Look far and wide and you’ll easily find countries such as Canada, Ireland and others that toss pastors in jail for simply preaching the Bible because it is deemed offensive to the culture around.  The WV Department of Education has taken that leap in that very direction with Policy 4373.

Just like other misconstrued and misapplied hate crime laws, this policy opens up a door for those who are offended by the Bible to have open season on Christians in public schools of West Virginia. The door creaks open on page 19 of the policy.  It reads:

“Schools may limit vulgar or offensive speech inconsistent with the school’s responsibility for teaching students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior.”¹

The terminology clearly gives homosexuals the opportunity to cry “harassment” or “discrimination” should they chose to find the Bible’s teachings unappealing.  Just like any other sin of fornication, drunkenness, adultery, etc., those who are enslaved to sin will find God’s word “offensive” until the Gospel crushes their heart of stone.

Another excuse I have heard is that, “Well that argument and fear are invalid because the Bible is not formally taught in school.”  To those misled individuals, I would submit this thought.

The Bible doesn’t have to be formally “taught” in school for such a scenario to occur. What if two individuals are talking about homosexuality and someone sitting next to them over hears the conversation and feels offended? Or what if someone asks about what the Biblical view is and is offended by the answer? What if a pastor is speaking at a Christian Club meeting and the topic comes up? Like I said, this is a Pandora’s Box with no specificity in tow.

Now let me clarify that Christians discussing homosexuality from a Biblical worldview is NOT the same as the idiotic, asinine miscreants at such places as Westboro “Baptist Church”. In fact, the Christian view is exactly the opposite of this bill. A Biblical view doesn’t include hatred, though some professing churches would give that impression. In the Christian faith, homosexuality is no different that any other list of sins that we are guilty of and should be handled accordingly with the Gospel (the only message with changing power). Yet, it’s my fear that such legislation will lead to misclassification of legitimate dialogue based on the Word of God Christians are called to believe.

Sadly, I truly believe that my children and their generation will see the days of pastors thrown in jail for preaching God’s truth.  This policy by the WV Department of Education is simply another step forward in that very direction.  God help us.

JS

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^{1 WV Department of Education Policy 4373, pg. 19. Emphasis added.}