Intro: The United States Supreme Court just handed down the biggest pro-life decision of the Trump Presidency. In a 7 to 2 decision majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas, the high court said employers do NOT have to pay for abortions or birth control for their employees.
This overturns a lower court ruling saying employees are entitled to abortion and birth control services. Joining us with regard to this heated topic is bible scholar and cultural commentator Dr. Michael Brown.
Q&A:
Question 1: What is the significance of this ruling?
Answer: This is a tremendous victory for freedom of religion and conscience in America. Under Obamacare, employers were forced to provide birth control coverage as part of their health plans, which for many Catholics in particular would be in violation of their faith. The court has overwhelmingly ruled for religious freedom, honoring moral objections of employers who now may opt out of providing abortion or birth control services.
Question 2: Can this be framed as a victory of Trump over Obama?
Answer: Absolutely. Obamacare has the former president’s very name in it and was part of his legacy. Trump has opposed it on many fronts and has fought consistently for religious liberties. So, this is definitely a victory of Trump over Obama.
Question 3: How will this ruling affect the November elections?
Answer: The 7-2 ruling reminds of the importance of appointing the right justices to the courts. Who would Trump appoint and who would Biden (or, Hillary) appoint? Do you want religious liberty or do you want the government stealing that liberty?
Question 4: Lightning struck twice. On the same day of the Supreme Court contraceptive ruling, in another case Justice John Roberts writing for a court ruling saying religious institutions have the right to pick their own employees and are exempt from secular anti-discrimination laws. Your thoughts…
Answer: Yes, Trump and moral conservatives won two big ones.
Question 5: In your new book you speak of the Trump test. What do you mean by that?
Answer: Trump has been the most controversial president in our history, the best friend of evangelicals but the least evangelical personality. Can we stand with him without destroying our testimony and witness before the nation? That’s the Trump test.
Question 6: How does your new book, “Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test?,” relate to these issues?
Answer: Among other things in the book, I address the question of whether God uniquely raised up Donald Trump, the most unlikely candidate to be supported by evangelicals, but yet one who continues to surround himself by evangelical Christians. This accentuates the pro-God, anti-God contrast between the parties.
Michael L. Brown, PhD, is founder and president of AskDrBrown Ministries and president of FIRE School of Ministry. The author of more than thirty-five books, he is also the host of the nationally syndicated daily talk radio show The Line of Fire, as well as the host of shows on GOD TV, NRBTV, and METV. His syndicated columns appear on many leading websites, and his scholarly publications range from biblical commentaries to articles in Semitic journals and theological dictionaries. He has served as an adjunct or visiting professor at seven leading seminaries and has debated gay activists, agnostic professors, and Orthodox rabbis on university campuses.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 jerry@specialguests.com
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