The definition of “scandal” is not just a weird story that ends up in the headlines. Rather, the true meaning of the word, as defined by the church is, “anything that is put in the path of someone trying to live a holy, moral and decent life.”

If this definition is true, consider what God said about those who derail the truth with deceptive ideology, “It would be better for them if a millstone were put around their neck and they be thrown into the sea than for anyone to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”

An example of authorities forcing their ideology onto those whom they govern would be Joan of Arc, a 19-year-old who received a death sentence of being burned at a stake. Her crime? When asked if she knew for certain that she was “in the grace of God.” Her answer, to the authorities, was profound, “If I am, may He keep me there, if I am not, may he place me there.” This didn’t fit their narrative so they silenced her. Sound familiar?

Where do we stand, here in the U.S., concerning things that might be defined as scandalous? Is it true that our own governmental authorities have targeted conservatives? Is it true that authorities told the police to stand down when political activists were openly setting fires, destroying businesses and looting?

We have recently elected avowed socialist candidates for positions of authority. One of the core principles of every socialist is atheism. In other words, “In God we Trust” is not a part of their agenda. We have already taken prayer out of public schools and ordered the Ten Commandments be taken down from every public school building. How long will it take to remove “In God We Trust” from public viewing? Might this agenda be considered scandalous?

We recently shut down the government for political leverage, allowing those who defend the very fabric of our freedom to go without pay. We have allowed anti-Semitic demonstrations on college campuses and the burning of the American Flag. Does this sound scandalous?

Through the prophet Isaiah, God asked rhetorically, “Could a mother forget her nursing child?” and then states, “Even if a mother should forget you, I will never forget you.” If this is true, might God consider abortion scandalous?

The author of Genesis states, “God created humanity as both male and female in His own image.” Does the preposterous idea of someone thinking it will benefit a child by promoting transgender/DEI ideology sound scandalous?

Is it true that governing authorities initiated mandates in public schools that you could not use certain pronouns? Is it true that governing authorities allowed those born male to participate in female sports? Is it true that those born male were allowed into female locker rooms?

Is that millstone only figurative or is it real? Perhaps it’s time to join the commonsense plea of Joan of Arc, “If we are not, may He place us there!”