Illinois Family Institute

A troubling and unbiblical notion has infected the church in America. Christians falsely believe that the Bible teaches that Christians should always and in every context speak “nicely,” and by “nicely” they mean in ways that listeners don’t find objectionable. Too many Christians falsely believe that they are prohibited from being angry; or from using sarcasm, satire, or other strong language; or that they are prohibited from saying anything that offends people. By adopting this unbiblical notion, Christians are voluntarily relinquishing one of our most powerful persuasive tools: rhetoric. We have relinquished the very tool that enables us to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness that so poison the American cultural landscape, robbing children of their innocence, modesty, and rights. Thankfully, we have Pastor Douglas Wilson to offer the church a much-needed corrective. Through his bold, incisive, piquant, and often hilarious truth-telling, he not only exposes the folly and wickedness of the sexual revolution, but also teaches us how we may and should do likewise. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

A multiple dozens of Christians met to Rally for Jesus outside Calvary Church in Orland Park in mid-August. They met to pray, sing, repent, and hear Christian leaders. This video includes most of the speeches and prayers, but not the singing due to technical difficulties. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

We are pleased to present the entirety of Pastor Derek Buikema’s recent interview with Rod Dreher, senior editor at the American Conservative and author of The Benedict Option. Rod begins by stating that one purpose of a Christian is to transform the world with the truth of the gospel – but how can that be accomplished when so many people don’t know what the faith teaches and lack spiritual discipline? Pastor Derek and Rod engage in an in-depth discussion of the Benedict Option, detailing what it is and what it is not. Rod promotes the need for a “strategic” (not cowardly) retreat from anti-Christian culture in order to prepare and be strengthened to endure the persecution we know we will face. The conversation continues with encouragement for Christians and the Church to be politically engaged and willing to fight for religious liberty, and Rod and Pastor Derek examine the value of distinctly Christian communities and institutions, especially institutions of higher learning. Rod concludes the interview with a personal example concerning the appropriate expression of righteous anger. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

Today, as our world is gripped by uncertainty and fear, we could all benefit from some encouragement, hope, and laughter. The Rev. Dr. Erwin Lutzer masterfully delivers on all three counts. In his presentation “When the State Becomes God,” Pastor Lutzer asks a crucial question – “Who plays the role of God in your life?” Drawing from the Book of Daniel, he encourages us to be prepared, to stand firm in our faith, and to refuse to bow. To conclude his address, Pastor Lutzer fields audience questions on a variety of topics including civil disobedience, immigration, religious freedom, persecution, “tolerance,” and more. Dr. Erwin Lutzer is pastor emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago and a prolific author. His legacy book, The Church in Babylon, is a must-read, filled with biblical insight and wisdom that shines God’s light on our ever-darkening culture. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

Do you remember the popular advertising slogan, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen”? While good financial advice can boost your net worth, solid theology, biblical scholarship, and consistent application of the Word of God are infinitely more profitable. With that in mind, you will definitely want to listen closely as you view this timely and informative conversation featuring Dr. Robert Gagnon and Pastor Derek Buikema. Beginning “in the beginning,” Dr. Gagnon presents an overview of what the Bible says about marriage by explaining the importance of the specific words that are used in the account of God’s creation of man and woman in Genesis 1 and 2. Dr. Gagnon also discusses complimentary otherness, human sexual ethics, and Jesus’ authoritative voice on the topic of divorce and remarriage. As the conversation continues, Dr. Gagnon and Pastor Buikema address the scriptural prohibition against homosexuality, impurity offenses, the danger of compromise, tolerance, and acceptance within the church concerning matters of morality, and the proper motivation for discipline. If you hesitate or struggle to confidently articulate or promote a biblical worldview regarding homosexuality, same-sex “marriage,” polyamory, and other perversions, we encourage you to watch this video – and share it with friends and family. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

In his interview with Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, Allan Carlson discusses the current political climate as it relates to American Christianity and the family. Certain policies, for example, though promoted by the Republican party, are detrimental to the family. If replaced or improved, Carlson argues, conservatives could restore the focus on marriage, children, and the family in our country as well as improve the economy. Using examples from Hungary and other countries, Carlson delivers his opinions on reshaping conservative politics to more truly reflect Christianity, as well as his ideas on why Christians ought to be involved in politics at all at this time. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

Sanity as Insurrection was the title of the final session of the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference on “Trans” Ideology. In this presentation, Pastor Doug Wilson stressed the importance in asking sane questions, ones that strike at the heart of the matter, when we engage in debate with our adversaries because “… deliberate and premeditated sanity is a challenge to the powers that be.” Pastor Wilson also detailed seven theological/intellectual life hacks – non-negotiables regarding orthodox theology, faith, and truth – that will illuminate what’s going on in the world around us. We cannot recommend this session high enough to you. Please, watch with your friends and church leaders—or better yet, invite them over to watch and discuss it together. You will be edified, enlightened, emboldened, and inspired. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

One of our responsibilities as Christians is to help foster an environment in which truth prevails and families flourish. Just before our home-sheltering began, Illinois Family Institute hosted our annual Worldview Conference this year titled “Thinking Biblically About Our Corrosive Culture,” with speakers Dr. Michael Brown, theologian, author, and radio host; and Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon, theologian, author, and professor at Houston Baptist University. In his first presentation, Dr. Gagnon exposed the myriad ways that the “LGBTQ” heresy is making inroads into the church, including in evangelical churches that many assume are impenetrable by heretics. He begins by briefly outlining how mainline churches were infected by sexuality heresy and then provides evidence that the beginnings of a similar trajectory are present in evangelical churches. He examines the troubling rhetoric of Preston Sprinkle, president of the theologically conservative Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, of J. D. Greear, president of the culturally influential Southern Baptist Convention, and of Revoice and the “spiritual friendship” movements, both of which are movements led by and appealing to Christians who experience homoerotic attraction but affirm biblical sexual ethics. Dr. Gagnon concludes by urging Christians to prioritize political issues rightly when voting and clarifies the monumental stakes for Christians should “progressives” take control of the U.S. Senate and White House and pass their chief legislative project: the culture-transforming, rights-nullifying, pernicious Equality Act. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

He is the first navy chaplain in our nation's history that was fired for standing up for traditional marriage. He was the navy chaplain for the Navy SEAL teams and SEAL team 6, and a former U.S. Marine and military policeman. He is the Rev. Dr. Wes Modder, the pastor at Stone Church in Orland Park, speaking at one of Illinois Family Institute's Soldiers of the Cross Forums in Collinsville. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

The 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference on “Trans” Ideology concluded with a Q&A session moderated by IFI’s cultural affairs writer, Laurie Higgins. During this final session, speakers Dr. Michelle Cretella, Denise Shick, Walt Heyer, and Pastor Doug Wilson field questions from conference attendees. Higgins begins by addressing the endgame of LGBTQ activists regarding transgenderism, the effect of the transgender agenda on privacy and culture, and the smoke and mirror tactics of the American Academy of Pediatrics in regard to transgender protocols. Topics and questions covered by our speakers include gender confusion and regret; transitioning/detransitioning; calls to lower the age of consent; Planned Parenthood’s evolving business model; an effective Christian approach to government schools; the biology of sex determination; and loving, biblical responses to transgender family members and friends. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

Attendees of the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference had the privilege of hearing Dr. Michelle Cretella’s presentation, “Transgender Ideology: Child Abuse and the Erasure of Human Rights.” In this presentation Dr. Cretella addresses the distinction between the scientific, biological reality of sex vs. the manmade, social construct of gender. She also details the wide-ranging, disastrous consequences that will result if conservatives and Christians remain passive in the face of the erroneous transgender ideology that is embraced and promoted in many pediatricians’ offices, our children’s classrooms, and in the media – especially media targeted to children and youth under the age of 18. Dr. Cretella is the executive director of the American College of Pediatricians (a pro-life and pro-family alternative to the radical, left-wing American Academy of Pediatrics), a board-certified general pediatrician specializing in adolescents and sexual health, and a staunch pro-life advocate. Please watch this important message regarding the “trans” ideology steamroller that is obliterating scientific fact and common sense in our nation and the world. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

It is important to be informed regarding the facts and staggering statistics of transgenderism, but it is also important to hear the real-life stories of spouses, parents, daughters, sons, and siblings who have been personally affected by transgenderism in their family. Denise Shick powerfully shared her story at the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference on “Trans” Ideology. When Denise was only nine years old, her father came out to her as transgender. She explains how this revelation deeply impacted her own sexual identity, her mental, physical, and emotional health through the years, as well as her family relationships. Denise’s story is one of confusion and loss, but ultimately it is a story of redemption, healing, and the ability to forgive that comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Denise Shick is an author, conference speaker, and the founder and director of Help 4 Families, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping families and their loved ones affected by transgenderism. Please watch this compelling story regarding the “trans” ideology steamroller that is dividing families and fracturing relationships in homes throughout the state and nation. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

This video is Dr. Gagnon's second presentation from IFI's Worldview Conference in 2020. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register

In this presentation, Dr. Calvin Beisner helps people of faith understand why the issue of climate change is a conservative, pro-life concern. He ably integrated Biblical worldview, theology, and ethics with excellent science and economics to help our audiences understand how climate alarmism threatens family, freedom, and prosperity—and how to respond to it. Yes, climate change is a pro-family issue. Dr. Calvin Beisner is s Founder and National Spokesman of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation. Read more about Dr. Beisner and his organization at CornwallAlliance.org and please visit their blog, EarthRisingBlog.com. You can also follow them on Twitter @CornwallSteward. Sign up for our Action Alert Email at https://www.votervoice.net/ILFI/register