By Carl F. Worden

Here's a bit of news that supports my fears that the day may come when American Christians are rounded up and placed in concentration camps just like the Jews were in Nazi Germany.

Dr. James Kennedy reports that in 1998, two bills were introduced in the California State Legislature, which, if they become law, would have serious implications for Christians. AB257 would have allowed citizens to use public funds to sue religious-based organizations (like schools and radio stations) that refer to homosexuality as a sin. If found guilty of "discrimination", these organizations could be subject up to $50,000.00 in fines.

This bill passed both the California State Assembly and Senate, but was vetoed by outgoing Governor Pete Wilson! The other bill, AB310, would bring churches under state regulation under the "Fair Employment and housing Act", which would force them to hire homosexuals. The incoming Governor, Gray Davis, will likely sign these bills into law if they are passed by the incoming California legislature.

It's not just happening in California, of course. Just 15 years ago, it was unheard of for anyone to utter disparaging remarks about Christians or Christianity, but in a speech before the Wisconsin Education Association, Bill Press, co-host of CNN's Crossfire program, had this to say about conservative Christians: "It's just that their religion is so narrow, and it's so mean, and it's so ugly, and it's so intolerant, and it's so un-Christian." Whatever that means. However, as more and more recognized figures spout these anti-Christian diatribes, even more recognized public figures are becoming emboldened and are emerging from the shadows to sling their own resentments.

Betty Sabatino was a vice president of Chase Bank of Texas. She voiced opposition to her company's policy of including "sexual orientation" as a protected class during a company training session on discrimination. Her supervisor told her to seek counseling. When Sabatino refused to back down, she was fired. Management had apparently "lost confidence in her."

Mike Liddell was a coach for a little league softball team. He made the mistake of leading his team volunteers in a one sentence prayer after a game, one parent objected, and league officials fired him. The league's official rule book does not have any rules against praying, but apparently he should have known better.

These are just samplings of the culture war being wages against Christians. On the positive side, this is exactly what the prophets foretold 2,500 years ago. They warned us that in the latter days, what is good would be called evil, and what is evil would be called good.

Twenty years ago I couldn't conceive of what they were talking about, but here we see yet another example of the prophets' writings being fulfilled. This is only the beginning of the trials and tribulations Christians will face in the coming days. Just remember that as we face these challenges, Jesus' return will not be far behind.