjust. This is a design feature of our judicial system (though they aggressively suppress knowledge of it), and serves as a deputized form of lesser magistrate, as a check and balance on the law itself. Because we are a culture that knows God, but refuses to honor Him, or give Him thanks, we are seeing stuff starting to fall through the cracks. Our government is going to perish according to Psalm 2… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  katecho

“I would even support my own lesser magistrate in a call to violent opposition, if the principle at issue is worth dying and killing for (such as abortion). But I don’t support individuals lashing out in violence on their own individualistic private authority.” ashv has again up-voted you, now and here on this one. Over at Totalitolerance, I just posted a second “omnibus,” answering (among other things) your objection to being lumped in with “timothy et al” on calls for Gettysburg and such. I both gave you the “due process” chapter and verse you requested plus I honored your request… Read more »

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

Regarding the lack of charity from Haggar, this is the bit I had quoted from him at the time: QED, if timothy K1 [katecho] et al really believe it’s “their finest hour” time, if they really believe the anti-Christ is sitting in the White House, if they really believe everyone who disagrees with them on any doctrinal point is some false-flag pagan in a Christian costume, then they should get off this board, round up some guns, and head for Gettysburg. In other places, Haggar has been more charitable toward my views, but in his “omnibus #2” he still didn’t… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  katecho

Read the “accommodation” post to Alex W and K2. Or don’t. And stop trying to be coy. IMHO, you nailed yourself, removing all doubt, in what I cited in Omni #3. If you actually believe Obergefell puts the USA at the point of justifying ANY degree of violence, stop protesting “50 Shades of Gray” or “36” or “19.” Or keep whining. Whatever. Yes, we rebelled against King George. Yes, I was aware of the 1/3 1/3 1/3 breakout in 1776, LONG before seeing it repeated here. I do, however, question the judgment of anyone who thinks Ober justifies violence. Frankly… Read more »

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

At this point I think I can assume that Haggar won’t support his uncharitable charge that I ever said Obama was the antichrist, or that I ever said anyone should get off the board, or that I ever advocated immediate open revolution, etc. He seems to be standing by that characterization of me, even without providing any evidence. That doesn’t speak well of his regard for actual due process. In any case, what I was hoping to see was Haggar’s principles for resistance to government tyranny, both within (as lesser magistrates), and even the duties of citizens, and the potential… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago

The term of art known as “accommodation” has previously addressed this point by Pastor Doug; “Find somebody in the office not nearly so squeamish as you are? ‘Hey, Queequeg! Can you handle this one’?” Anyone who didn’t see it but wants to, let me know. However, of all the things in this target-rich environment, I’ll only raise one point which has me puzzled; “But Kim Davis is not just keeping herself from sinning, she is preventing Rowan County from sinning. That is part of her job.” Anyone have a source/authority for the proposition that the clerk has some affirmative duty… Read more »

jillybean
jillybean
9 years ago

I also find that puzzling. I wonder if it comes back to the unwillingness to distinguish between the religious and secular realms, and to see a major difference between crimes and sins. I don’t see it as any legitimate function of a secular government to prevent people from sinning. If I were elected county clerk, what would happen if I, as a Catholic, refused to issue licenses for divorced people wanting to get remarried? What if I said I was doing this because of a rock-solid religious conviction that remarriage after divorce causes people to live in adulterous unions? What… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  jillybean

Well, the wrath of Alex in W may descend upon me, but the craziness of the last 24 hours again makes me seriously question the value of commenting on this site.

I considered posting her oath of office, and maybe I should have, but when I looked it up, I was NOT surprised to discover it contains no instructions to prevent the county from sinning.

At its simplest, there is a tight cluster of like-minded, mutually supporting folks on this site who cannot get over the hurdle of having to tolerate a purely secular state.

Job
Job
9 years ago

It appears to me that they despise the fact that the formerly Christian state governments were subverted by the national government and secularized.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Job

IMHO, ashv has most strongly taken the “War of Northern Aggression” stance, while K2 comes from a totally different perspective (atheist), yet it’s fair to say he also sees the North’s winning and the 14th Ad as having fundamentally altered the state-national balance of power within our federal system. Despite all that, every election is another chance to reverse the nationalization trend. The Germans and the Japanese did not win the war and force us to do this to ourselves. The USSR collapsed. Heck, Rome fell, but the church is still here, divided though it may be. I dunno. By… Read more »

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

Elections at the federal level don’t matter much, since most of the law-making and operation of the government is done by unelected bureaucrats, and the acceptable bounds of popular opinion are set by the press and academia, limiting the range of electable candidates. We’re not voting our way out of this.

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

If everyone who professed to be a disciple of Christ actually voted as though the Word of God had ultimate authority in every area of life. Our political landscape would be radically different.

ashv
ashv
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

Perhaps so — but that still would not affect the operations of the federal government very much, the political component of it is relatively small and ineffective.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

To your thought along the lines of “worst case we’ll get a Napoleon,” I almost linked to that “case for impeachment” book. Plenty of non-Waco folks think we already have a Napoleon in place. Suppose someone like, say, I dunno, Fiorina, is Prez in 2017. Would the “waters of the US” rule the EPA just hatched go stay in effect? Suppose Congress defines carbon as NOT being a pollutant in 2017. That would cut out a bunch of EPA foolishness. Congress last changed the definition of “navigable” in 1920. The EPA changed the definition of “ordinary high water mark” (OHWM)… Read more »

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

The presidency is mostly (though not entirely) a ceremonial position at this point. The president of the US has less control over his supposed subordinates (other than appointees in the Cabinet) in the executive branch than a CEO does over his employees.

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

Power to push things further in the direction they are already going, little power to reverse anything.

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago

History shows that there are much worse possibilities than Napoleon. He’s almost a best case scenario at this point.

Job
Job
9 years ago

The purely secular question, being of the state and its laws?

Do you view the secular position more as a compromise between competing groups or as just another group like the Muslims/Christians/Mormons/Jews/etc., competing for power and influence?

carole
carole
9 years ago

What purely secular question?

Nord357
Nord357
9 years ago

Kelly, you are an awfully smart guy. I would have thought by now that it would have become apparent that the purpose of the author (and a good many of the commenters here), is not to present an argument that will necessarily win in court. But to present an argument that derives from an explicitly reformed evangelical worldview. That is a worldview that requires subverting and transforming all of human culture until it aligns with the revealed word of God. “Cutting ice on the docket” while not undesirable, is secondary to, and can only come after, the minds of the… Read more »

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago
Reply to  Nord357

If you are in a prisoner’s dilemma and you are repeatedly betrayed there is no reason to maintain loyalty. In fact, its insane. The power of the other team to manipulate law through the slow process of deconstructing culture was bad enough but they also just violate, selectively enforce or change the law to suit their ends. At this point I give them the due respect for the power they hold for so far as that power lasts but I recognize no legitimacy.

timothy
timothy
9 years ago
Reply to  Barnabas

Your view is widespread and increasingly vocalized in ‘respectable’ quarters.

del
del
9 years ago

Just curious–what does “purely secular” mean, and how recently did that become a principle that must be applied to U.S. law in all jurisdictions, large and small?

ashv
ashv
9 years ago

The problem is that “purely secular state” is a contradiction in terms; law always proceeds from religion, there is no neutrality possible. What’s going on is a conflict between groups with different religious beliefs. What some religions regard as central tenets others regard as blasphemous, and blasphemy against the god of the system always carries a penalty.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

Further, God has installed His King on His holy mountain, and recognizes no secular state. Every king is a subject of King Jesus, and they are all required to give Him homage. We (including Haggar) are simply not authorized to declare any secular truce with them on behalf of Christ. This doesn’t mean that we have to invoke violence at every instant that we don’t get our way, but we do press the warning of Psalm 2, publicly, and often, and pray for their repentance, or their removal by representative means (which may include violence, in God’s providence).

carole
carole
9 years ago

Kelly, if your purpose of commenting on this site is to convince the “cluster” that Jesus is NOT Lord over everything including the state, all of the time, then I don’t think you will be successful. When the point, that He is Lord all of the time, is acknowledged I up vote, “mutually supporting” my brothers and sisters for speaking the truth as we are instructed to do, all of the time not just when we aren’t at work.
I think it might be you standing in front of a hurdle, kicking it and wondering why it won’t go away.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  carole

No, the Ps2 posturing folks are NOT my purpose in being here. It’s for folks such as jlllybean and Buggs.

carole
carole
9 years ago

I can understand that! Jillybean is a pure pleasure to discuss any topic with, and since that is your purpose, no need to question it like you stated above. :)

carole
carole
9 years ago
Reply to  jillybean

Hi Jill,
But had you done so in the early wake of divorce becoming legal, you may have garnished quite a bit of support, yes? This far out we forget what a big deal legalizing divorce was and how hard many fought against it. Ireland was often ridiculed for being the last western country not to allow it until the mid 90s….look how fast that culture has slipped on the slope.

carole
carole
9 years ago

Aren’t we responsible for trying to stop murders, suicides, rape, theft… In fact if we don’t try to stop others from sinning can’t we be held responsible?
Kelly, there is no section of the world where the Bible, God, is not the authority. I think that may be the part that is confusing you.

Kavveh-El
Kavveh-El
9 years ago

Kentucky Constitution
Section 233A
Valid or recognized marriage — Legal status of unmarried individuals.

Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Kentucky. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.

Text as Ratified on: November 2, 2004.
History: Creation proposed by 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 128, sec. 1

Job
Job
9 years ago

It will take many man hours to remove Kim Davis from office. Her refusal to surrender, even if she ultimately loses, will at least momentarily keep the Left from moving on to softer targets. All questions of principle aside, that is a good tactic.

Instead of routing, make the enemy lay siege.

JohnHoward
9 years ago

I agree, her job is to certify that, in her official determination, the couple is truly eligible to marry and procreate together, that’s why she signs her name to it. She is not just there to hand out licenses. And if she knows that a couple does not have a right to procreate and should not be approved to marry, it’s her job to not issue the license, even if according to the documents presented, they seem legally eligible. If she knows that they are actually brother and sister, for example, she has a duty to deny the license. That’s… Read more »

JohnHoward
9 years ago

Btw, Ryan Anderson is nuanced because he actually doesn’t care about stopping same sex marriage. He actually thinks it’s good that same sex should be able to get married. He says that would be win-win.

Bo Cogbill
Bo Cogbill
9 years ago

This may have been asked already, but should a Christian issue a license to those unbiblically divorced (and attempting to remarry)? (My initial reaction is no, but you’re smarter than me…)

Steven Opp
Steven Opp
9 years ago

I posted this on my FB page and someone challenged me about the statement “this [not allowing the state to cross certain lines] is one of the things they swear to do when they take office.”
I’m not familiar with the oaths taken. Can anyone help explain Doug’s statement?
Thanks

David Trounce
9 years ago

C’mon people. All this talk of Waco and congress and false dichotomies like secular vs. religious is off track. Kim has positioned the issue very clearly as a matter of conscience. She is not trying to stop the world from sinning and has made it plain she has no beef with those who do. She is not demanding laws be changed or that sinners be strung up in the maket place. Her job also requires much more than just rubber stamping marriages. God requires that she not violate her conscience. That’s the basis of her argument and we should acknowledge… Read more »

Barnabas
Barnabas
9 years ago

Jefferson is not one of my favorite guys but I’ve been thinking that his line about the tree of liberty needing to be watered periodically with the blood of patriots and tyrants makes sense if you think of it as a comment on the tendency for bureaucratic systems to perpetuate themselves and crowd out other social systems necessitating periodic reset.

Antecho
Antecho
9 years ago

Doug, that mention of Daniel 6:22-23 is very helpful, confirming the Biblical intent for Romans 13:1-5,6-10. Thank you very much! Like Daniel, in not sinfully bowing down to this human idol of Homosex, Kim is doing no crime (Da 6:22); may Kim also continue to trust in her God (Da 6:23), rather than her King Darius when in his laws and courts are decrees that explicitly or implicitly contradict (the Biblical intent of) God’s law: “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination” (Lv 18:22). May God, through Kim’s obedience unto… Read more »

Wendy
Wendy
9 years ago

I like that you brought up Daniel. However, I feel your use of his stand is incorrect here. He was commanded not to pray and he did. I do not find any examples where he actually interfered with Babylonian (and later on the Medo-Persians) culture and laws. He lived among them and was a leader in the political arena of his day. I feel that as believers we should stay engaged. However, I struggle with the “hill to die on” approach that builds walls, points fingers and accuses others of sin, vs the example Christ left us, “let he who… Read more »

ashv
ashv
9 years ago
Reply to  Wendy

Christ’s example of “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” was about the Pharisees trying to trap Him into blatant injustice — they said this woman was caught in adultery, but that’s not a crime one can commit by oneself, and the other party was curiously missing. The implicit question raised is which one of her accusers _hadn’t_ slept with her. It is indeed the church’s job to proclaim the gospel to sinners, but that has two sides: as Scripture states, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” The church welcomes sinners who… Read more »

katecho
katecho
9 years ago
Reply to  ashv

We also have a God of vengeance. What we don’t have is any fear of God, culturally.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago

Omnibus #3 Same-sex marriage ruling: what now? Category: Cultural Commentary Published: Friday, 26 June 2015 [at] 13:00 [pm] Written by [Rev] Jim Denison at: http://dev30.denisonforum.org/cultural-commentary/1712-same-sex-marriage-ruling-what-now The author is Baptist minister; Southern Baptist Convention. (If there’s a dispute IN THE SLIGHTEST DEGREE about the legitimacy of his credentials as a Christian then “include me out” for the Nth time.) “The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret and apply the Constitution of the United States.” Notice he did NOT say “is empowered to interpret and apply the Bible.” However, he also concluded with, “Whatever happens, let’s continue to engage the culture with… Read more »

David R
David R
9 years ago

“If it conflicts with Obergefell, Obergefell wins. Period. Full stop.” That is not what the founders believed. The idea that the SC is the final arbiter was considered preposterous by the likes of Jefferson and Madison. I understand that this is where we are because of precedent and tradition, but this is not how it should be. That 9 unelected judges can overturn democratically enacted laws is anathema to the separation of powers. We are one or 2 justices away from revoking the Second Amendment. If the SC ruled tomorrow that “well regulated” means that the government can regulate guns,… Read more »

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  David R

The original reason Ed Meese became famous was his article about Aaron v Cooper from 1958. If a Spm Ct opinion is co-equal with the Constitution, why doesn’t it take an amendment to reverse an opinion? Marbury is outside the scope of this thread. You could have cited “that eminent tribunal” from Lincoln. Or the 5th Cir taking Holder to the woodshed a year or two back. We actually not that far apart – – if we are apart at all. Prowl back through my answer to the question on “Is the Spm Ct the final authority?” You’ll discover my… Read more »

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago

Uberfail is the law and we should suck it up. Do I understand you correctly?

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Rob Steele

No, you don’t. We should work to reverse it. But until we win that fight, we obey the law.

P.S. Or, if you think we don’t obey the law, then resume deepening the “Gettysburg” (low or high degree) rut again. Also, on second thought, perhaps you will also find the “accommodation” post written back on June 29th and cited above to David T useful?

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago

Presumably you would recommend disobeying the law if it were sufficiently bad, say rounding up people with bad thoughts for reeducation. What would it take for you to recommend public officials disobey the law? Draw the line.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Rob Steele

At the civil level, I’m fine with anyone going to jail, a la Thoreau or MLK, rather than obey what they believe is ANY unjust law. But for ME to march on Gettysburg, we’d have to be up at the level of loading Jews into box cars.

Talk is cheap. I served, 1974-1994, and in fact I’m still subject to recall as long as I still breathe. You’re welcome.

Rob Steele
Rob Steele
9 years ago

Thanks–and thanks for your service.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Rob Steele

No prob. And must work harder on my temper. And get a bigger power supply for my tact-o-meter.

Evan
Evan
9 years ago

“At the civil level, I’m fine with anyone going to jail, a la Thoreau or MLK, rather than obey what they believe is ANY unjust law. But for ME to march on Gettysburg, we’d have to be up at the level of loading Jews into box cars.”

How about loading baby parts into fed ex boxes?

Dave
Dave
9 years ago
Reply to  Evan

Evan, thanks for pounding the nails in straight. Kelly, we are loading onto the boxcars, you just don’t see it.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Dave

I see PP is morally wrong. I see what’s on those tapes is illegal. What I don’t see is that PP’s acts justify armed rebellion.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

What are the principles for armed rebellion?

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Evan

March on Gettysburg over that? No. But as a USAO member, I’d be at least investigating RICO and other violations, plus conspiracy.

Dave
Dave
9 years ago

Kelly, based on your service dates, you should be over age 60 which would require a Type III recall. The odds of hitting the lotto jackpot in all 50 states are better than getting a Type III recall.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  Dave

True. But if enough whack jobs start marching on Gettysburg, I’d be at the recruiting station volunteering. ;).

Seriously, people, can we get some adult leadership on this thread? Just cool it with the violence talk. Or take out billboards topped with flashing strobes reading “Ignore us posturing loons?”

David Trounce
9 years ago

OK, I will have a crack at the adult leadership thing.

Kelly, quit boasting. If you have a biblical take on the current issue, enunciate it.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  David Trounce

Boasting? Huh? David, anybody who has passed an 8th grade civics taught by an asst football coach ought to know already know and understand enough to see the role/mission of secular gummit. Only loons believe there is any legitimacy to “interposition.” Only loons believe there is any difference between “nullification” and “interposition.” Read MLK’s “I have a dream” speech. What did he say was dripping from whose lips? As for my biblical take, how much more explicit than “render unto Caesar” must I get? Or that my personal trip wire for armed rebellion is up at “Jews-in-box cars?” No, the… Read more »

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

Haggar hasn’t responded to numerous references to Psalm 2, but here he seems to be explicitly endorsing the legitimacy of secular pluralism. Does this view of pluralism mean that all rulers of the earth are required to display homage to the Son, or not required to?

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  katecho

Excuse me, I HAVE responded. You just disagree with my answer. No scripture of ANY faith is binding on ANY secular “magistrate.”

Go to lunch with Abe through El. Evangelize them. That’s a totally legit response. But – – unless you’re TRYING to get aired off – – don’t cite Calvin to a US court as proof they must rule as you want.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

So Haggar’s response to Psalm 2 is to toss it out on its ear. He places the authority of the secular state above Scripture’s express warning to the kings of the earth. Now it’s clear.

Kelly M. Haggar
Kelly M. Haggar
9 years ago
Reply to  katecho

Sigh. Struggling with tact. NOW I’m clear? NOW? No, you just wish Ps 2 was enacted into secular law. It won’t be. And if America turns into Mad Max, you of all people will rue the day.

Have a nice weekend. Taking up grandson duty.

katecho
katecho
9 years ago

When I see comments like this, I imagine the one saying them, standing before God, saying them to Him. Read Haggar’s words again, in that context, and imagine the scene:

Sigh. Struggling with tact.
NOW I’m clear? NOW?
No, you just wish Ps 2 was enacted into secular law. It won’t be.
And if America turns into Mad Max, you of all people will rue the day.

Job
Job
9 years ago

“No, the problem here is a collection of people who wish to operate in a pluralistic society ONLY as long as they are in charge of it.”

Kelly, that is a perfectly valid position – probably the most common one historically.

Dave
Dave
9 years ago

Kelly, you did not pay attention to military history and doctrine while you were in the service. 1. “I was following orders” didn’t cut the mustard in Nuremberg. 2. Officers were to follow the constitution not to kowtow to the orders of those above them. As head clerk, an electe