How Fertility Drives the Health of Nations
The greatest way a generation can serve its nation is by raising the next generation, and raising it well. Each nation ignores this to its own peril.
School’s Back! Know Your Religious Freedom Rights
With the return of school comes many challenges for students of all ages. Not the least of these challenges is how Christian students in public schools should stand for what they believe is right.
Colorado Targets Christian Baker Again Despite Supreme Court’s Cake Ruling
Jack Phillips shouldn’t have to fear government hostility when he opens his shop for business each day. His lawyers are asking the court to put a stop to that, again.
Tackling Pornography in Our Families and Churches
Pornography has been named one of the leading public health issues of our time for promoting violence against women, damaging interpersonal relationships, and being a primary source of sex education for our youth.
Leading Factors To Lasting Faith
Parents should be encouraged that successful faith transfer is not anything close to rocket science, but really about relatively consistent faithfulness and honesty in living out a committed faith.
Fight Against Human Trafficking Begins in Our Own Neighborhoods
The United States should continue to press for critical rule-of-law reforms and community-based, victim-centered solutions to combating human trafficking worldwide.
How Religious Freedom Erodes, One Step at a Time
All Americans must respond by standing up for one another’s freedoms to think, to speak, and to act according to what each of us finds sacred.
Major US Initiative Could Spark New Era of Expanding Religious Freedom
Religious freedom advocates must now seize the present momentum to gain consensus on what true religious freedom entails and coordinate their efforts to secure it throughout the world.
How Katie Arrington’s Faith Guides Her Through Tragedy
The fact that Katie Arrington survived a fatal car wreck despite serious injuries could be described as lucky. But what many call luck, she calls interventions by God.
Why People Keep Falling for Socialism, Despite the Evidence
Free-market capitalism, with all of its warts, is superior to any system yet devised to deal with our everyday needs and desires.
Legislative Prayer Is Still Constitutional
Far from being an attempt to coerce the public into prayer, legislative prayers led by local volunteers are expressions of faith meant for the legislators themselves.
Victims of Religious Persecution Tell Their Stories at International Conference in DC
The Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom aims to inspire global action against religious persecution and discrimination.
Unlikely Hero is a Friend of Mine
Trey Ward did something amazing even though it was against the law. I’m proud to call him a friend.
Why Does Manhood Matter?
The unattached and immature adult male is every society’s first social problem. This statement might strike us as overly dramatic, but it’s true. Think about it.
This Is the List of the 25 People Trump Will Consider for Next Supreme Court Justice
Justice Anthony Kennedy has retired from the United States Supreme Court. Who will President Donald Trump choose to replace him? Here’s a list of official candidates.
SCOTUS Declined Their Case. Why It’s Not the End of the Diocese of South Carolina
Though the Supreme Court declined to hear their case, the leadership of the Diocese of South Carolina continues to be encouraged as their battle continues.
Seven Billion and Counting: How Many is Too Many?
Christians don’t see people as accidents or problems. So how should we feel about our world population at 7 billion?
In a Win for Free Speech, Supreme Court Says California Can’t Force Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion
This ruling is a victory for all Americans regardless of whether you agree with the message these pregnancy centers stand for.
Putting Family First: The SC Pregnancy Accommodations Act, Explained
Sometimes there are opportunities that come along for common ground on issues that aren’t about left and right but about right and wrong. A woman should never be put in the position of having to choose between her baby and her job.
Supreme Court Tells State’s Highest Court to Reconsider Case of Florist Who Declined Order for Gay Wedding
Barronelle Stutzman served a particular gay couple for almost a decade—happy birthday flowers and get-well-soon flowers—but couldn’t do the floral arrangements for their same-sex wedding.
The Health Benefits of Marriage
The research is clear, diverse and consistent. Those who marry have a much higher likelihood of living longer, being healthier and being happier.
How Faith Communities Can Push Back the Darkness of Suicide
Even as the suicide rate rises, a growing body of research testifies to a positive relationship between faith and mental health. The help so many need may be as close as the nearest house of worship.
The Importance of Dads in an Increasingly Fatherless America
More and more children are growing up without a dad in their lives. But on the other hand, fathers who are involved in their kids’ lives have actually become even more active.
Want to Live Longer? Get Religion
Religiously affiliated people lived an average of 3.82 years longer than those unassociated with a religion.
The Meaning of the Stars and Stripes
This week, please join us in honoring our grand United States flag, and all she represents.
What is the Actual Divorce Rate?
The best and most encouraging news is that many people today actually have a very small risk of divorce in their future.
10 Things Everyone Should Know About a Christian View of Homosexuality
While there are people of many diverse beliefs and convictions who oppose same-sex marriage, here are 10 foundational truths that inform the traditional, orthodox Christian belief on homosexuality.
Supreme Court Upholds Baker’s Right to Disagree With Gay Marriage in Marketplace
Americans should be free to live their lives, including at work, in accordance with their belief that marriage unites husband and wife.
Supreme Court Declined to Hear Arkansas Abortion Case. Here’s What That Means.
This week, the Supreme Court declined to take up Planned Parenthood’s challenge to a 2015 Arkansas law intended to protect women experiencing complications after a medication abortion.
Why Capitalism Is Morally Superior to Socialism
Let’s compare capitalism with socialism by answering the following questions: In which areas of our lives do we find the greatest satisfaction, and in which do we find the greatest dissatisfaction?
Is There a Universal Male and Female Nature?
To deny there are significant and consequential differences in male and female is to deny the basic nature of humanity and how we fashion our common life together.
How Google Put Pro-Lifers at Disadvantage in Ireland’s Upcoming Referendum
If Google is now willing to constrain political speech, knowing it could potentially change the outcome of a referendum, questions must be asked as to how far Google will go.
Who are Our Leaders, Really? Find Out on this New South Carolina Podcast
Faith Conversations will be chock-full of insights and stories and details that you won’t hear anywhere else. It’s time to truly meet for the first time those who make decisions for South Carolina.
New Trump Administration Move Deals Significant Blow to Planned Parenthood
Congress and the administration should continue to pursue policies like this proposed rule that ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent on abortion.
I Had an Abortion. Here’s the Message I Want to Share With Other Women.
With an astounding 84 percent of post-abortive women believing abortion was their only choice, it’s our job to do our part to change that.
1968: Vietnam, Race and Redemption
For fifty years we have wrestled with the pain that seemed to all come out in that one fateful year – 1968.
Americans Still Engaging with Their Bibles According to New Report
Interesting trends concerning Americans’ attitude toward the Bible were found in the recently published State of the Bible 2017 study.
Sometimes a Light Surprises: General Assembly Doing Some Right by SC Families
Your efforts to speak truth to power on behalf of the most important institution – family – will pay dividends in the future.
Support Positive Community Impact During Midlands Gives 2018
Midlands Gives 2018 marks the first time Palmetto Family Council has participated in the charitable event. We invite every South Carolinian – not just those located in the Midlands – to take this opportunity to support the work of Palmetto Family.
UK Government Seeks to Play God in Denying Alfie Evans Life Support
The government does not get to play doctor or to play God. Courts are not competent to make personal health care decisions, nor to replace parents in their responsibility to care for their children.
Activists Defend Faith-Based Adoption Agencies From Assault by Left
There have been a number of lawsuits filed aimed at shuttering faith-based adoption agencies, claiming they discriminate against the LGBT community. Supporters of faith-based adoption agencies are fighting back.
Students Partake in National Walkout for the Unborn
The voices of victims of the abortion industry are becoming louder. The wounded are becoming warriors, and abortion is becoming unthinkable.
‘The Rally was a Huge Success’: Hundreds of South Carolina Christians Gather, Pray at Statehouse
The purpose of the rally was to ensure that Christian voices were heard on the important issues still facing the South Carolina Legislature.
Congress Disallows Websites to Profit from Sex Trafficking
The United States House and Senate have overwhelmingly passed a measure to amend the Communications Decency Act of 1996 (CDA) to now hold websites accountable for intentionally promoting or facilitating prostitution.
Americans Grapple With Evil Amid Decline in Religious Faith
America will not overcome its demons until we resolve the deeper problems that have led to the breakdown of faith, family, and community.
South Carolina Christians Need to Come to This Rally
This will be a rally like no other. Hundreds of Christians will unite on that day to effect change in our great state.
How Courts and Legislatures Are Disempowering Parents to Push Transgender Agenda
While the state can interfere in cases of abuse or neglect, generally protecting parents’ freedom is the best way to ensure that children are well provided for.
South Carolina Prayer Breakfast Attracts Hundreds of Christians to Pray for Leaders
In its 58th year, the South Carolina Prayer Breakfast stays true to its mission of upholding South Carolina’s leaders in prayer.
7 Key Exchanges as Supreme Court Hears Case of Pregnancy Centers Forced to Promote Abortion
How far can a state go to promote its views on abortion? This is one of the issues at stake in the pregnancy center Supreme Court case, National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra.
New Report Details How South Carolina Struggles Holding Its Liquor
As alcohol access has skyrocketed in the Palmetto State over the past two decades, South Carolina’s alcohol problems haven’t gone away according to a new report published by Palmetto Family Council.
Executive Order Protects Miracle Hill Ministries, Other Faith-Based Organizations in South Carolina
By signing Executive Order 2018-12 on Tuesday, March 13th, Governor Henry McMaster ordered that South Carolina state agencies protect faith-based organizations and their religious freedom.
H. 4440 Will Defend Free Speech on South Carolina College Campuses
There is no place where free speech and free association should be more cherished and more celebrated than on South Carolina college and university campuses.
Pastors Encourage South Carolina Legislators During Pastor’s Day 2018
The cold weather and rain didn’t deter over 75 pastors from across the Palmetto State from gathering together for Pastor’s Day at the Statehouse 2018 on March 6th.
South Carolina Without Palmetto Family: Part 2
Just like George Bailey did for Bedford Falls, Palmetto Family works tirelessly every day to ensure that South Carolina remains the best place to live and raise a family.
South Carolina Without Palmetto Family: Part 1
“It’s A Wonderful Life” has always resonated with Palmetto Family for one simple reason – we can’t help but notice the similarities between Palmetto Family and George Bailey.
2017: Another Year Of Unrivaled Positive Impact
The unrivaled, positive impact of Palmetto Family made South Carolina a better place for you to live and raise your family.
Meditations For Christmas: Our Eternal Father
In your Eternal Father there is no condemnation. Depression, doubt, demons nor death can separate the chosen child from the Father who loves His children with an everlasting love, and nurtures them in His loving kindness.
Taking The Cake: An Inside Perspective On Christian Baker Case
No cameras were present for oral argument in the most important religious freedom case this Supreme Court term, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. However, Sarah Jackson was. She provides details of what happened.
South Carolina Steps Up For Upcoming SCOTUS Cases
The United States Supreme Court will shortly hear several cases that have major implications for South Carolina. Several South Carolinians – including Palmetto Family – have stepped up to the challenge, though.
What’s Happening With Pastors In This State Is Incredible!
God is on the move in South Carolina, and we can’t wait to see what He has in store! All with the help of South Carolina pastors.
What Your #GivingTuesday Gift Would Mean
Because the battle only continues to grow fiercer, Palmetto Family needs more help than ever before. If Biblical values in South Carolina are going to continue to be protected and advanced, we need your partnership.
Don’t Let Consumerism Steal Your Thankfulness
Let’s turn the tide of ungratefulness this Thanksgiving holiday season by being thankful for our faith, family and friends.
The Case For Teaching The Bible Academically In Public Schools
Understanding the Bible and its influence on Western Society is imperative to the upbringing of our children, and they should be taught the Bible objectively.
Over 100 Pastors Sign Amicus Brief To Defend Religious Freedom
The case remains ongoing, but a positive step forward could be taken very soon thanks to the efforts of Palmetto Family, the Nehemiah Network and over 100 faith leaders in South Carolina.
South Carolina Ranks 7th Worst In STDs
The motto of “safer sex” dispersed by the CDC, HHS and others hides the true extent of the consequences associated with sex outside of marriage – the physical, social, emotional, economic and spiritual.
50 Pastors Pray With Governor Henry McMaster At Mansion
Palmetto Family’s pastor coalition, the Nehemiah Network, continues to make waves. This was never more obvious than when 50 pastors traveled to the Governor’s mansion to pray with Henry McMaster.
South Carolinians Pray To End Abortion
40 Days for Life mobilizes pro-lifers to help end abortion by praying and engaging with those who find themselves at an abortion clinic.
Three Reasons Christians Should Be Bold Champions For Truth
Christian, you may face discomfort and persecution, but with these truths you can take a bold stand for God and biblical truth.
Faith-Based Addiction Recovery Works
Faith-based organizations provide opportunities for addicted individuals to break the chains of addiction and experience life to the fullest through Christ Jesus.
How Christ Turned Me Away From Marxism
October 25, 2017 marks 100 years since the Russian Revolution. Here’s a journey from Marxism to Christ.
South Carolina Education Lottery: The Rest of the Story
The debate about whether the South Carolina Education Lottery is a good program has died down. It’s time we reignite the discussion…now.
Looking Back On Planned Parenthood In South Carolina
Planned Parenthood has taken its lumps over the past few years, especially here in South Carolina. Let’s take a brief moment to reflect on what all has happened.
Think Religious Freedom Is Safe? New Reports Says Think Again
Just because you live in America, or in South Carolina for that matter, doesn’t mean your religious freedom is safe. Get the truth here.
Sadie Robertson Says #BringYourBible To School
This week, students in South Carolina will have the opportunity to join thousands of fellow students through a nationwide event that encourages students to bring their Bible to school.
Fewer Teenagers Are Drinking…Having Sex…Growing Up
Let’s have high standards for today’s teenagers. Let’s protect them from the dangers and educate them about the challenges, but also expect them to act as the mature adults they are capable of being.
5 Reasons Christians Should Be Active In The Public Square
In a time when our nation seems increasingly divided along so many lines, there may never have been a greater need for the unity that the Christian faith produces than now.
It’s See You At The Pole Time
In 1990, ten “average Joe” students decided to pray around the flag pole at their school. Today, ten has grown to millions as Christian students all over the globe publicly display their faith at school.
How SC Court Decision Threatens Religious Liberty
All South Carolinians, religious or not, have the reasonable expectation that the justice we receive in our courts will be fair and impartial. The Diocese of South Carolina did not experience blind justice.
The Secret Epidemic
Though society spreads a very different message, pornography is not just a harmless pleasure. Porn addiction is destroying our families and churches.
Four Facts About Faith
I have been sharing with some of my close friends today the recent column by Rick Ezell “Four Facts About Faith.” Rick has an amazing way of boiling down biblical truth into short lists with memorable phrases.
Catching Up With Rep. Gary Palmer
During a recent trip to Texas, I caught up with Rep. Gary Palmer. We discussed college football, the congressional baseball game shooting and more.
Governor Henry McMaster Takes Bold Pro-Life Step
Thanks to Governor Henry McMaster’s most recent Executive Order, South Carolina takes another pro-life step. Learn all about the order here.
Being Pro-Woman Necessitates Being Pro-Life
The claim that one cannot respect the dignity of women without denying that of unborn children has been around so long that it has been received as truth. However, being pro-woman means protecting the lives of women inside and outside the womb. Being pro-woman means being pro-life.
Thousands Of SC Christians To Be Displaced Due To Judicial Bias
The situation appears grim for thousands of conservative Anglicans in South Carolina. The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled against the Bible-believing Diocese of South Carolina, which will result in nearly 23,000 Christians being displaced.
A Good Day For Educational Choice In South Carolina
South Carolina has a diverse palette of educational options to best meet the needs of every students. Which option is best for your family? Learn all about the choices here!
Fathers Must Be Involved For Family Success
We must teach a generation who grew up in a fatherless culture the importance of fatherhood in a child’s life. A family’s success may depend on it!
The Widow’s Mite: Blessings From A Donor
The battles fought by Palmetto Family can feel a little lonely. But every now and then, something or someone will encourage us to continue working hard!
Bible Illiteracy High And Rising
Fewer and Fewer Americans are reading their Bible, leading to sky-high rates of Bible illiteracy. And not just among unbelievers – you’ll be shocked at how many Christians aren’t reading God’s Word. Learn about the situation here.
Christians, Time To Double-Down On Your Support Of Capitalism
For whatever reason, Americans are more open-minded toward collectivist economic structures. The time is now for Christians to reverse this trend and defend and celebrate free enterprise.
Now And Forever: Gambling Is Wrong For South Carolina
Every year and in every legislative session, there is always a push to expand gambling in South Carolina. Why should conservatives fight the spread of this harmful industry? The answers are obvious.
The IBelieve License Plate: Its History And Bright Future
The iBelieve license plate is the only Christian tag in America. So how did South Carolina get it, how much longer will it be around and how can you get one? Find out here!
Human Sex Trafficking Alive And Well In South Carolina
Human sex trafficking is so rampant that studies show that nearly everyone in the United States is affected by the commercial sex industry.
Something Works: Taboo Is Gone
Joy mixed with shock captures Palmetto Family’s response to the recent closing of Taboo, a pornographic product store in Columbia, SC.
Family Movie Night Made Easier
If it feels like there aren’t many suitable movies or TV shows for families to watch, it’s because there really aren’t many suitable movies or TV shows for families to watch. But we just might have the solution for you!
25th Anniversary Matching Challenge
Please consider taking this challenge to help us continue to defend faith, family and freedom in South Carolina!
Spend Quality Time With Your Family This Summer
Don’t let the summer slip away while everyone in your family is engrossed in their own individual activities. Spend quality time together instead!
High Court Boosts Religious Freedom And School Choice
Reading between the lines of the decision handed down by the US Supreme Court in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, there is a bit of…shall we say…anxiety.
South Carolina Supreme Court Protects Lawyers’ Religious Liberty
The South Carolina Supreme Court did what was right and defended First Amendment rights and religious liberty in South Carolina.
We’ve Moved To A New Office
We are thankful for a number of blessings that have come our way in the past few weeks, but one of the greatest is our new office space.
Released-Time Education Explained
Tens of thousands of public school students all across America are leaving their campus during the school day, attending a Released-Time Bible Education program.
Get To Know Governor McMaster
Want to get to know South Carolina’s new governor, Henry McMaster? Don’t rely on his Wikipedia page or on one of those dime-a-dozen profiles. Get all the details only a lifelong friend can provide.
Court Candidate Worked For Liberal National Episcopal Church, Against Conservative South Carolina Bishop
Blake Hewitt was asked about what he considered the highlights of his legal career. His answer left lawmakers and Palmetto Family dumbfounded.
Finally, Election Day Arrives
Under the stern gaze of Uncle Sam, what advice or even thoughts may we legally provide to you to get ready for tomorrow? Here are seven (7) points to ponder in no particular order.
Breaking News: Prayer Wins Again!
In the Town of Greece decision, SCOTUS ruled for prayer. So long as the ones praying are official chaplains or are selected on a rotation, let them pray according to their own consciences.
Seven SC University Presidents Send An Open Letter to Governor Haley Concerning Religious Liberty
The presidents of seven faith-based South Carolina universities penned an open letter to Governor Haley encouraging vigilance in protecting the first amendment.
Planned Parenthood Committee Fireworks Distract from Burning Questions
The tenor of the SC Committee is very different from its counterpart in DC. “Reluctant” is how we earlier described our state investigation.
South Carolina’s Own Planned Parenthood Investigation, Part #1
Though the state legislature adjourned in June, several committees have been working through the summer and fall to devote sufficient time to issues that require study outside of the typical legislative time frame.
Flood Victims Still Need Help
As October is now in its final days, that dark place of 21 Days After is where many of our state’s citizens find themselves—left to finish the job and deal with the new normal when everyone else has moved on.
Life Is Different AME
Life A.M.E. (After Mother Emanuel), can be different. If we keep eating and praying together across the racial divide, we can permanently add to our famous Palmetto values.
Jeff Duncan & Chip Campsen Champion Student Freedom
You may have read about controversies at Vanderbilt University and the California State University system where Christian student ministries were de-recognized by campus authorities.
Tread Carefully In Revising Gambling Laws
Right now at the Statehouse, for at least the third time in as many sessions, the General Assembly is considering gambling legislation. This time there are three potential laws.
William Jasper: South Carolina Veteran
Our challenge today is no different than Jasper’s. Our troops are deployed around the world struggling for a free future against those who would take mankind into a new Dark Age.
William Wilberforce: A Biblical View Of Animals
To help us determine the proper course of action as Christians in this fallen world, we must continually look to scripture, but we can also be confident in following the biblically-sound example of William Wilberforce.
Gambling In South Carolina
Palmetto Family Council remains a staunch ally of those who decry the destructive nature of gambling.
Hope And Hype On Stem Cells
Bob, a 70 year-old resident of Atlanta, Georgia, had been through two open heart operations because of heart problems. His condition deteriorated again, but his doctors told him he could not have a third procedure.
Truth At All Costs
Last Saturday, I spoke at the graduation of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). Tiffany Deierlein’s valedictory speech was so impressive, I asked her for permission to post it on our blog.
Palmetto Family Founder Headed To House
South Carolina just became a better place to live and raise a family. Tim Scott is the real deal.
Pray At The Pump
At the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast a couple of weeks ago, those in attendance had the pleasure of hearing from SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.
Prayer For Our Elected Officials
Our Father in Heaven, we thank you for the time we have spent together this day. You have said where two are three are gathered together, you are there.
Christianity Makes The World Better
The days immediately following Christmas are generally a contemplative time. As we leave the tinsel and lights behind and face the New Year, it is a time for both recovery and preparation.
Pre-Kindergarteners Need Family First
The debate we are having as a state on preschool issues is long overdue. To contribute to that conversation, here are several considerations we feel have been missing from the discussion.
Carroll Campbell & Cultural Issues
Looking back on his administration, it is clear that God used Carroll Campbell as a public policy leader. Here are just a few areas.
Carroll Campbell & Me
I met Mr. Campbell in 1976 when one of the three people in my hometown of Greer who would admit to being Republicans invited me to attend a Campbell campaign barbecue at his farm near Fountain Inn.