Before we can exercise our rights, we have to know what they are...
We’ve enjoyed uninhibited freedoms in our country for so long that some of us rarely think twice about exercising them. But we need to think ahead, prepare ourselves, and be ready to preserve our freedoms—simply by standing up for our rights.
In 2007 Pastor Travis Johnson was leading a baptism service at a beach in Miami-Dade County when park officials shut it down. They said the baptisms were “offensive” to beachgoers, even cursing at the pastor and others in attendance. Officials insisted the church must conduct any baptisms there before 5 a.m. to avoid “offending” others.
Pastor Johnson describes the confrontation as a defining moment in his ministry. He told park officials the church would come back at a future date to conduct more baptisms, and the entire church could be taken under arrest if that’s what officials wanted to do. Once challenged, park officials backed off. Eventually, some even became followers of Christ themselves and joined Pastor Johnson’s church.
Before we can exercise our rights, we have to know what they are. It’s also helpful to understand the effects of recent Supreme Court decisions. Take this quiz and see how you score when it comes to knowing your rights.
