by Nathan A. Cherry, 04/17/2012

I had a conversation with some middle school students recently that epitomizes the problem with public education and illustrates the effects of interference by the government related to issues within public schools. What I heard from these students was troubling, to say the least. But it served as a reminder for why we must be diligent in spreading the truth on these critical issues.

While discussing some faith-based topics with the students they mentioned they were learning about evolution and it was being taught as fact (Interesting, considering it is called the “theory” of evolution). I asked if any of the students objected in class and shared that they were Christians and believed in Creation. The students all said “no, we aren’t allowed to do that.”

That alone should shock and infuriate us. Students are being told they cannot exercise their 1^st amendment right to free speech and their right to freedom of religion when taught something that runs contrary to their personal convictions. As you can imagine, I promptly corrected the error and made it very clear that they had every right to “politely and respectfully” disagree and share the reason why they disagreed.

It is experiences like this one, happening in schools across America, that make events like the “Day of Dialogue” even more important and necessary. While liberals try and silence our students on issues of marriage, homosexuality and bullying (under the guise of “anti-bullying”) groups like Focus on the Family are creating events in public schools designed to engage in “a loving and Christ-centered response to hot-button topics like bullying, sexuality and gender identity already being discussed on their school campuses.”

This year, the Day of Dialogue is happening on Thursday, April 19 in schools across America.

The website, www.dayofdialogue.com describes exactly what this day is about:

Read the rest of this entry »

by Nathan A. Cherry, 01/27/2012

Martinsburg, WV – As a die-hard New England Patriots fan I am accustomed to being the only one rooting for my team. As with other great dynasties, if you are not a fan you have no trouble rooting against the dominating team. One team I have never been a fan of is the Denver Broncos. It is easy for me to root against them and enjoy watching them lose. Until recently…

I have to admit that I am an unashamed Tim Tebow fan. I love his competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude. But most of all I love how he refuses to separate his faith from his public life as a football player. He is a Christian first and a football player second. He boldly shares his faith whether he wins or loses and does so without apology. Even when the critics bash him – for his faith or his football – he smiles and gives all the glory and credit to his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

So when the Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first play of overtime during their first playoff game this year I was jumping and screaming like a crazy man. Then it hit me, they were headed to New England for a round two matchup that would be epic. And I was okay with that because either my team would win, or Tim Tebow would continue to write a Cinderella story that God is authoring in the life of this bold Christian.

And while some people would eagerly claim that Tebow has had no effect on the NFL and his lasting legacy would not be one very well remembered, such a claim, for me, came crashing down during the Patriots/Broncos game when I saw a commercial of a bunch of kids reciting John 3:16. I can’t begin to share all the amazing things about this video and the fact that it aired on national television during one of the most watched games of the entire year. (For more coverage on this amazing story please see this article or this one.)

But when cirtics of Tebow and his faith start railing against this young man that simply desires to live out his faith in a real way I get a little hot under the collar. The fact is, this is what we all should be doing, boldly sharing our faith with anyone and everyone that will listen. And just in case you think it doesn’t make a difference take a look at these quotes Focus on the Family received as a result of the commercial:

“Both my sons just saw your commercial and gave their lives to Christ as a result…Thank you. #John316.”

Similarly, another woman said:

“Thanks for running the John 3:16 ad during the Broncos/Patriots game. My husband is not a believer, but he was so taken by those precious kids that he became emotional watching it. Thanks for reaching out in such a warm, compassionate way.”

The religious freedom we enjoy today is a direct result of bold Christians that fought for the right to express their faith in every facet of their life, public and private. Tim Tebow is merely a visual reminder of how every Christian should be living out their faith. That visual reminder is threatening to those that oppose religious liberty and the religious convictions that many Americans hold dearly.

In a world where liberals and atheists are seeking to remove all mention of God from the public sector – like schools, sports leagues, clubs and the work place – Tim Tebow is a threat. His boldness is inspiring millions to exercise their faith and that just won’t do for religious suppressors.

Watch the video below and be inspired by one of the most famous verses in the Bible. But, be reminded of the fact that we as Christians are supposed to be “salt and light” in a dark world. Be reminded that we can’t be either if we suppress our convictions or allow threats to stifle the grace and truth that lives in us. (If the video doesn’t appear please refresh your browser).

As for Tebow’s impact on the NFL, when was the last time you saw the Bible read during primetime television? Enough said.

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Divorce and Statistics – First Things blogger R.R. Reno highlights some thoughts you probably already knew, but have been restated afresh following the release of a report by the National Marriage Project on the topic of divorce, it’s impact, and how to go forward.

Mt. Soledad Cross – ADF’s blog wonders why it’s the Mt. Soledad cross that leads to such frustration by the secular elite.

My Preborn Baby – My friend from our ally, Focus on the Family, is having a baby.  Monica Schleicher has been chronicling her pregnancy and journaling her thoughts as she awaits the arrival of her daughter.  Touching fails to describe the result.

Charter Schools – Back in the news because it’s legislative season in West Virignia, here is a story following an event yesterday at the Culture Center.  Chances of passage in ’11 for this common sense piece of legislation?  The words “slim” and “none” regrettably come to mind.

A one-man crisis pregnancy center – First Things highlighted the story of Tong Phuoc Phuc, a Vietnamese man who has adopted more than 50 children, buried more than 9,000 aborted babies, and continues to love mothers facing unexpected pregnancies.  It’s an older story, but a moving one:

State of the State – In the midst of debates, Supreme Court arguments, and snow, Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin delivered the State of the State address to the 80th WV Legislature last evening.  Click the link to read the text.

Al Mohler on Guttmacher Report – Mohler brings his trademark clarity and wisdom to a review of reports on abortion, including the infamous Guttmacher Report.  22% is the national abortion rate.  God forgive us!

Life and Justice Conference Simulcast – Focus on the Family, with whom we are proudly associated, is preparing to host this first-of-it’s-kind simulcast on Saturday, January 22.  Churches are encouraged to host the simulcast live.  Here’s the conference description:

Daly: "Voting is our right as Americans, but it's also our responsibility as followers of Christ."

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family – with whom we are associated, writes in today’s “On Faith” blog on the Washington Post’s website.

Incidentally, he references City of Man, a book I happen to be reading and find to be a very good charge vis-a-vis Christians and politics.  Expect a book review in a bit.

Voting is our right as Americans, but it’s also our responsibility as followers of Christ. The Bible, after all, calls us to be salt and light to the world. Making informed decisions at the ballot box rooted in our morals and values is a critical opportunity to act on that exhortation, one way we “season” and “brighten” the society we live in.

In their new book, “City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era,” Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner rightly note that “the laws of a nation ?… express moral beliefs and judgments. They tell citizens what our society ought to value and condemn. What is worthy of our esteem and what merits our disapprobation.” When we step behind the curtain on Election Day, we’re deciding who is fit, in our estimation, to make these laws that govern us and our society. Ideally, we base that decision not on the ceaseless stampede of negative ads that have overrun our radios and TVs for the past several months; not simply on who this or that celebrity endorser says deserves our vote; but on which candidates share our most deeply held beliefs and are most likely to advocate for legislation that aligns with those beliefs.

In my view, there is no way for a Christian to arrive at that decision except by “spiritual” means. No activity we undertake should be devoid of or uniformed by the principles and practicalities of our faith. They should influence how we regard our neighbors, how we do our work, how we raise our children, how we love our spouse and — yes — how we cast our ballots. President George Washington understood this well. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity,” he said in his farewell address, “religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

What a masterful, meaningful phrase — “indispensable supports.” It states, quite plainly, the important role religious people play in shaping the system that governs our nation. At the same time, it makes clear it is religion that adds strength to government, not the other way around.

As a Christian, that tells me we must take seriously our duty to engage the political and policy processes robustly. It also reminds me, in the end, the biblical truths on which we base that engagement transcend the temporal nature of who wins or who loses on the first Tuesday of any November.

via On Faith Panelists Blog: Voting an American right, a Christian responsibility – Jim Daly.

Listen to Tom Minnery’s take and then let us know what you think in the comments:

As you know by now, the Family Policy Council of West Virginia is associated with Focus on the Family, founded by Dr. James Dobson.  You are probably also aware that Dr. Dobson transitioned out of Focus on the Family last week.  He leaves a tremendous legacy of nurturing and defending the family, not just in Colorado Springs, but around the world.  Including, West Virginia.

As part of a national network that defends the local family, Family Policy Councils are  an essential element to defending life, marriage, and religious freedom in this country.  In the latest Focus Action Update, Stuart Shepherd highlights Dr. Dobson’s influence.  As you watch, be sure to look for the Family Policy Council of West Virginia’s logo.

My latest commentary in today’s Charleston Daily Mail:

SUPER Bowl XLIV will long be remembered for a quarterback who is yet to play his first NFL football game.

The game was eclipsed by an off-the-field message – that women have a choice – one that is difficult and seemingly lonesome to make, but need not be.

The choice pits self versus selflessness, life versus death, and potential versus present.

In fact, it was just one commercial that kept the 24-hour news channels going for nearly two weeks: Focus on the Family’s ad with Pam Tebow and her son Tim, the homeschooler-turned-Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Florida.

Around the country, the abortion industry bemoaned the Tebow ad as a shot against a woman’s sacred “right to choose.”

In the end, the abortion industry – including WV Free – has lost credibility for not speaking more clearly.

If that industry is to demand “reproductive choice,” we must demand that it articulate the choices.

After all, there is no more compelling evidence of a weak argument than when someone intentionally avoids the facts.

[read the rest at the Charleston Daily Mail's website.]

From the Washington Examiner:

Naturally, the National Organization for Humorless Scolds Women couldn’t stand to see a positive pro-family ad go without comment:

“NOW president Terry O’Neill said it glorified violence against women. ‘I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it,’ she said. ‘That’s what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don’t find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself.’

Oh good grief. It takes a lot of gall for one of the country’s leading abortion defenders to accuse others of violence, let alone when it’s obvious and harmless slapstick. Remember, domestic violence is only okay when committed against unborn children — am I right, NOW?

via National Organization for Women upset over ‘domestic violence’ in Tebow pro-life ad? | Washington Examiner.

Still awaiting word on whether or not NOW is boycotting Snickers for it’s portrayal of Betty White.

Ok, seriously, I’m trying to be gracious to our neighbors at WV Free, Planned Parenthood, and NARAL, but part of me is wondering this morning if they’re waking up with red faces over their multiple week crusade tirade against Focus on the Family, the Tebows, and the First Amendment.

As it happened, I missed the Tebow ad during the game last night.  But, I just watched it this morning and found myself incredibly surprised at how . . . corny it was!  If you haven’t watched it, here it is:

Ok, let me explain my comments.  I liked the commercial.  It’s cute and, in keeping with the majority of Super Bowl commercials, it has an element of silliness to it.  Sure, it’s a little corny, but that’s what makes it endearing.

But, it’s not Tim Tebow’s gushing smile or his Mom’s parting line that has me laughing.  I’m incredibly amused that “reproductive justice” organizations spent so much time, money, and energy bemoaning THIS ad as an insult to women and their sacred “right to choose.”  Talk about giving legs to a story!  In fact, the marketing team at Focus on the Family might get an historical award for having the most memorable lead-up to a Super Bowl ad in history, but the reality is, the actual ad was far, far different from what the leftists lead us to believe – and through their rhetoric against life, they actually served to promote the sanctity of human life (and the First Amendment)!

Beyond the (accidental) genius marketing by Focus, our Colorado Springs friends have succeeded in their goal: raising the discussion about the importance of life and calling for real solutions to a societal problem that has dispatched – without offering them a choice – 52 million children to an eternity beyond this physical world.

Super Bowl 44 will long be remembered for a quarterback who is yet to play his first NFL football game.  Long after Colts fans commit to forgiving Peyton Manning for throwing an interception with less than 2 minutes left in the game, and long after New Orleans returns to normal, Americans will remember that expectant women do, indeed, have a choice – one difficult and seemingly lonesome to make, but one that pits self verses selflessness, life verses death, potential verses present.

For that message, we say thank you to Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and WV Free for helping to promote.

By the way, if you haven’t watched the longer, remarkably poignant interview with Bob and Pam Tebow, please go to www.FocusOntheFamily.com to watch today.