Wednesday; July 10

Ninety-nine years ago today the Scopes Monkey Trial begin in Dayton, Tennessee. In that case, more than John Scopes was put on trial, so was a law that made it illegal to teach evolution. By all accounts, the week turned into a circus – not just on the streets of Dayton, but in the courtroom as well. Interestingly, Scopes was convicted of violating the law, but not long afterwards, the Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the verdict. In essence, about all the trial accomplished was providing us with an interesting footnote to history.

We live in a time when it is tempting to put our religion or their faith on trial. Not only is litigation a national pastime, the attention gained by supporting or opposing beliefs can make us a star … or maybe a legend in our own minds. Folks, I am all about having heart-felt discussions about what we believe; but when we allow these things to go public we run the risk of allowing all kinds of peripheral monkey business. Let’s be willing to defend our beliefs and stand firm on our commitments, but let’s not get caught up in becoming a side show in someone else’s circus. Let’s protect our beliefs, but let’s also protect the solemnity of our belief system – and the One we have placed our beliefs in.

Think About It!

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