Christian Cross Ruled Illegal... In America

I wish the title of this post was an exaggeration, but in reality, it isn't. Its hard to believe - just how far we have fallen and how far we have departed from what the founders of this country envisioned.

What does this really mean in the big picture? Nothing. Our faith cannot be removed by our "rulers"; they can only reveal how far they have fallen and we can only hope and pray for their redemption.

Christian cross ruled unconstitutional here

A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has decided a memorial cross on federal land on Mt. Soledad, Calif. violates the U.S. Constitution.

In a 3-0 ruling in the Jewish War Veterans v. City of San Diego case, the panel decided that the 29-foot concrete cross, which has stood for 57 years, constitutes a government endorsement of religion and therefore violates the First Amendment's establishment clause.

"The decision represents a judicial slap in the face to the countless military veterans honored by this memorial," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, which filed an amicus brief in the case on behalf of 25 members of Congress

"This flawed decision not only strikes at the heart of honoring our military veterans, it reaches a faulty conclusion that this iconic memorial – part of the historic landscape of San Diego – is unconstitutional.

"Unfortunately, the decision does not surprise me based on the philosophical beliefs and records of the judges on the panel. The decision was more likely than not," said Alliance Defense Fund Senior Counsel Joe Infranco. ADF filed an amicus brief in the case on behalf of the American Legion.

"The veterans are outraged over these cases. All the plaintiffs do is find a few individuals who claim to be offended by that cross at the site, and the premise of this lawsuit is the offense of a few individuals trumps the way veterans choose to honor fallen veterans. Veterans should be allowed to honor heroes, many of whom gave their lives for this nation, in the manner they choose," Infranco added.

This story isn't over as it will probably end up in the Supreme Court.

These kind of issues consume enormous time, money and energy. This fact alone makes one wonder why such efforts would be put forth to remove a simple cross which has stood for 57 years.

Its both sad and beautiful at the same time.

Why beautiful?

Because no matter what "they" do - they cannot remove our faith. They cannot steal our joy in Christ. They cannot take our salvation. They cannot remove our ability to pray. They cannot make a dent in our relationship with Christ.

Even in the most oppressive regions of the world - regions where we see the worst persecution - the underground Christian movement flourishes. Small private Bible studies come to life - even in hiding - in the woods with flashlights. People flock to Christ. One could even argue that in these situations - the fire for Christ burns brightly - perhaps more so than what we see in places like America.

Even during the Tribulation - when the most severe persecution ever seen on earth takes place - people will find their way to Christ in "great multitudes". And its been this way throughout the generations.

So take go ahead and remove this cross. Go for it. Our faith isn't dependent on a symbol's presence at a memorial in California.

But they may need a reminder as they gleefully envision a "victory" against Christians:

Every knee shall bow before Christ.
No exceptions.

(Personal note: I don't really want them to take the cross; just making a point. I hope and pray that the Supreme Court reverses this decision).