Protection for British Consumers or Thin Edge of the Wedge?
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastoral coordinator, The British Isles
Legislative bodies sometimes fail to realise the end result of
their legislation. This is especially problematic when laws are
passed that on the surface seem to be totally in the best interest
of the community but have unexpected consequences.
In the hands of clever prosecutors or corrupt officials such laws
have the unintended potential of subjecting honest people to judicial
harassment. Here is an example!
On May 26, 2008, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading
Regulations (CPR) came into effect in the United Kingdom
and all member states of the European Union. According to an article
in the May 23, 2008 edition of The
Times (London): "Anyone offering a service must
not engage in unfair commercial practice, misleading statement
or omission or aggressive sales practice. This would criminalise
practices such as 'closing down' sales that aren't,
limited time offers that then last longer and false testimonials
left on websites."
These regulations will affect all promotions and sale of goods
or services. Although they are designed to protect consumers from
unfair or inaccurate advertising, they may also affect other aspects
of life—any promotion that authorities judge can not be proven to
be true.
People whose activities are 'faith-based', such as
faith healers and spiritualists, are realising that they may be
forced to describe their activities as "entertainment" to
avoid prosecution. Why? Because such practitioners cannot guarantee
the outcome of their service. They would be penalised because of
unsubstantiated claims or misleading advertising.
Notice the reaction of some members of the public who read The
Times newspaper report:
- "Can we take this one small step further and apply it
to religion as well?"
- "Maybe there should be similar disclaimers outside churches
or mosques. Then they can tell customers that what they offer
is 'for entertainment only' and not 'experimentally
proven'. What's the difference? Fortune telling, soothsaying,
whatever is as old as the hills. We'll have witch burnings next."
- "But the main business of religions is the unproven prediction
of life after death. This is essentially a denial of freedom of
belief which I think even those wanting a secular society do not
advocate. If there is equality under the law then this disclaimer
MUST apply to the sale of every Bible."
Many more comments like these have been published. The hostility
is directed towards what are considered unprovable religious concepts
and beliefs.
Under such scrutiny it may often be necessary for Christians to
be able to defend the foundations of our beliefs. Those around us
may not accept our confidence in God as our Creator or in the teachings
He reveals in his Word.
How would you prove the existence of God and His inspiration of
the Bible? Can you effectively refute the assertion of Karl Marx
that God and the Bible are simply part of a religion that acts as
an opiate for the people?
The writer of the book of Hebrews states with confidence: "Without
faith it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must
believe that He is [that He exists] and that He is a rewarder of
those that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
Many whose minds are closed to biblical teachings are hostile toward
those who follow God. Even Jesus was subjected to the misuse of
law by those who framed and convicted Him of treason even though
He was guiltless.
We committed Christians need to examine the evidence and prove
to ourselves that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and
lives today. If He was not resurrected we have no hope! (1 Corinthians
15:12-19).
Jesus promised that after the resurrection He would live within every
repentant Christian (John 14:23-24, Galatians 2:20). In a few days
many Christians will be celebrating the day that recognises the
beginning of the indwelling of Christ in our minds—the
Feast of Firstfruits, or Day of Pentecost.
It is important to know that the foundation of our faith is sure
and absolute, not based on clever religious marketing. And that
the future God promises us is as sure as the rising of the sun!
  Let me suggest an excellent way to strengthen your faith and prove
the validity of the fundamental teachings of the Bible. Simply download,
read online or request our free, informative publications: Life's
Ultimate Question: Does God Exist? and Is the Bible
True?
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