The question on nearly everybody's mind today is: Where do we draw the line in regards to religious freedom? On one hand we believe religious freedom is a right held by all Americans. On the other hand we see Kim Davis jailed for standing her ground and refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, resulting in jail time. Today. In America.
Freedom may be the wrong word, for if freedom is not total it's not really freedom at all. It is something else entirely. There is no such thing as partial freedom. Certainly we must exercise that freedom within the boundaries of law. When two sets of laws clash however, one must be chosen as the ruling standard. In this case it appears as though the law of man has taken the higher position.
Dr. John DeFilippis, author of a number of Christian fiction fantasy novels, believes the persecution of Kim Davis should be seen as a call to rally all Christians worldwide.
"The unthinkable has finally happened," DeFilippis stated. "What we've learned from the jailing of Kim Davis is that Americans can now be imprisoned for exercising their religious freedom. I suppose it was inevitable given the direction our society has been going, but I honestly never believed it would happen so soon."
The war on religion is exemplified in my series of novels, which depicts a society that loses its faith and begins to persecute those who believe in a higher power. Scribes and priests are thrown in jail, and all references to religious faith are eliminated from educational institutions. The end result is a tyrannical, oppressive regime that tramples on the rights of its citizens and essentially deifies itself.
If there is one thing I know, it's that no government can ever take the place of God. It actually saddens me that my novels have become so prophetic, but hopefully they will aid in the effort to rally people of faith in the face of such blatant persecution.
As Christians, we must take the lead and do all we can to reverse the precipitous moral decline that has occurred over the past several decades. The characters in my books face the same long odds when their kingdom falls into the hands of men who despise anything remotely having to do with religion. Though on the surface they seem overmatched, the protagonists ultimately realize that all things are possible when good people come together and unite in faith. I hope that we can do the same. If we fail, then our children will inherit a depraved, soulless society that is destined to implode."
In the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, DeFilippis' books offer a message of faith and hope while remaining true to the epic fantasy fiction form. Crossroad Press recently released John DeFilippis’ fourth novel, 'The Last of the Thirteen'. 'The Last of the Thirteen' is the final volume of DeFilippis’ epic fantasy series, 'The Medallion of Mavinor'. John's works have been compared to 'The Lord Of The Rings' and 'Game Of Thrones'.
The characters in DeFilippis' novels wage an epic battle that could well determine the fate of the world. But as the conflict comes to a head, all of them realize one thing—they will need more than just courage and might to win the day. For the most lethal weapon they wield is neither sword nor shield, but rather the faith that resides deep in their hearts.
"Like the characters in my books, the greatest weapon we have in our arsenal is our faith. It is my hope that Christians everywhere will also take up the fight and that they too will realize that if God is with us, then who can possibly be against us?”
Dr. John DeFilippis is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. All of DeFilippis' titles are available in print, ebook and pdf formats at Crossroad Press. More information is available at John DeFilippis’ website at http://www.DrJohnDeFilippis.com.
About Author John DeFilippis:
Dr. John DeFilippis grew up in the Greenville section of Jersey City, graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School in 1984. In 1988 he graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep and went on to study at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. DeFilippis attended the School of Theology at Seton Hall University for three years, from 1993 to 1996. During this time he earned his master’s degree in theology and discerned a call to the Catholic priesthood. After ultimately deciding that he did not have a religious vocation, Dr. DeFilippis transitioned into the field of education.
He taught for four years at both the elementary and secondary levels, and earned a second master’s degree in educational administration. In 2000 Dr. DeFilippis made yet another transition, this time accepting an offer to become an academic administrator at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. He would spend the next seven years there, and in 2007 he completed his Ph.D. in educational leadership at Seton Hall University. After finishing his doctoral degree, he accepted an offer to become a director in the Division of Academic Affairs at New Jersey City University.
Contact:
Dr. John DeFilippis
drjohnd@drjohndefilippis.com
http://www.drjohndefilippis.com
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