Crossroads:
Defending our Religious Freedom
On Valley Radio this Weekend, March 9-10,
or Online HERE Anytime
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Words of Wisdom
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert those great pillars of human happiness, those firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
(George Washington, Farewell Address)
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (John Adams)
“If we ever forget that we are One Nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” (Ronald Reagan)
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (First Amendment to the Constitution.)
From the Bible, “The priests, the temple officers, and other leaders commanded the disciples to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, but Peter and John refused to stop. They asked the officers if it be right in the sight of God to listen to them more than to God? “You be the judge.” They said. “But we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard. For we ought to obey God rather than man.” (Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5)
“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never keep their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.” (Isaiah 62:6)
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Preview
Attached below is a summary of the program that will be airing on Valley radios this weekend. (See radio schedules at the bottom of this summary.)
— In a nutshell, host Rita Peters and her co-host Mark Meckler interviewed Michael Farris about Murthy v. Missouri, a First Amendment case which is currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court in response to efforts by the Biden Administration to suppress their Christian messages and to limit their social platforms.
— Farris is a widely respected and credentialed Constitutional lawyer who is well-known throughout the Valley for his work in support of freedom for home-school families. He also shares, along with Rita and Mark, the national leadership of the growing Convention of States effort to limit the power of the National Government. He has now submitted an amicus brief in this current case on behalf of National Religious Broadcasters and other Christian communicators.
— However, to prepare us for what to expect, Rita has given us a quick outline of the program and some of the specific topics that they will cover with Farris, as follows:
1. What is the NRB? It is a strong defender of Christian broadcasters in their commitment to share the Gospel over the air but who are often hampered by efforts to silence their message.
2. What is this case about? It was brought on behalf of Christian broadcasters who have been under attack by the U.S. government itself for its opposition to the views expressed by some of these Christians groups on their social media.
3. So, is our own speech less protected in this era when so much communication happens via privately-owned internet platforms?
4. What is an amicus brief? This is a “friend of the court” argument, or “brief”, filed with the court on behalf of the NRB, rather than directly by the NRB itself.
5. What argument did Farris make in his amicus brief for the NRB? He cited the law itself, because these organizations too are protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects the freedom of speech and religion from attacks by the federal government and other hostile bodies.
6. Why is the First Amendment right of free speech so important in this case and to our nation? As noted above, the government is not permitted to suppress the freedom of speech by private groups like the NRB, nor can it forbid them from sharing their ideas on social media platforms. In addition, Government can issue no law to restrict their expression of speech or of religion. For example, it cannot limit the publication or distribution of the Bible or of other religious materials.
7. So, how does Farris think the case will turn out? He said he believes that the Fifth District court decision will stand up under this review by the Supreme Court, agreeing that the law protects the freedoms that have been threatened by the federal government in their efforts to limit the NRBs freedoms and to coerce them to change their programs.
Crossroads: Where Faith and Culture Meet
As always, this is just a written summary of this week’s program, so to hear it in person, with additional details, please join Rita and her friends on Valley radio this weekend.
— For radio times and stations. The program will air on all of the following Valley stations at the times shown: WBTX (1470 AM and 102.1 FM), Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and again on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.; followed by WSVA (550 AM and 92.1 FM) at 8:30, on ESPN (1360 AM and 106.9 FM) at 9:00; and on WNLR (1150) at 11:30.
In addition, if you miss the program, or would like to hear it again, you can also listen online by checking the menu of our Crossroads programs which is available on the home page of our web site at www.valleyfamilyforum.org. From there you can select this program or others of your choice.
Crossroads is almost entirely listener supported, and we are so grateful for your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support. If you would like to help, please send your check to Crossroads at PO Box 881, Harrisonburg, 22803. All donations are tax-deductible.
We also want to recognize our sponsors, which include Blue Ridge Chimney Services, Blessings Christian Book Store, Sonshine Ministries for Christian Radio, New Beginnings Church and Garbers Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, and Wishing Well Florist and Travel Services, also in Harrisonburg.
In addition, we would welcome your personal comments on this program and on any of our other Crossroads programs, which you can send to us by return email or to the same Post Office address shown above.
So, with appreciation from Dean and on behalf of Rita and other members of the Crossroads team and our many guests, please accept our very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful weekend.
Working and Walking Together, we can make a difference, for God and Country!