In an analysis of Charlie Sheen's revelation that the actor is infected
with HIV, Christian social apologist Scott Alan Buss pretty much blamed
that development on all Christians.
In a column at his website FireBreathingChristian, Buss writes, “We see
porn shops and strip clubs operating all across the fruited plain in
direct violation of God's word.”
Those strip clubs are the fault of their owners and those that frequent them.
If you are Christian and you do not, you have nothing to answer for in regards to such smut peddling.
Even more disturbingly he writes, “We read about Muslims, witches, and
even Satantists openly worshiping their false gods in the land in the
name of all American/anti-Christian versions of 'freedom' and
'liberty'.”
Linked to that column is another titled “There Is No God Given Right To Worship False Gods.”
It would depend upon what is meant by that.
If that means that, after a life spent as an adherent of a false
religion you go to Hell when you die, that is a correct statement.
But by that his pronouncement does Buss mean that the governing
authorities should punish those advocating a perspective other than the
religion officially sanctioned by those holding power?
In his condemnation of religious liberty, Buss insists that it is the
epitome of statism to allow the adherents of non-Christian religions to
worship publicly.
But what social institution would be charged with enforcing the law
against those violating these statutes in his idealized Christian
regime?
How is what he suggests little different than Iran that utilizes force,
violence, and compulsion in the attempt to impose theological purity and
uniformity?
The case can be made that there is less in the New Testament urging
these as the preferred methods of evangelistic outrage than the long
hair with which Buss is depicted in a number of photographs which Holy
Writ counsels is a shame on a man.
By Frederick Meekins