Category: Religious Freedom
Are Christians Being Persecuted During the Coronavirus Lockdown?
Posted on May 20, 2020 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom, Theology by Nathan Cherry
It’s understandable that a robust discussion is taking place, after all, unlike a grocery store where you walk in, get your items and walk out without much personal interaction. Meeting as a church family has a higher degree of risk. The church sings together, sending breathe and saliva into the room. The church is prone to close contact such as handshakes and hugging, the same behavior that caused the virus to spread so rampantly in Italy.
Why the New Lawsuit Against a Cake Maker Should Terrify You
Posted on September 4, 2018 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that Jack cannot be targeted for his faith, the government in Colorado is targeting Jack for his faith. The Colorado government has decided that Jack simply should not be allowed to do business. It appears that the government has made up its mind that people of faith, people that want to live and do business according to their sincerely held beliefs, don’t belong in the pubic space.
The Battle’s Not Over: Here’s What the Cake Baking Ruling Didn’t Do
Posted on June 14, 2018 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
I’m certainly not trying to be a killjoy in the wake of a decision that brings good news for religious freedom and free speech. But I do want to be realistic and understand the ruling in its context and scope. To do that we need to understand what the ruling did not do.
Supreme Court Ruling was Good – But Not Good Enough
Posted on June 5, 2018 in Marriage, Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
While I appreciate the ruling and am thankful that the court recognized the unfair treatment of Jack Phillips, I want more. I want the court to recognize the principles of human productivity and the right of every business owner to discriminate.
Two Legal Cases Highlight the Right to Discriminate and Human Productivity
Posted on March 13, 2018 in Life, Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
A recent article shares the case of Cathy Miller, the owner of a California baker called Tastries Bakery. Miller was asked to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony but declined based on her religious convictions. A California judge ruled in favor of Miller, saying that “to force such compliance would do violence to the essentials of Free Speech.”
Economics 101: Discrimination is Fundamental to a Free Market Economy
Posted on January 3, 2018 in Money, Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
There it is again: it’s not about the person, it’s about the message. Once again, this might sound like a free speech case (and there’s an element of that here) but this is about private property rights. So far Jack has proven over many years that he is willing to serve any person. However, he is not willing to promote every message. That is a value every free person holds dear. The Jewish person does not want to be forced to promote Naziism. The African-American does not want to be forced to promote white supremacy. Are you seeing the point? Every person has the right to discriminate based on his or her sincerely held convictions. Yep, you read that right, we all have the right to discriminate.
Making Sense of the NFL and the Rights of Business Owners
Posted on October 26, 2017 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Some owners are taking matters in their own hands. It’s not surprise that outspoken and heavily visible owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys has already told his team “If we are disrespecting the flag, then we won’t play. Period.” Jones is a long-time owner of the Cowboys and a career businessman. It’s really no surprise that he made this decision as it is good for business.
Of course not everyone liked the decision. A rapper by the name of Common blasted Jones…
The Supreme Court May Soon Decide the Limits of Religious Freedom
Posted on October 4, 2017 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
It’s a chilling reality to realize that if the government can force Jack Phillips, under threat of legal penalty, to violate his core convictions, that same government can (and will) force us all to violate our conviction at some point. No one that loves liberty and freedom should desire to see such authority placed in the hands of any government.
Christian Business Owner Wins Important Court Case Protecting Religious Liberty
Posted on August 30, 2017 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
The judge in this case determined that Lawson’s home-based business is not subject to the city of Madison’s public accommodations ordinance or the state of Wisconsin’s public accommodations law.
Furthermore, the city of Madison and the state of Wisconsin agreed to this judgment.
This is welcomed news to Christians that have come under fire for trying to live and do business according to their deeply held religious convictions. Certainly the photographer in New Mexico, the baker in Colorado, the florist in Washington, and many others will be overjoyed to hear of this news; even as they have faced lawsuits, fines, and a total loss of their livelihood.