I had just begun to read my Bible Wednesday morning when my spirit began “crying out to God” as Christians put it. Yet I could not gather in my mind or form in my mouth words to express the multitude of disconsolations weighing on me because of several conservations I had over the last 10 days or so. One thing, though, became crystal clear. I can’t not share it (yes, I know it is a double negative).

On Monday, I gave the eulogy for the interment of my 91-year-old father’s mortal remains. Little did I realize that preparations for his eulogy would provide a fresh insight into Tuesday’s election and its outcomes. And, no, thoughts of the eternal did not make elections less important, but more important. Just in a new way.

The Sumner County (Tennessee) Commission recently voted 20 to 4 in favor of adding a preamble to its Standing Rules and Procedures stating an intent that the operation of its government be “reflective of the Judeo-Christian values inherent in our nation’s founding.” Were liberals right to be aghast in their Establishment Clause concerns about such an intent? Should Christians rejoice?

On July 3, 1995, as a first-term state Senator, I gave a speech to the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary Club, one for which I would now be excoriated. The speech became a front-page, above-the-fold headline story. But there is one major thing I did not then understand and, consequently, one thing I got terribly wrong. I must address it now, because I believe political conservatives and Christians are making the same mistake I made. 

Thinking through and watching the debate over Amendment 1 to Tennessee’s Constitution, the so-called “Right to Work” amendment, has been a painful experience for me for two reasons. Today I share why in order that those who want to think about the future being bequeathed to their children and grandchild will see more clearly where we are in our nation. For them, some gut-level sobering truth is needed. Those interested only in the present may want to come back next week.

Amendment 4 on the ballot this November would remove from Tennessee’s Constitution the prohibition on any “minister of the Gospel or priest of any denomination . . .  serving in either House of the Legislature.” It may seem like voting “Yes” is a no-brainer, but it deserves more consideration than it will likely be given. It is another example of what we don’t know will, at some point, hurt us.  Now is a great time to learn how the issues underneath this provision relate to socialism and transgenderism.

The provocative heading about Amendment 1 to the Tennessee Constitution, the so-called “right to work” amendment, is not intended to indict anyone, but to provoke deeper reflection among those willing to consider perspective not advanced by Democrats or Republicans. There is more here than meets the eye. Let me know if you see what I see.

I received two communications this week—one from a pastor upset over yet another drag queen show in our state and one about an over-the-top FBI raid of a Catholic pro-life advocate’s home. I see these situations as the harbingers of a counter-revolution that has long been coming. History tells me it will be glorious. You and I have the opportunity lay the foundation for it.

According to the Daily Wire, “Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee has called for an investigation of the Pediatric Transgender Clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) after shocking videos posted by Matt Walsh detailed a doctor’s promotion of ‘big money maker’ transgender surgeries.” The legislature declined to address this last year, but if it wants to do so this year, the legislation must be developed to withstand two huge constitutional hurdles.

I got a call this week from the U.S.A. Today network wanting my take on the appropriate content for family life (sex education) curriculum and a different media call wanting comment on a drag queen show at a museum in Memphis. I am also getting emails urging opposition to the Respect for Marriage Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and soon coming up for a vote in the Senate. These issues are inextricably intertwined, and my question is this: Has the Church has lost the moral high ground by which to speak authoritatively and convincingly to them?