Articles by David E. Smith
By David E. Smith
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05.03.21
We are thrilled to see that the onerous (and unconstitutional) COVID-19 mandates are being relaxed. There is light at the end of the tunnel. As most Illinoisans, we here at IFI are anxious to return to a normal routine, including hosting special events, conferences, forums and of course, our annual banquet.
By David E. Smith
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02.26.21
On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 224 to 206 to pass the so-called "Equality Act" (H.R. 5), which would enshrine “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as legally protected classes in a myriad of federal laws. The vote fell along party lines, with only three Republicans voting with the Democratic majority, and two Republicans not voting.
By David E. Smith
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02.25.21
In the Old Testament, the sound of a trumpet is often the signal to God’s people to assemble for battle. Right now, in Illinois and across the nation, Laurie Higgins is sounding the trumpet to call parents, grandparents, and all concerned citizens to fight for the hearts, minds, and innocence of our impressionable schoolchildren.
By David E. Smith
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01.27.21
Joe Scheidler, sometimes referred to as the “godfather of pro-life activism,” was laid to rest earlier this week. He passed away on Monday, January 18th at his home. He was 93 years old.
By David E. Smith
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01.15.21
We are displeased to report that this week our state lawmakers passed a 700+ page police “reform” bill. This piece of legislation was passed in the final hours of the lame duck session of the 101st General Assembly. The proposal...
By David E. Smith
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01.08.21
Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, Illinois House members are headed to Springfield for a Lame Duck session. State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) is working to expand the state's compulsory school attendance laws, and in the process, diminish the rights of parents. In February 2019, she introduced a bill to lower the mandatory age for school attendance in Illinois from 6 to 5 years of age. This bill passed the Illinois Senate and is now pending in the Illinois House.
By David E. Smith
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12.31.20
You’ll be happy to hear that The Illinois Family Institute has achieved our goal to raise $105,000 -- one day earlier than expected! The response to this challenge match has been fantastic and encouraging. THANK YOU to all who contributed!
By David E. Smith
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12.29.20
Prior to the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Faith, Family, and Freedom Fall Banquet, Monte Larrick sat down with keynote speaker, the Rev. Franklin Graham to discuss what Americans can do to promote and protect faith, family, and freedom in our state and nation. Rev. Graham offers his position regarding the Church’s participation in the political process and its responsibility to confront today’s culture.
By David E. Smith
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12.26.20
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...
By David E. Smith
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12.26.20
In his interview with Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, Dr. 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.
![A Conversation with Rod Dreher [Full Interview]](https://illinoisfamilyorg.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Convedrsation.png "A Conversation with Rod Dreher [Full Interview]")
By David E. Smith
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12.26.20
Previously we have featured a series of video excerpts, but, as promised, we are now 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...
By David E. Smith
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12.22.20
Our world has changed dramatically this year, but foundational truths – the supremacy and authority of Almighty God, the sufficiency of the atoning sacrifice of His Son, and the sanctity of all human life – remains unchanged.
The inspiring message...
By David E. Smith
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12.18.20
I am finally doing it: creating profiles on social media platforms that are friendlier to conservative points of view and that do not censor speech. Why? Like so many others, I have had enough of the interference, outright censorship, suppression of conservative views, and suspension of accounts. I am fed up with the unwelcome disclaimers by social media giants and partisan search engines that suggest my opinions and news posts are untrustworthy and/or dishonest. For these reasons, I have decided to say "goodbye" to liberal social media platforms.
By David E. Smith
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12.10.20
The U.S. House passed a bill last week that would remove marijuana from the federal schedule of controlled substances and eliminate federal criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This is the first time in our nation’s...
By David E. Smith
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11.28.20
With the changes our nation* and world have experienced in the past four years, one might think that a video from the 2016 IFI Worldview Conference would be dated, but Dr. Wayne Grudem’s remarks are as pertinent now as ever.
