Two news items caught my attention in recent weeks, illustrating the consequence of our society’s obsession with urging "tolerance" for every evil that comes along under the label of “diversity.” Please remember the fact that prayers addressed to the God we read about in the Bible or in the name of Christ are not tolerated in public schools, civic events or numerous other settings. Indeed, the fact that God has been thrown out of public life in this country explains our current mess of juvenile rebellion, rampant promiscuity, pervasive corruption, unrestrained profanity, rising violence and unmitigated selfishness (see Rom. l:28-31;2 Tim. 3:1-7; Eph. 4:17-19; etc). His principles would surely have helped to curb such degradation, but God does not impose His influence upon those who have cast Him from their presence. While there is no “tolerance” for God and His righteousness, many celebrate the fact that an ever increasing list of perversions and godless behaviors are openly accepted in public life. As proof, note the following taken from the Godless Americans Political Action Committee web site wherein the group introduces itself and briefly states its beliefs:

Who We Are
The Godless Americans PAC grew out of the historic “Godless Americans March on Washington” (GAMOW) held on November 2, 2002 in Washington, DC. For the first time in history, our nation’s diverse community of Atheists, Freethinkers. Secular Humanists and others who do not embrace religious creeds marched together for civil rights, the separation of state and church, and their full recognition as American citizens. We demanded “a place at the table” in this great discussion known as democracy.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists and Chairwoman of the GAMOW Task Force noted: “Every other group in American history, from women suffragettes to blacks, gays and even the religious right has taken those first steps toward recognition by marching on our nation’s capital. It’s now our turn!” Looking out across the crowd assembled that day on the Mall in Washington, Johnson told the thousands of participants at GAMOW that she did not see isolated Atheists and other nonbelievers. “I see a potential voting bloc. I see a new movement ready to assert its political and cultural influence in America.”

The Godless Americans Political Action Committee was born. GAMPAC, like GAMOW, does not claim to represent every Atheist, Freethinker, Secular Humanist or other nonbeliever in the United States. It does, however, provide those who wish to participate a voice, a strategy, a vehicle in promoting the policies we embrace. It allows us to endorse political candidates who support our vision of a secular America, one where our right to freedom of and freedom From religion is valued and protected.

On the same web page, this update is also heralded: “Ju1y 14 - GAMPAC endorses KERRY/EDWARDS!” What an honor it must be for the candidates to know that godless Americans fully support and endorse them and their policies! Can you imagine what the result of such an endorsement would have been 50 years ago? It would have been shameful and embarrassing! Scripture speaks of the nature and end of such people (Phil. 3:18-19; Rom. 1:26-31).

Just when the shock of the above statement was beginning to dull, along came the following from the front page of the Tampa Tribune (7/30/04):

Half of the Tampa City Council walked out Thursday when an atheist spoke at a time usually reserved for prayer. Other council members bowed their heads out of habit, anticipating an Amen that wouldn’t come.

Letting atheist Michael Harvey lead the invocation Thursday almost brought the council meeting to a stop before it began. As Harvey, a member of Atheists of Florida, prepared to speak, Councilman Kevin White called for a vote to find a different person to pray or to skip the invocation that traditionally begins council meetings. White, who cast the only vote for his proposal, said he objected to a “hallowed moment” being turned over to someone to make a “political statement.”

Councilman John Dingfelder said people of different beliefs, or lack thereof deserve a chance to give the invocation without censorship. Dingfelder had invited Harvey to speak. ‘I thank God every day that I live in a country that accepts everybody, “ Dingfelder said.

After White failed to get the unanimous vote he needed to stop the invocation, council members Mary Alvarez and Rose Ferlita joined him in leaving the meeting room before Harvey began his brief remarks.

Harvey told the three remaining council members his group is committed to the separation of church and state, and he asked the board to seek inspiration from history, science and logic.

Midway through his invocation, Harvey criticized mixing prayer and government, saying elected leaders shouldn't "seek the guidance of a deity in the public arena." Acting Chairman Shawn Harrison banged his gavel and told Harvey he was being too “political.” Harvey’s supporters urged him to continue, and Harrison allowed it. “Rather than clasping your hands, bowing your heads and closing your eyes, open your arms to that which truly makes us strong -- our diversity, Harvey said.

Atheists of Florida objects to praying at government meetings, but the US Supreme Court has protected religious invocations.... Council members take turns choosing someone, usually a Tampa reverend or rabbi, to deliver what is supposed to be a nondenominational prayer at their weekly meetings. Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena, who is Jewish, pushed for the rotation and an emphasis on nondenominational prayer when she joined the council in 1987. Before that, the Tampa Ministerial Association provided prayer givers who always were “white male Baptists," Saul-Sena said.

Alternatives such as a moment of silence now are encouraged. Tampa poet laureate James Tokley has used prose instead of prayer at past invocations. “Not all of us believe in the same way," said Saul-Sena, who supported allowing Harvey to speak. “Sometimes it makes some of us uncomfortable to name a particular deity.”

Did you get that? The councilwoman is “uncomfortable” hearing of the true and living God, but supports the atheists speaking. The councilman “thank(s) God every day” that he lives in a country that accepts atheists into public life, but banishes God. If it were not so deplorable, it would merely be ridiculous! What comes next? Throwing a boy scout out of council chambers to make room for a pedophile with whom our councilwoman feels more comfortable? Thanking God for a country that allows unfettered access to pornography and facilitates the mutilation and slaughter of abortion every day?

Our country has descended to a dangerous level and it is past time for us to speak up and act on our responsibility. Romans 13:1-4 affirms the legitimate purpose of government as “a minister of God” to reward righteous and avenge evil. Upholding righteousness brings strength and security to any nation (Isa. 54:14; Prov. 11:11; 16:12; 28:2; 29:14). It is not the tolerance for wickedness and godless conduct that makes a nation stronger in its “diversity.” On the contrary, nations are made secure when they reject and remove the wicked from their midst (Prov. 25:5). If a government fails to meet that responsibility, it is removed (Dan. 4:28-33; 5:17-31). America is at a crossroads. We must decide whether we will tolerate and even defend wickedness, or reject and refuse it. As citizens, we have a responsibility to help determine the direction of this representative form of government. Before it is too late, may God help us recognize that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34, NASB).