Many today have a misinformed view of what has been called the separation of church and state. The modern application of that phrase has been to "protect" the political process from the influence of spiritual ideas and values. Some would prefer that the moral beliefs of the governed not be allowed to affect the government. The founders of this nation made it abundantly clear that this was not their intent.

Thomas Jefferson, in his first inaugural address, said, "May that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity." In his second inaugural address he expressed his need for "the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and to whose goodness I ask you to join with me in supplications, that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures"

Still, many today will try to insist that "religious" types should stay out of politics and go back to their pulpits. Are "political" types willing to stay out of spiritual and moral matters? I think not, nor should they. Lawmaking without moral foundation results in bad law. Likewise, preaching which does not address immorality is impotent.

Recently the Illinois Mouse attempted to amend its Human Rights Act to make it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her "sexual orientation." The bill had bi-partisan support and was narrowly defeated. Similar bills will be introduced in each state. Thus, I would like to offer a few words on behalf of discrimination. Discrimination has taken on an exclusively ugly connotation in our culture. "Discrimination is bad," we are told.

To discriminate is simply to distinguish or differentiate. We do this all the time and often for good reason. An inability to discriminate is an inability to appreciate. When one cannot discriminate between good and evil, amorality exists. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isa.5:20). In other words, woe to those who cannot discriminate.

The Illinois bill seeks to end discrimination on the basis Of "sexual orientation," or so it says. It reads, "'Sexual orientation' means having or being perceived as having an emotional, physical, or sexual attraction to another person without regard to the sex of that person or having or being perceived as having an orientation for such attraction, or having or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with ones biological maleness or femaleness.'"

I am amused by those who complain that we can't understand the Bible, but then write the nonsense just quoted. "Sexual orientation" according to the bill simply means sexual deviancy. The sexually immoral have cowed many politicians and now want to intimidate the rest of us with the force of law to accept their deviant "lifestyles" on all levels. It does not want us to discriminate on the basis of sexual deviancy.

Are we to believe that marriage as ordained by God between a male and a female (Gen. 2:22-24; Matt. 19:4-6) is merely a tradition to which there are legitimate alternative "sexual orientations"? Scripture does not endorse such an indiscriminate view of sexual morality. Society's acceptance and protection of sexual deviancy devalues the God designed family and destabilizes its position as the moral foundation of communities.

Just because lawmakers and even religious leaders have bought and sold immorality under the banner of "love" doesn't mean they do so with God's support. Murderers, thieves, liars and others have often attempted to justify their sins by pointing to love as their motivation. It is no surprise that the sexually deviant do likewise. True love does not tolerate immorality, but calls for change in heart and action. 'True love promotes good over evil and can discriminate between the two.

What I found particularly interesting about the Illinois bill (HB 0474) is that it blatantly discriminates in its definition of "sexual orientation." The last sentence of its definition says, "'Sexual orientation' does not include a physical or sexual attraction to a minor by an adult." In other words, the law allows discrimination against pedophiles. How intolerant! The law is very discriminatory in which sexual deviancies it will protect and which it will not. Perhaps in a few years another house bill will amend the Illinois Human Rights Act by dropping that one sentence.

Remember, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4). "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9,10). The truth of Romans 1:18-32 is unfolding before our eyes in this country. Beware!