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INTERNET CENSORSHIP AND THE CHURCH

by Brad Huss on January 18, 2012 in Church, Culture with 3 Comments

Today, as you browse the internet, you may see a handful of websites shut down or install new pop-up banners in protest of something called SOPA.

SOPA, some of you may recall from 9th grade language class, is Spanish for soup. But as you might guess, the internet is up in arms about something more than a bowl of Tortilla Soup. SOPA, in this case, stands for Stop Online Piracy Act. The bill also goes by it’s more official name from the House of Representatives, H.R. 3261.

While many of us may skip over legislation in the news, since it rarely has a direct connection to our lives, this piece could be unintentionally damaging to the way churches conduct their ministries. As a result, while Clark doesn’t officially support or oppose legislation, we are strongly suggesting you familiarize yourself with this bill. [Click here for a link to H.R. 3261].

Granted, this is unfamiliar territory to many. The church in America is better known for it’s opposition of Gay Marriage and Pro Choice laws than an interest in technology legislation. This is understandable, perhaps, because assaults on the family are easier for the church to identify, while the specialized terminology surrounding tech law doesn’t necessarily trigger our red flags. But, in actuality, this law would have wide ranging effect on the church, possibly allowing for a new level of censorship that could restrict the way Christian values and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are currently transmitted in our culture.

As Clark travels around the Untied States serving the local church and leading them in technology shaping decisions, we notice that many leaders struggle to understand or are completely unaware of how Net Neutrality or SOPA could impact their congregation and church ministry at large. As shapers and influencers of how the church uses technology, we feel compelled to help fill in these gaps and educate leaders by offering a quick overview of this legislation.

The following explanation, then, isn’t legal jargon. I’m not a lawyer. It’s just a practical summary offered by a well-informed friend who notices a car driving in your blind spot that could potentially cause some damage down the road.

SOME BACKGROUND

To understand SOPA, it is first helpful to understand Net Neutrality. Net Neutrality holds that there should be NO restrictions on internet access, meaning that neither the government or internet service providers should be able to restrict how or what consumers access online. This is the principle that guides internet usage in America today.

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Sanctity of Life

by Brad Huss on January 16, 2012 in Church, Personal, Politics with 1 Comment

Through the voice of a young child, this video presents powerful scripture which reveals God’s heart on the sanctity of human life. This video makes a great sermon illustration for Sanctity of Life Sunday or anytime you are preaching on the topics of abortion, the sanctity of life, or the right to life.

Since 1983, Americans have observed Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) as a day to celebrate the intrinsic value of all human life. This important day also provides an opportunity for pregnancy centers to share about the work they do to bring life-affirming resources to their communities and to empower women and men to choose life for their unborn children.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973. The next SOHLS will take place on January 22, 2012. How can you be involved?

1. Promote LIFE throughout the year!

2. Spread the word on Facebook! Share ideas of what you plan to do in your community…

3. View the Sanctity of Human Life video on YouTube.

4. Contact your local pregnancy center to see how you can help.

History

In a January 13, 1984 proclamation, President Ronald Reagan designated January 22, 1984 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The date was chosen to coincide with the 11th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case that first recognized the constitutionally-protected status of abortion in the United States.^[1]

Reagan issued the proclamation annually thereafter, designating Sanctity of Human Life Day to be the third Sunday in January, which represents the closest Sunday to the original January 22 date. His successor, George H. W. Bush, continued the annual proclamation throughout his presidency. Bush’s successor, Bill Clinton, discontinued the practice throughout his eight years in office, but Bush’s son and Clinton’s successor, George W. Bush, resumed the proclamation, and did so every year of his presidency.