Blasphemy Law
The Law Commission have suggested that the blasphemy law should be abolished while the law against offensive behaviour in places of worship should be strengthened. Under the blasphemy law it is an offence to publish material that reviles, vilifies or insults God, Christ, the Bible or the beliefs or doctrines of the Church of England. The view of the Commission was that if religious beliefs were to be protected in a largely secular and multi-religious society, it was anomalous to confine protection to one denomination of a single religion.
It was under the blasphemy law that Mrs Whitehouse initiated a successful prosecution against “Gay News” and its editor for blasphemy against Christ. It would be regrettable if a change would be made in the law which would prohibit such a prosecution. The view expressed by the Commission stems from a desire to adapt to present-day atheistic and non-Christian outlook. The important matter, however, is not whether the law is acceptable to men but whether it is in accord with the divine law. The prohibiting of material that reviles, vilifies, or insults God, Christ and the Bible is surely in accordance with the law of God. We have yet to learn as a people that “righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” The condoning or overlooking of the sin of blasphemy by the law of the land will only increase the nation’s guilt.
Baroness Wootton’s Bill Defeated
At attempt by Baroness Wootton to change the marriage law on incest has failed in the House of Lords when the Bill was defeated on its Third Reading by 124 votes to 79. Her Bill would have changed the law so far as affinity is concerned and would have permitted the marriage of step-relations and in-laws. Strong opposition had been voiced against the change by Church leaders in Scotland and England and it is gratifying to know that the Bill will not be made law. It is obvious that those who are humanistic in outlook object to the safeguards of Christian morality enshrined in the laws and constitution of the nation and will do their utmost to have these safeguards removed. We hope and pray that all their schemes will be frustrated.
Assassination Attempt on the Pope
It would appear that the Pope escaped death by a hairsbreadth through the attempt on his life but is now recovering. His death, had it occurred, would not necessarily have ended the Romanist system over which he is head. No doubt another Pope would have been forthcoming to continue the line of rulers over that anti-Christian system. What we pray for is the downfall of that system of iniquity and the liberating of the millions who are held captive in its thrall. The day is promised when it shall fall and when it shall be said: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.” What a deliverance that will herald! Until then the Romanist system will remain, as it has remained hitherto, an active and virulent foe of the Lord and of His Christ. As we value the prosperity of Zion, so let us pray for the downfall of anti-Christ.
Good Advice for the Press
The Lord Advocate in addressing members of the Press said that while he appreciated that papers were produced to be sold he did not believe that this condemned the media to the lowest common denominator of the values held by the public. He told them that they did not need to stoop to buying dirt. He urged them to let the public see that responsible law-abiding citizens were newsworthy. “Yours is a vital role”, he said, “and the values which underlie them reach to all our people. Your influence is enormous, so also is your responsibility.” We trust that the Press will give good heed to the advice given, and take their responsibility seriously. This would be for the good of our nation.