Was it all worth the sacrifice?

Sometimes when I have gone to Cambridge I pass the American Cemetery, the last resting place of so many young American men who paid the supreme sacrifice during the years 1939-1945. It is a poignant scene and in consideration of contemporary events, heart rending.

Recently we saw on television vast cemeteries in Europe where so many British young men died in the same cause. In both cases, and similarly with other Allied countries, those men believed they were fighting for freedom; for the rights of people to speak freely, as long as they did so with respect for others.

How distressing to witness the liberty and freedom and Christian values these men (and women) fought and died for, being eroded by men totally unworthy to be spoken of in the same breath.

The majority of people in both Britain and America are prepared to live and let live, and if others want to follow an alternative sexual lifestyle, leave them to do so. Our political leaders are not prepared to be so tolerant, and are forcing 98% of the population to live under threat of prosecution if they voice and disapproval even of the mildest nature, and of course to express a biblical teaching is a serious matter.

In the United States an Army Chaplain was disciplined for preaching from the Bible, and an Officer who had kept a Bible on his desk for years was told to remove it lest it cause offence. This in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

We have Barack Obama and David Cameron forcing same sex marriage on the population, even though the majority of same sex couples in civil partnerships do not want it. Now Cameron, who almost destroyed a once great Party by introducing same sex marriage, with a display of arrogance consistent with his nature wants to export same sex marriage to other countries. I can imagine how well that will go down with Islamic nations.

What was especially disgusting, and indeed vulgar, was the statement by Desmond Tutu, an Archbishop in the Anglican Church, saying he did not wish to worship an homophobic God; would rather go to hell than go than the heaven of a homophobic God. Considering God inspired the writing of the Bible, including Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy and Jude, he may get his wish.

What was particularly offensive was to liken opposition to homosexuality as being in comparison to apartheid.

Then we have Pope Francis telling that he would not condemn homosexuality, although his more illustrious predecessor did, and would not rule out such admission to the priesthood. He did however firmly reject women being admitted to the priesthood. That was a display of priorities.

Now we have the Archbishop of Canterbury having doubts about opposing same sex marriage. Once it was considered as very dangerous to admit one’s sexuality and it was referred to as ‘coming out’ Now it is becoming fearful to admit being a Christian in many circles and there is a need to ‘come out’ and say so. I hope all Christians are treated with the same tolerance.