February 5, 2012

My Analysis of Judge Walker’s Proposition 8 Ruling, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, Legalizing Gay Marriage in California (and Possibly the Entire United States)

Perry v. Schwarzenegger Ruling from Judge Vaughn Walker Analysis

I finally got through the ruling from Judge Vaughn Walker in Perry v. Schwarzenegger which overturned Proposition 8 as unconstitutional and it is scathing.  I have never read anything worded this strongly other than Scalia's dissent in Lawrence v. Texas where you could virtually hear the man shrieking with fists flying (and I say that having tremendous, enormous respect for Justice Scalia's intellect, which at times, soars to the level of an apostle preaching legal gospel). Perry v. … [Read more...]

Is the Phrase “Unelected Activist Judge” an Insult or a Compliment?

Judicial Activism and Activist Judges

I've been too busy to post my reaction and thoughts on the Perry v. Schwarzenegger ruling from the district court that struck down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional and made gay marriage legal.  I'll try to get to that in the next few days but the businesses must come first. (You know my rule: Unless I've read something completely, I try not to discuss it or give an opinion.  I wanted to get through the entire 136 pages of Judge Walker's opinion before commenting.)  UPDATE: My analysis of the … [Read more...]

My Reflections on Christian Legal Society Chapter of University of California Hastings College of Law v. Martinez Supreme Court Ruling

Majority of Americans Believe Gay Relationships Are Moral

Back in college, when I was the student body treasurer and chairman of the finance board, a Christian group known as Campus Crusade for Christ threatened to sue the university because they wanted to be officially recognized.  The problem was they required that their elected leaders leaders sign a personal "Statement of Beliefs" pledge that included a provision affirming that homosexuality was a sin and the leader did not engage in immoral sexual conduct. This went against the university's … [Read more...]

Does Religion Have a Responsibility to Look to Science?

Bible and Science Thoughts

Here's an interesting question: Does religion have just as much responsibility to examine scientific evidence as it does religious tradition and scriptural text? Put another way: Throughout history, religion taken as a whole has lagged behind scientific discovery and development, only to redefine itself decades, or even centuries, later.  In the case of Christianity, the Bible, specific passages in it, as well as long religious tradition were used to justify: Slavery (not only of … [Read more...]

Rainbow Pancakes

I came across these rainbow pancakes when reading the blogs and thought it was a really cool idea.  Of course, the fact that it reminds me of either a Christian Bible Camp or a gay pride parade is funny.  I like a little dichotomy in my breakfast.

I happened to be sitting at the dining room table, a cup of coffee in one hand, writing out plans for potentially launching a mutual fund this year (this time around, it's a Parker Duofold rollerball in an amber check pattern from the recent shipment of fine writing instruments we received at Kennon Home Accessories and its retail store, Kennon & Company).  As I was mulling over some ideas in my head, I was reading the blogs, which is my customary morning routine that began back in the … [Read more...]

The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah

Apple of Sodom

Discussing the Sin of Sodom at a Family Dinner After we left St. Louis, I stopped by to visit family and spent an afternoon at my grandmother's house having dinner, discussing politics, and Christianity in general.  The conversation was great and had many of the same topics that the younger generation of Christians have been discussing on everything from abortion rights to international trade. One of the things that came up was how often Christians spout scripture that they believe they … [Read more...]