Everyone is talking about the economic stimulus bill signed this week.  Not everyone, including this pastor, is excited about the plan.  Although there are multiple items I am in opposition, there is one in particular that you must know.  On page 164-165 of the bill there is a prohibition listed on the use of $3.5 billion set aside for renovating college and university facilities.  The bill says, “No funds awarded under this section may be used for modernization, renovation or repair of facilities used for sectarian instruction, religious worship or a school of or department of divinity.”  Sen. Jim DeMint (SC) caught this and put out an amendment to strike this which discriminates against students of faith.  Democrats voted down this measure (including Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida) 43-54.  This is  discrimination against those of faith.  DeMint said, “This is a direct attack on students of faith...This is now an ACLU stimulus designed to trigger lawsuits to intimidate religious organizations across the nation.  This language is so vague, it’s not clear if students can even pray in a dorm room renovated with this funding since it is a form of ‘religious worship’.”
 How sad it is to see such utter disregard for those organizations on public campus that seek to reach students for Christ.  I believe this is just the start of a backlash against those of true faith in Christ.  According to Romans 13 the responsibility of government is to punish evil.  Romans 13:3 says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.”  You sure can hide a lot in “economic stimulus.”