
What you may not have heard about the Phoenix Bible study case

7 comments
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I agree it was probably started for that reason. This began because of religious persecution, but we are called to give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s. We are to obey the laws of the land. The structure was a violation. Having that many people in your home is a fire hazard. However, this is happening more and more across our nation. Christianity is the last acceptable prejudice. We do need to be careful how we communicate about these issues. If we don’t, we give those who persecute us, more ammunition with which to do so.
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My apologies on the above. I edited and missed correcting a statement, to whit:
Considering that they could not even have people meet in their back yard without coming under attack, much less their home or the updated garage / game room / meeting room, this smacks of religious persecution and / or persona attack and grievance by neighbors and community members. There is no reason he should not have the freedom to peaceably assemble with others at his home for religious purposes, according to our Constitution. -
What perturbs me about this issue is the violation of First Amendment rights: Freedom of religion, Freedom to peaceably assemble, Freedom to redress grievences in court. Considering that they could not even have people meet in their back yard without coming under attack, much less their home or the updated garage / game room / meeting room. I am disappointed that he did not strongly affirm that they did meet there for worship, but called it a game room. Addiitonally, I feel that we are regulating away our freedoms. I do understand zoning ordinances, but there was never any intention from the founders of our country to regulate religious freedoms out of the norm of society. No, I do not wish to go to church next door to a “gentlemnan’s” club.
Furthermore, treating this man as a criminal for not meeting ADA standards and so forth on this building in which people meet is dangerous for all of us. It sets a precedent for a reasonable cause to prosecute the church. I am all for ADA standards in homes and such. One never knows if they will have a guest who visits who is in a wheel chair, or even if one will be confined to a wheel chair themselves for a time due to surgery, injury, or illness. That being said, if he were in violation of city codes, ordinances, and zoning laws, there are ways to address those without jail time being called for. -
You’re welcome, Janet.
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Thank you for your insight JoJo.
Janet