[M]y question is: what is the premise here? ...Do you want to see a return to Biblical morality via the imposition of civil law? Should we punish heresy or blasphemy with jail time? Criminalize the placement of those Mary statues that Catholics like to put on their front lawn (some consider this idolatry)? Should we make people do community service or toss them in prison for that third glass of wine they had during dinner (at their own home)?I'll share my thoughts, but I'm interested to hear from others as well...
I'm not being sarcastic, I would just like to know what elements of your own personal version of what is "moral" should be criminalized (or not). Does this extend only towards homosexual conduct?
Culture Campaign's message is that Christians have a responsibility to engage the culture. Christians (including America's founding fathers) believe that God is Creator, that our freedoms and rights derive from Him, that our nation will be blessed when our leaders and citizens recognize His authority and when our laws reflect His values. Especially given the liberty we enjoy and the opportunity we have to influence society for good, we have an obligation to be salt and light.
God desires and demands, but does not directly compel obedience. Christians do not advocate Old Testament punishment for every moral sin; we do, however, desire that our national laws respect God's moral order. If we hope to enjoy God's abundant blessings, He must be recognized as Creator and designer. Human life must be protected as sacred, while justice must also be enforced against the violently wicked. God's design for marriage and family must be highly regarded and preferred. Financial stewardship must be demanded. And so on...
We can legislate morality - we do so already. We have laws against murder, rape, theft - but also regulate drinking, drugs, gambling, bankruptcy, nudity, obscenity/pornography, etc. Those who insist on breaking laws bear a punitive and just social consequence that convicts the conscience (if it is not hardened) and teaches others about right/wrong.
Where our nation's laws have strayed from truth - for instance, in devising a right to no-fault divorce, we have weakened and then seared the conscience, we have deceived people into believing that they actually can pursue and attain happiness by following their own will...and society bears the consequence of these immoral laws with broken homes, single moms, fatherless and brokenhearted children, poverty, drop-outs, crime, etc.
Although we do not wish to compel heartless, insincere compliance with all facets of Christianity, we ought as a society to encourage people to view God's standard as the highest good both for individual and society. Those who insist on doing otherwise may, but in bearing the consequence of that choice they are reminded of the eternal consequence of rebellion against God.
That's how I would characterize the "agenda" of Culture Campaign. Maybe some of my colleagues will join in the discussion...
