3 myths about marriage Americans still believe

Advice on achieving wedded bliss likely began when Adam and Eve passed their hard-won wisdom about the first marriage down to their children. But since then the quality of marital advice has varied considerably. Too often, recommendations about what is necessary to create and maintain stable and happy marriages are based more on old wives tales than on supportable evidence.

Is your church ready to respond to a post-Roe world?

The Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement — a moment that Christians, pro-life advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. As we respond to the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.

This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

The Senate has reconvened following its August recess, and majority Leader Schumer has promised that over the coming days the Senate will take up the Respect for Marriage Act.

The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced in the House as a response to Justice Clarence Thomas’s concuring opinion in the Dobbs decision that reasoned the Court should also revisit precedents that granted a right to contraception and a right to same sex marriage. One of the main objectives of the bill is to codify the Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which ruled that “state laws barring same-sex marriages were unconstitutional.” After passing the House in July with bipartisan support, it currently sits in the hands of the Senate.

In addition to a fundamental redefinition of the institution of marriage, the threat to religious liberty is a top concern with this legislation. Since Obergefell, rights of conscience and religious freedom have found themselves in the crosshairs of a number of notable cases. Should the Respect for Marriage Act find passage, we may rightly assume that rights of conscience and religious freedom will find themselves under threat yet again. Additionally, the bill has no limiting principle and opens the door for federal recognition of such things as polygamous relationships.

The ERLC stands firmly opposed to this legislation and is advocating against its passage. Please join us in praying that, should it be scheduled for a vote, the Senate will vote against the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.

For further information, read the ERLC’s explainer on the RFMA.

Featured Podcasts

On The Digital Public Square podcast, Dr. Gavin Ortlund, pastor and author of a recent book titled Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t, joins Jason Thacker to talk about Christian theism and the nature of apologetics.

From The Public Square

Democrats weigh same-sex marriage vote in pre-election sprint
Politico

Susan Collins believes the Senate is on the cusp of enshrining same-sex marriage protections. And she doesn’t want to wait until after the election.

9th Circuit: High School Must Recognize Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Religion Clause

In Fellowship of Christian Athletes v. San Jose Unified School District Board of Education, (9th Cir., Aug. 29. 2022), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, ordered reinstatement of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as an official student club at San Jose high schools.

Christian Teachings About Sex and Family Are Grounded in Love of God and Neighbor
Institute for Family Studies

It's important for a public that is increasingly moving away from traditional norms to understand that people of faith are not stubbornly clinging to self-made or self-interested “rules” governing sex and the family.

These way-down-ballot races will decide whether abortion is legal for millions
Politico

These way-down-ballot races will decide whether abortion is legal for millions.

What You Need to Read

Alex Ward with The duty and courage of Queen Elizabeth II

In monarchs we see small reflections of what we are supposed to have been as God’s rulers on this earth. Those who care for the world, steward creation, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God. If as an American I was to make a case for monarchy, my first piece of evidence would be the life and example of Elizabeth. Was she perfect? Of course not. But did she understand and fulfill her duty to embody for her citizens the best of the nation’s ideals? Certainly.

Brad Hoefs with The church and suicide

Suicide is not something we like to talk about. Yet, we must acknowledge that there are times when the circumstances of life threaten to overwhelm—a spouse leaves, a child passes away, a business folds, or a house burns down. We watch people we care about hurt, wander, and undergo immense difficulty. Sometimes their pain can turn into to feelings of hopelessness, depression, or even suicidal ideation.

Jordan Wootten with Explainer: UN report details the Chinese government’s human rights violations

On Aug. 31, the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner followed suit by releasing a long-awaited report detailing the Chinese government’s “serious human rights violations” in Xinjiang. In the report, we find more of what we’ve known for years: the Chinese government’s actions include oppression, ethnic and religious persecution, and “may constitute crimes against humanity.”