Of the respective laws of God and man

At Lew Rockwell, a great read concerning the consequences of socially conservative principles when they are given the force of secular law.

No part of this argument should be misconstrued as an endorsement of political correctness or the left’s agenda to grant positive rights to their own special interest groups for political purposes. If we are truly a free country and we meant what we said in the first amendment to our Constitution, then every individual, whether the most fundamentalist Christian or the most libertine atheist, should have the right to speak freely, even if what they say offends another person. For many devout Christians, it is their sacred duty to try to persuade their fellow man to repent of his sins and embrace Jesus as his savior.

However, there is an ocean of difference between persuasion and coercion. The minute that we say, “there ought to be a law,” we are picking up the sword. If we do so in defense of the inalienable human rights of life, liberty, and property, we are within our rightful authority. If we do so to supplant the authority of God, we become the very type of people that Jesus spent his life fighting against. To truly be Christian, we must recognize the need for “a wall of separation between church and state.”

Jesus was very clear about his views on what would lead to salvation and what would not. Jesus condemned many behaviors, like adultery, that social conservatives likewise condemn. He also said that “no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) However, he does not go on to say, “Therefore, if your brother does not come to me willingly, then draw your sword and force him.” Salvation must be chosen; God did not create a race of slaves.

Remember, folks: Free will is one of God's most precious gifts to the human race. We have it for a purpose, and to force others to live by a single--human--interpretation of the Scriptures is to deny God's gift. God also gave us the gifts of logic and reason, which are the only way to truly bring others to Christ. The force of law can compel one to act in certain ways, but it can do nothing to compel one's heart, mind and soul, which are the places faith resides.

Think about it.