In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What happens when a master chef cooks a large pot of stew, filled with many succulent and healthy ingredients, and then adds strychnine to the mixture? Would it not bring fatal results to those who eat it? This is practically what is happening with President Obama’s healthcare reform. He and Congress brought reforms that would provide insurance to all of those who were denied it or charged crippling premiums in the past. To those who somehow fit into this category, this sounds wonderful, but the poison that Obama added to what would have been a wonderful plan is providing “contraceptive care” (birth control pills, morning after drugs, and “abortion-inducing” drugs) to the list of covered procedures.
While this is bad enough, Obama is now grabbing the Roman Catholic Church by the throat and forcing this tainted stew down her throat. President Obama is now forcing all employers, including religious ones, to provide the aforementioned “healthcare” coverage to its employees (churches exempted). That’s right; Obama’s administration will be forcing, in particular, Catholic schools and hospitals to abandon their teachings, beliefs, and CONSCIENCES to provide insurance coverage for services they deem immoral and contrary to the will of God! This troubled president, by his own despicable decree, has downgraded his status as a Christian from questionable to highly unlikely. How can he call himself a Christian whilst attacking the largest Christian denomination in America?
It is very commendable that bishops across the country, read letters to American Catholic parishes last Sunday, encouraging them to stand against such an evil act. Prayerfully, all American Catholics will do so. After all, nearly 70 million Americans, or close to one fourth of the population, is Catholic. Therefore, if all Catholics stand together, this will give Obama’s administration tremendous pressure to consider reinstating the conscience clause in his healthcare law.
Of course, this is far more than just a Catholic issue. After all, where there are ten Catholic schools or hospitals, there is at least one run by Lutherans or other Christian denominations. This means that the very schools this examiner attended will be forced to go against basic teaching of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or face dire consequences. Even if a denomination has no schools, clinics, hospitals, or any non-church employees, make no mistake about it; this act threatens their religious freedom too. If Obama’s wishes are allowed to stand, this will be an open door to all sorts of injustices. One day, churches will be directly required to provide contraceptive services to their employees, Christian social service agencies will be required to facilitate abortions, and even Christian hospitals and doctors will be forced to perform the aforementioned. Thus, those who practice the Christian faith will be turned into hypocrites. As 76% of all Americans are Christian, we have the power to keep this from happening! First, all Christians should pray that God would forgive Obama of his transgressions and help him become a defender of liberty and a champion for human rights. Second, go here to sign the petition against Obama’s decision. Finally, link arms with all of your Christian brothers and sisters of all denominations, as well as our benefactors, and stand firm for your religious rights and privileges. Any Christian who feels he or she is not directly affected on Obama’s assault on religious freedom should nevertheless keep this edited poem of Martin Niemöller in mind:
First, they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew.
Then, they came for the Mormons, and I did not speak up because I was not a Mormon.
Then, they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak up because I was not a Catholic.
Then, they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak up because I was not a Muslim.
Then, they came for the Religious Right, and I did not speak up because I was not part of the Religious Right.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
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