Written by: Larry Tomczak
Note: This article was originally posted on the World Net Daily website HERE.
Ninety-two years ago an historic trial erupted on the national scene. The repercussions of the case reverberate throughout America to this very day, affecting every generation.
The “Scopes Monkey Trial,” was one of the most sensational cases in America’s history. It was called “The Trial for America’s Soul” and is commemorated yearly with a re-enactment at the National Historic Landmark courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee.
Nearly a century ago, a substitute teacher was accused of violating Tennessee law by instructing students on evolution in a public school. A presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan, led the prosecution while attorney Clarence Darrow defended John Scopes.
During the eight-day trial, Bryan tried to “protect the Word of God against the greatest atheist or agnostic in the United States!” Darrow lampooned his opponent’s “fool’s religion.”
Without high-tech advances, here’s the scenario:
- Unprecedented press coverage with 200 reporters, including two from England, plus front-page New York Times coverage
- 200 telegraphers plus cameramen sending out film via planes
- The trial was broadcast on live radio
- Trained chimpanzees performed on the courthouse lawn!
- Time and Life magazines disparaged “fundamentalists” while syndicated columnist H.L. Mencken, gave trial reports mocking townsfolk as “morons” and “yokels.”
The circus-like atmosphere of the trial ended with Mr. Scopes found guilty and fined about $1,400 (today’s money). Bryan died in his sleep five days afterward. The verdict was later overturned on a technicality and later a biased and dishonest play and film, “Inherit the Wind,” caused millions to ridicule religious opposition to evolution.
The fundamental issue is the same today: Regarding the origin of our universe and mankind, will we honor a secular/evolutionary worldview or a spiritual/creationist worldview? And can instructors present both views, or must those adhering to the trustworthiness of Scripture be forced to remain silent in the face of one-sided propaganda?
Center stage once again
The Wall Street Journal featured a story on May 8 concerning a sculptor working with the American Humanist Association to place a 7-foot-tall statue of Clarence Darrow outside the Courthouse next to that of William Bryan’s. AHA’s mission is to “bring about a progressive society where being good without a god is an accepted and respected way to live life.”
July 1, on these grounds, we participated in a patriotic rally. It wasn’t primarily about freedom of speech or religion. Rather it focused on the ongoing attempt by secularists in America to blur or remove symbols reminding us of our Judeo/Christian heritage.
I was the main speaker alongside of Dale Walker, president of the Tennessee Pastors Network, Sen. Mae Beavers, Tennessee gubernatorial candidate, and numerous Christian leaders. Our presence gave expression to our passion to preserve America’s heritage and proclaim that our Founding Fathers were not atheists and evolutionists.
A recent Gallup Poll on this issue reveals: 42 percent believe God created humans in their present form and evolution is wrong; 31 percent state God directed the process of evolution; and, only 19 percent feel God was not involved, so they accept evolution.
The dogmatic theory taught in schools and perpetuated by Hollywood that human beings accidentally evolved over billions of years by “natural selection” is mind-boggling. It’s akin to postulating that the images on Mount Rushmore formed spontaneously. Without any Creator to whom we’re accountable, Darwinian evolution teaches we’ve descended from ape-like creatures through mutation and time.
In his 160-year-old “Origin of the Species,” Darwin stated, “Let us assume …” or “We may well suppose …” over 800 times! We’re supposed to acquiesce so our youth base their lives on assumptions rather than the authoritative Word of God, which emphatically says, “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Intellectual elites see biblical teaching on creation as an offense to intelligence. They declare it unscientific and dismiss the biblical account of man’s origin. Atheist Richard Dawkins said, “If you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid or insane.”
Jesus declared, “Have you not read that He who made [CREATED] them at the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew19:4) – so does Dawkins’ description apply to Him? Are Psalm 19 and Romans 1:19-33, which affirm God as Creator, simply fairy tales?
Because of the stigma and national embarrassment of the Scopes trial (along with the defeat of unbiblical Prohibition), multitudes of Christians were disheartened. From the 1920s to ’70s many retreated from engagement in the public square. Failing to recognize what Augustine called our dual responsibilities in the “City of God and the City of Man,” many said, “Just preach the gospel,” “Stay out of politics,” “Let things collapse so Jesus will come back!”
Jesus directs us to preach the Gospel, but it’s the Gospel of His kingdom advancing His reign over every sphere of life. We have the Great Commission but also the Cultural Commission whereby, as “salt” and “light,” we “expose unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).
We’re called to be Christian advocates for righteousness. The Abolition Movement that eradicated slavery and the Civil Rights Movement that combated injustice through nonviolence are just two examples of Christian activism that changed America.
Christians are not to be silent bystanders in the face of this tsunami of secular humanism. We’re called to be peaceful, prayerful and passionate ambassadors for our Judeo-Christian heritage.
Our society has experienced unbelievable devastation, having drifted from our biblical foundation of God as Creator and Scripture as our authoritative guide. I call your attention to the Bullseye Challenge that exposes this tragic development, while helping us in just 30 days educate our families and churches in an unshakable biblical worldview!
We must be equipped and engaged in this ongoing battle dealing with Origins 101. One man, Charles Darwin, propagated a theory that adversely impacted the world. Will you join with Christians like those who gathered in Dayton, Tennessee, to promote truth and persuade others, like our Founding Fathers did, to honor our Creator as our Declaration of Independence affirms?
The Price of Silence
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomUnder cover of darkness and nothing more than the result of succumbing to political correctness, the President of famed Duke University in Durham removed a statue of General Robert E. Lee from the front of its chapel.
In all honesty, and much to the chagrin of my many friends in the state of NC, I have been a sizable Duke basketball fan for years. After having read an outstanding piece by Coach “K” a number of years ago (an article in which he boldly stated, “I am not a basketball coach. I am a developer of young men. When I find a better avenue than basketball for accomplishing that task, that’s what I’ll do.”), I became an even more faithful fan. However, after Friday’s statue removal travesty, I am questioning my loyalty.
What is so disturbing about the Duke decision, as well as all other removal decisions across the nation, is that it is all being done based on flawed thinking. First, it is being done based on political correctness. Honestly, the longer I breathe air, the more perturbed I become toward this heinous motivation. In an effort to be “kinder,” “gentler,” and more socially acceptable, we are throwing away the very history of our nation. Acknowledgment of one’s history is not equal to approval of the same. For heaven’s sake, where is this all going to stop? What’s next that will be offered on the altar of political correctness?
Second, most of the reasons being offered for removing General Lee from our national memory are based on incorrect history or outright lies. Ronald Reagan stated it best. “It’s not that my friends on the other side of the aisle are ignorant. It’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” Well, there is a boatload of “history” being purported that SIMPLY ISN’T SO! To call General Lee a racist is incorrect, insulting, and just plain stupid! He was nothing of the sort. Additionally, the attempt to connect the multiplicity of Confederate statues across the land to their erector’s racist motivations is, well, a brazen stretch to say the least. In fact, it’s almost unforgivable in its stupidity. Yet, this is what is being peddled on unsuspecting and ignorant minds.
Lastly, and most troubling, is the fact that ALL of this is being promoted by individuals/groups with very nefarious designs on America and her future. From George Soros, and his stated hatred for America, to progressive organizations bent on eliminating America’s connection to God, sinister elements abound who will stop at nothing less than destroying America and her Judeo-Christian heritage.
I don’t know about you, but I agree with Todd Starnes (FOX News contributor and friend of our ministries) when he says, “Enough is enough.” It’s time we stand up and say, “You will not malign, demonize, and threaten good people–present and past. Whether it’s the reverse racist Southern Poverty Law Center, or a very misguided state Senator (who ought to be in jail for threatening the President), we will not remain silent while good men are destroyed.
There’s no way to say it other than this. The things that have been stated about General Robert E. Lee (and others of the Confederate generals) are nothing less than the most egregious form of character assassination. The difficulty is this. Lee, Jackson, Stewart, and their companions are not here to defend themselves. So, we, who know the truth, must do so!
Most of all, we must not sit idly by while our history is taken from us by deceptive, diabolical, demonic individuals who hide behind racist accusations, using that to cover their true intent. So, now is the time to arm ourselves with the truth, stand up, and speak with clarity. Acknowledging our history is NOT a direct or tacit endorsement of it’s negative aspects. Respect for imperfect, but great and godly, men is NOT wrong. Recognition of self-less sacrifice in behalf of a cause is not evil. What IS wrong is to allow our nation to be stolen from us by those who care nothing for it, or the one’s they claim they wish to protect.
One final thought is in order. Is the current generation so morally and mentally weak that they cannot deal with the presence of a differing opinion? Are they so fragile that any and all references to that which is, or may border on being, negative must be removed? If so, then God help us if/when they face REAL hardship. If one cannot take an exam because they’re so emotional destabilized over an election result that they are unable to do so, then “Katy bar the door” as a real crisis emerges.
As parents, pastors, politicians, and common people, we MUST again return to that which made us great, saw us through the deepest divide in our nation’s history (the Civil War), and has been the cause of unprecedented blessing as a people–the Bible. Only in its pages can we find the requisite wisdom and moral fortitude for an uncertain future. Only in its pages can we find the One who is the Source of all the above. His matchless name is Jesus Christ–the One Who birthed and has blessed America!
“America, America, God shed His grace on thee
And crowned thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.”
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International/HOPE To The Hill
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
Co-host, Stand In The Gap Radio
American Pastors Network: Election in Kenya Impacted by Local Pastors, Biblical Voting
/0 Comments/in Blog, Release /by News RoomAPN Volunteers and Partner Pastors Instrumental in Mobilizing Christians to Vote for New President Uhuru Kenyatta; Although Hand of God on Election, Christians and Pastors in Kenya Need Prayer
Last week’s election in Kenya proved to be a statement on the power that Christian voters can have on the outcome of the direction of their nation.
Uhuru Kenyatta was elected the President of Kenya after garnering more than 8.1 million votes (approximately 54 percent). After Kenyatta, who campaigned on Christian beliefs, beat his opponent, former Kenya Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, violence and protests broke out in Kenya, with Odinga’s supporters claiming the results were “hacked,” according to several news reports.
The American Pastors Network has been watching the Kenya election closely because many voting issues greatly impact pastors, churches and Christians in the African nation.
APN President Sam Rohrer said the American Pastors Network provided encouragement to members of the Kenyan Pastors Network leading up to the election, praying for them and helping them to mobilize Christian voters.
“Leading up to this election and still today,” Rohrer said, “the freedom of Kenyans, Kenyan pastors and the ability to freely preach the Gospel is currently under threat. Had Uhuru Kenyatta not been elected, Islamic, pro-abortion, pro-LGBT and anti-Christian policies would have advanced. Our Kenyan brothers and sisters, and especially our fellow pastors, asked for fervent prayers before and during the election—that the right man would be elected, that the opposition would concede and that violence would not erupt as in other elections. We continue to pray for these matters, as the coming days and weeks will be crucial for Kenya to be able to move forward under a man of God and other leaders who desire to model the country after the founding documents of the United States of America.”
Rohrer added that a U.S.-based APN volunteer who was on the ground in Kenya helped to create and execute several initiatives to encourage values-based voting last week. Kenyatta, feeling the effects of these efforts, led a public prayer before the election, thanking Christians and pastors for their commitment and stating that he would give God the glory if victorious, according to reports from the APN volunteer.
“Pastors there are praying in faith that God will raise them up as a nation to be the leader to all of Africa, that the relationship with the U.S. can be strengthened and that God would enable APN to assist in the final establishment of a Kenyan Pastors Network in order to train leaders and teach pastors the biblical principles needed in both church and government,” Rohrer added. “The involvement of APN in Kenya is similar to work we’ve been blessed and honored to do in Ukraine, where pastors and government leaders are yearning to bring biblical and American constitutional principles to the country.”
Rohrer also noted that this election marked the first time in Kenyan history that Christians encouraged other Christians to vote. In fact, the Christian impact was so strong in the days before the election that a well-known liberal leftist poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the campaign of the opposition to counter the efforts of local pastors and Christians.
Gary Dull, executive director of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net), has traveled to Kenya and said the election there has serious ramifications, both in Africa and worldwide.
“There has been a movement among government officials in Kenya to vet pastors concerning their ability to lead churches and preach to their congregations,” Dull said. “In fact, a bill has been authored in this regard. Many pastors in Kenya believe this proposed law is an effort to reduce the preaching of the Gospel in that nation, which may result in a larger influence of Islam throughout the country. It is crucial that believers in America pray for our fellow believers in Kenya during this time when the freedom of religion is being threatened in that great African nation.”
Dull added that prayers are also crucial for the ongoing post-election unrest in Kenya and for the safety of Christian missionaries there.
Open Doors USA estimates that about 82 percent of Kenyans are Christian, but that Islamic oppression remains very high. Kenya is No. 18 on the World Watch List, a tool to track and measure persecution around the world.
Charlottesville Incident Demands Answers to Crucial Questions about Unity in America
/0 Comments/in Blog, Release /by News Room“The deplorable circumstances in Charlottesville should indeed get the attention of all Americans. Yet, in the midst of this event, for which both sides share blame, these questions must not be overlooked: What has happened in America to produce such increasing hostilities and anger among our people? And can unity be achieved just by our leaders demanding it?
In reality, we didn’t get to this place by accident nor overnight. The rejection of moral truth, healing and transformative power of redemption and forgiveness available only through Jesus Christ is where it started. The coarsening of society is assured where life in the womb is cavalierly discarded, where God’s plan for the family and human sexuality is jettisoned, where a ‘selfless others focus’ is replaced with a ‘selfish only focus,’ and where duty is replaced with ‘rights.’ Such it is today.
Is unity again achievable? The answer is yes. But, for some, even this statement may be dividing—yet it is nonetheless the truth. Unity is not the goal but a by-product. Unity never demands full agreement in all things by all people. Yet what unity does demand is an agreement on a common body of truth. In the United States, that common body of truth was found in the Judeo-Christian scriptures, where there is God who created life and then ‘endowed certain unalienable rights’ to the people, who ‘under God’ agree with God that He is perfect; that mankind is sinful and not naturally good.
But that redemption and healing through faith in Jesus Christ alone can transform the mind and the heart, and heal families, communities and the nation. No one race, no one color, no one nationality has a claim to this truth. Yet, true equality, true justice and true unity can, in fact, result when people from all walks of life agree with God on these truths.
Any nation or people who believes these things can experience peace, security and unity. Our nation once did—not ever perfect, of course—but overwhelmingly embraced this view, and God blessed it as no nation ever before it. We will now, in this time of increasing need, either look to God and agree with Him and do what He says and regain the freedom we so love, or we will look to ourselves, to government or to some man or woman and descend into the abyss of slavery and totalitarianism. There is no other choice.”
-Sam Rohrer, President
American Pastors Network
To interview Sam Rohrer, contact Beth Harrison at 610.584.1096, x104, media@hamiltonstrategies.com, or Deborah Hamilton, 610.584.1096, x102.
To read an article from Lifezette containing more information and quotes from this statement, please click HERE.
APN State Chapter Leadership Conference Call 8/8/17
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by News RoomThis audio file is a recording of the State Chapter Leadership Conference call on 8/8/17.
Pennsylvania is Near the Top of the List for Sanctuary Cities & Counties
/1 Comment/in Release /by News RoomThe state of Pennsylvania has one of the highest number of sanctuary cities and counties in the country—fourth on the list, in fact—behind only Oregon, California and Washington, according to a list from the Center for Immigration Studies.
APN President, Sam Rohrer, frequently discusses issues of immigration and refugees on the popular daily radio program, “Stand in the Gap Today.”
A “sanctuary” city that protects illegal immigrants who may be committing crimes does not equate to the church “sanctuary,” where those who take refuge can find peace.
Rohrer says immigration and the policies surrounding sanctuary cities, including the possibility that these cities could be cut off from federal funding, should be issues that are important to pastors and churches.
How Can Christians Be Salt and Light When They Don’t Believe The Basics of the Bible?
/0 Comments/in Blog, Release /by News RoomWhat does it mean to be “born again”? Do Christians truly understand this concept?
According to research from the American Culture & Faith Institute (ACFI), many Americans call themselves “born again,” but fewer than 30 percent provided answers that would support that claim. And if so many think they are born again, why aren’t these Christians impacting the culture, asks the American Pastors Network.
“If a majority of Americans think they are born-again Christians, one has to wonder where the cultural disconnect is, as the moral fiber of our nation continues to erode,” said APN President Sam Rohrer, who is host of the APN radio ministry, “Stand in the Gap Today.”
This summer, “Stand in the Gap Today” hosts have discussed these findings on two separate programs with George Barna, renowned social science researcher and head of ACFI.
In pondering life after death, the ACFI research found that just 30 percent of those surveyed say they are born again with the reasoning that “after I die I know I will go to Heaven because I have confessed my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my savior.” Another quarter say they don’t know what will happen when they die.
“Some shocking findings of this survey indicate that many—75 percent—believe that mankind is not made up of sinners and that man is basically good,” Rohrer said. “Just barely more than half believe that Jesus lived a sinless life, and 42 percent believe that Satan is not real, but more a symbol of evil. Based on these findings, how healthy can we say the American church really is? How can salt be salt and light be light when we don’t believe those things?”
(To listen to the “Stand in the Gap Today” programs on this topic here and here.)
“According to these numbers and what we know from history, in real life, many, if not most of those who say they’re Christians are really not Christ-followers,” Rohrer said on the program. “We’ve also heard, for example, that up to 80 percent of Congress is Christian, but I look at that number with some skepticism. Just like there are Republicans In Name Only—RINO—there are also many Christians ‘in name only.’”
Rohrer also pointed to Matthew 7:22-23, where Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (KJV).
“There is perhaps no more clear example than these words of Christ Himself to perhaps describe these survey findings, which are evidence of what some Christians believe about themselves and what is actually real and true.”
Tennessee Pastors Network Calls Out National Association of Free Will Baptists on Dirty Investments
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomThe state of Tennessee this year declared pornography a health crisis, and now, the president of theTennessee Pastors Network (TNPN, www.tnpastors.net), Dale Walker, wants the National Association of Free Will Baptists (NAFWB) to do the same.
With the National Association of Free Will Baptists’ 81st National Convention happening through July 19 in Louisville, Ky., Walker is asking three key questions in a letter to leadership:
Walker wrote in his letter to the NAFWB, “Pornography is devastating to families and our culture and extremely harmful to souls. I remind you that on page 100 of your Digest of Reports 2013, it states that the Free Will Baptist Plan will be invested in Christian-based socially screened funds that do not invest in companies that are publicly recognized as providing products and services in liquor, tobacco, gambling, pornography, abortion or Disney [emphasis added]. Based on the holdings provided to me by one of your participants, I do not believe that Free Will Baptist is following this commitment or your church covenant, and certainly not the Bible.
“As Christians who are to care about the souls of others,” Walker continued, “we should desire to distance ourselves from pornography in our lives and investments. I commend our state leaders for recognizing this pornography crisis, and I pray that Free Will Baptist will deem pornography a spiritual crisis and take a zero-tolerance stance and remove all companies that profit from pornography in any manner in investment holdings immediately. Christians should weep over this pornography crisis—not profit from it!”
As an example, Walker points out that the Free Will Baptist Pension Plan shamefully owns stock in Comcast, which sells movies with degrading titles.
“Free Will Baptist has failed society and its pastors by placing them in holdings that are hurting souls, hurting women and families, and hurting the world,” Walker added. “Jesus shed his blood for these dear souls and died on the cross for them that they might have eternal life and be delivered from a life of sin. Free Will Baptist are owners in these companies! This is not biblical stewardship or biblically responsible investing. To revitalize your churches, Free Will Baptist should consider truly following your church covenant and follow the promise that your funds will be invested in Christian-based, socially screened investments.”
Walker encouraged those concerned with Free Will Baptist investments to visit the website www.dirtyinvesting.com for more information.
Also calling out the National Association of Free Will Baptists for its investment practices are the National Decency Coalition, Girls Against Porn & Human Trafficking and Men Against Porn.
Travel Ban Renews Biblical and Constitutional Conversations About Immigration
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomOn July 10th, APN President, Sam Rohrer, interviewed with Mark Elfstrand on his radio program “Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand” (WYLL). The topic of conversation was whether or not President Trump’s travel ban is biblical. Please listen below to find out more:
Audio PlayerTo hear of Mark Elfstrand’s programs, please click HERE.
Ministry Priorities!
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomAn interesting conversation this evening prompted me to recollect on the early days of my ministry. In the very beginning, I served at youth director for a large and growing ministry in Florida. Like every youth minister, I had to settle on a set of principles/priorities that would drive and dictate the ministry I desired to have with some incredible young people. What I’ve discovered it that that set of principles is applicable to ALL ministry, not merely a ministry to youth.
The first and most important principle for effective ministry is one’s PHILOSOPHY. A ministry philosophy is that which will determine all else that follows. That philosophy should be biblical, practical, measurable, and implementable. It should produce young people, or adults, that are mature in their faith, passionate in their pursuit of God, focused in their evangelistic efforts, and a duplication of themselves in others.
Second in importance is PEOPLE. Whether you call them your staff, ministry team, employees, something else, people are a ministry’s greatest resource. People are the ones who innovate. People are the ones who implement. People are the ones who impact others. People are the ones who dream God sized dreams. Apart from great people, NO ministry will ultimately succeed. A ministry’s people should be well cared for–whether in compensation or consideration. They should NEVER be pushed beyond their ability to legitimately perform their task. Nor, should they be placed in a position for which they are not gifted or equipped. They should be self-starters and self-motivated. I’ve often said, “Make me pull you back, rather than push you forward.” I’d far rather have an aggressive team member that needs to be a bit reined in, rather than one that must be constantly prompted and pushed to produce. It’s the vast difference between a STEWARD’S mindset and that of a SERVANT. A servant mindset needs constant instruction and supervision. A steward mindset needs neither. (NOTE: I am speaking of one’s mindset, not one’s heart. A steward head with a servant’s heart is the perfect combination.)
Thirdly in importance is PROGRAM. Again, whether a youth ministry or an entire church ministry, pursuit of the latest, greatest program is often the focus of the ministry leader. Good programs are needed and necessary. But, a good program is always subservient to philosophy and people. Without a defined, biblical philosophy and outstanding people, the latest program is useless.
Finally, and least important, a ministry should focus on FACILITIES. Great buildings can enhance effective ministry. But, they are NEVER a replacement for a clarion philosophy and qualified people. Myriad are the times, over the last 33 years, that I’ve seen a minimal facility, but great leadership based on a thoroughly biblical philosophy. At the end of that equation is a great church. Conversely, I’ve also seen
ministries with phenomenal facilities, but no clearly communicated missional philosophy and/or ill-equipped people. At the end of that equation is a poor church. The bottom line is this. God blesses people who live lives in accordance with His truth. Obedience to a biblical philosophy can never be/must never be subservient to, or replaced by, a new building or the latest dynamic program. Buildings and programs are great, but only in their appropriate place.
May God grant His church a crystal clear understanding of what He wants done, and how He desires it to be accomplished. We call that PHILOSOPHY. May God grant His church the most dedicated and talented PEOPLE–individuals who are unequivocally committed to the glory of God and declaration of His gospel in the most powerful and professional way possible. May God grant His church the ability to choose biblical PROGRAMS that actually accomplish His mission. And, may God cause His church to be incredibly wise in the building and use of FACILITIES–buildings that are wisely built, efficiently used, and ALWAYS dictated by a “ministry mentality” not a “museum mentality.”
God’s church is not a museum, but is rather a spiritual hospital for the nurturing, equipping, strengthening, and sending forth of a people prepared for His glory and gospel.
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International/HOPE To The Hill
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
Co-host, Stand In The Gap Radio
20th Century’s Most Explosive Trial still Reverberating: TN Pastors Network Speaks Out on Clarence Darrow Statue
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomWritten by: Larry Tomczak
Note: This article was originally posted on the World Net Daily website HERE.
Ninety-two years ago an historic trial erupted on the national scene. The repercussions of the case reverberate throughout America to this very day, affecting every generation.
The “Scopes Monkey Trial,” was one of the most sensational cases in America’s history. It was called “The Trial for America’s Soul” and is commemorated yearly with a re-enactment at the National Historic Landmark courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee.
Nearly a century ago, a substitute teacher was accused of violating Tennessee law by instructing students on evolution in a public school. A presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan, led the prosecution while attorney Clarence Darrow defended John Scopes.
During the eight-day trial, Bryan tried to “protect the Word of God against the greatest atheist or agnostic in the United States!” Darrow lampooned his opponent’s “fool’s religion.”
Without high-tech advances, here’s the scenario:
The circus-like atmosphere of the trial ended with Mr. Scopes found guilty and fined about $1,400 (today’s money). Bryan died in his sleep five days afterward. The verdict was later overturned on a technicality and later a biased and dishonest play and film, “Inherit the Wind,” caused millions to ridicule religious opposition to evolution.
The fundamental issue is the same today: Regarding the origin of our universe and mankind, will we honor a secular/evolutionary worldview or a spiritual/creationist worldview? And can instructors present both views, or must those adhering to the trustworthiness of Scripture be forced to remain silent in the face of one-sided propaganda?
Center stage once again
The Wall Street Journal featured a story on May 8 concerning a sculptor working with the American Humanist Association to place a 7-foot-tall statue of Clarence Darrow outside the Courthouse next to that of William Bryan’s. AHA’s mission is to “bring about a progressive society where being good without a god is an accepted and respected way to live life.”
July 1, on these grounds, we participated in a patriotic rally. It wasn’t primarily about freedom of speech or religion. Rather it focused on the ongoing attempt by secularists in America to blur or remove symbols reminding us of our Judeo/Christian heritage.
I was the main speaker alongside of Dale Walker, president of the Tennessee Pastors Network, Sen. Mae Beavers, Tennessee gubernatorial candidate, and numerous Christian leaders. Our presence gave expression to our passion to preserve America’s heritage and proclaim that our Founding Fathers were not atheists and evolutionists.
A recent Gallup Poll on this issue reveals: 42 percent believe God created humans in their present form and evolution is wrong; 31 percent state God directed the process of evolution; and, only 19 percent feel God was not involved, so they accept evolution.
The dogmatic theory taught in schools and perpetuated by Hollywood that human beings accidentally evolved over billions of years by “natural selection” is mind-boggling. It’s akin to postulating that the images on Mount Rushmore formed spontaneously. Without any Creator to whom we’re accountable, Darwinian evolution teaches we’ve descended from ape-like creatures through mutation and time.
In his 160-year-old “Origin of the Species,” Darwin stated, “Let us assume …” or “We may well suppose …” over 800 times! We’re supposed to acquiesce so our youth base their lives on assumptions rather than the authoritative Word of God, which emphatically says, “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Intellectual elites see biblical teaching on creation as an offense to intelligence. They declare it unscientific and dismiss the biblical account of man’s origin. Atheist Richard Dawkins said, “If you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid or insane.”
Jesus declared, “Have you not read that He who made [CREATED] them at the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew19:4) – so does Dawkins’ description apply to Him? Are Psalm 19 and Romans 1:19-33, which affirm God as Creator, simply fairy tales?
Because of the stigma and national embarrassment of the Scopes trial (along with the defeat of unbiblical Prohibition), multitudes of Christians were disheartened. From the 1920s to ’70s many retreated from engagement in the public square. Failing to recognize what Augustine called our dual responsibilities in the “City of God and the City of Man,” many said, “Just preach the gospel,” “Stay out of politics,” “Let things collapse so Jesus will come back!”
Jesus directs us to preach the Gospel, but it’s the Gospel of His kingdom advancing His reign over every sphere of life. We have the Great Commission but also the Cultural Commission whereby, as “salt” and “light,” we “expose unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).
We’re called to be Christian advocates for righteousness. The Abolition Movement that eradicated slavery and the Civil Rights Movement that combated injustice through nonviolence are just two examples of Christian activism that changed America.
Christians are not to be silent bystanders in the face of this tsunami of secular humanism. We’re called to be peaceful, prayerful and passionate ambassadors for our Judeo-Christian heritage.
Our society has experienced unbelievable devastation, having drifted from our biblical foundation of God as Creator and Scripture as our authoritative guide. I call your attention to the Bullseye Challenge that exposes this tragic development, while helping us in just 30 days educate our families and churches in an unshakable biblical worldview!
We must be equipped and engaged in this ongoing battle dealing with Origins 101. One man, Charles Darwin, propagated a theory that adversely impacted the world. Will you join with Christians like those who gathered in Dayton, Tennessee, to promote truth and persuade others, like our Founding Fathers did, to honor our Creator as our Declaration of Independence affirms?