[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6268214,"mediaKeyId","3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b","parentId",3056763,"title","Steve Finley links underage drinking to 'kicking God out' of schools, calls for moral instruction","audioSeconds",355,"startMs",3104000,"endMs",3459000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b&start=3104&end=3459","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b/thumbnail_3104000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268214/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Steve-Finley-links-underage-drinking-to-kicking-God-out-of-schools-calls-for-moral-instruction","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268214-83ace3d9529181888350803dd4bac73d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207600&Signature=E~UWEaKHTALFl5JU6wJ99iuodsgZ2uyaml796vyguKu9UTaMLHbfs64xKLs3tt64Plnc5m3umb7kXwvBhtX5lVsLO9qzz3Vyz3mikk3CzSQFiLrE5-4jKVDOti9TIP7NOfNt4Ppc~J7uObEnQEHlGJr9mWBE0KuXJ2kYJZJPLcsc9RQ-0hu69iKXxMtAcNHEtOt2vuPBaHOYUtmpnLGgd4YuZbTNxyVsRJNVPqONMXXbU19fbhk3Yc13LsBbUAEBLr6-cF4olDgrHq4PwcsUN8M1Z0yAG7~t3EWot8sVvy3iug1LhwEwvftxD5k3joEJs4bJ1LcbKspgIz6E8v6npg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Missoula, MT","date","2025-04-19T01:14:36.897Z","article","Host Steve Finley attributed rising underage drinking to what he described as removal of religious instruction from schools and culture.

\"When you kick God out of the schools, say we can't pray in school, we can't have the commandments in school, we can't read about God,\" Finley said. \"Instead, we're gonna tell kids they're nothing but animals, and that they share a common heritage with earthworms.\" He argued that teaching children biblical commandments would reduce alcohol abuse among youth.

Finley cited media coverage of stronger drinking behaviors among young people, citing experts who described practices such as \"front loading\" (drinking heavily before events) and higher blood-alcohol levels among a minority of youth. He urged parents and churches to instruct children in religious morality rather than debating drinking-ages.

On alcohol more generally, Finley said drunkenness is a sin and called alcohol \"a poison,\" though he acknowledged moderation by noting, \"Is it a sin just to have a drink once in a while? Well, technically, no.\" He urged listeners to avoid habitual drinking and said, \"Best thing you can do with that case of beer you have, throw it in the garbage, and be rid of it.\"

Finley tied this discussion back to his broader theme of personal repentance and Scripture study as remedies for social ills.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Eternal Matters August 14 2007","oneSentenceSummary","On Eternal Matters, host Steve Finley criticized secular education and linked underage drinking to removal of prayer and religious instruction from schools, urging parents and churches to teach the Ten Commandments and religious values.","taxTitle","Missoula, Missoula County, Montana","taxId",4050,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268220,"Steve Finley calls abortion 'detestable' on Eternal Matters, urges repentance",232,2883000,3115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b&start=2883&end=3115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b/thumbnail_2883000.jpg","/articles/6268220/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Steve-Finley-calls-abortion-detestable-on-Eternal-Matters-urges-repentance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268220-295501d9329acd7c381e148307e1ff08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207600&Signature=B4~PW~i9pDIRQsX2sKUyVo2Q~1EddhKM228CQT6X0l9y6QJta5ehBOjye9pSQQ5FTn4ll3JixnGwnAhF2DhFakgVVsl4TyY0Q9~jJeNjCSDPUY5uLbX0EvQ2xStdRUQro7b4AVeCHon7HyYZijcYWJYHve06A708~WBApB194quFIePgYWf6voJnaSTbsugUdXXQBFoHW1V85mxZcll5EQhWGUTsuFSGSd8ICh37ejruNGXEs0eM59X6si4eMzmm134DiTzkYG-Q2-hBtp-f-v5s~Q37Zen4F7d~HyUvhwAEwmakmi0Gpd5iYikadRYBnOGbtmSUIi0-1O875xXmOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Host Steve Finley told listeners that abortion is among the most \"detestable abominations\" and urged repentance for anyone involved in abortion.

\"Killing an innocent child just because you want to have your freedom? That is one of the most detestable abominations you can possibly commit against the Lord God Almighty,\" Finley said. He invoked the commandment \"Thou shalt not kill\" and argued that an unborn fetus is a distinct person with rights.

Finley recommended public abortion protests and said graphic images that draw complaints from passersby are necessary reminders: \"If you're one of those people [who says the pictures are sick], does it bother the children more, or does it bother you?\" He framed the images as \"a grim reminder, of what happens when a baby's aborted, its body's torn apart.\"

Finley spoke directly to listeners who have had abortions, saying \"there's forgiveness, you can still be saved. Just repent of your sins, and believe in Jesus Christ.\" He urged confession, repentance and faith as the path to forgiveness.

All attributions in this article are to host Steve Finley, the only speaker on the program.","On his program Eternal Matters, host Steve Finley described abortion as an \"abomination\" and urged listeners who have had abortions to repent, saying forgiveness is available through faith in Jesus Christ. He cited the commandment \"Thou shalt not kill\" and criticized graphic protest opponents who object to imagery.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268224,"Steve Finley criticizes Missoula's gay culture on air, calls homosexuality a sin but condemns violence",570,2076000,2646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b&start=2076&end=2646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b/thumbnail_2076000.jpg","/articles/6268224/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Steve-Finley-criticizes-Missoulas-gay-culture-on-air-calls-homosexuality-a-sin-but-condemns-violence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268224-eb9fd36a427ed5f19ff00485190d5374/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207600&Signature=V2mnbnOAvXbYm~QF8xNhY7fUn1CpBxJl8KN37dr8OK8jy-nPc3qDS5z3l6Rzu2NygzwcYw8Gy1gElvvIrwjeVd2WW34KlN0e29SNBiDkbwCKF3X8QMQlOsHEtM2uT~3RcYSIG7ojC1F~ypXq-Jqjh7o8wTarXHWpebKadJGnPjD9bxvN-I1XFJTYQgxKZ0ZWIJQqXZskcd5DNIg7IJMOTBA8uz5waWLzPTt5vpoHrqxkpJBfG7k4LlqzygWhFUqXz~FzJ4ZrUOJ9GX09M98mO9-rxsLKCp7KRp09stn2uGw-6LdFV9rOdtZEA~CmwmFupnb6Hxo4RN9NCVpTvDfaaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Host Steve Finley of Eternal Matters addressed coverage in The Independent and The Advocate about Missoula's LGBTQ community, calling local acceptance of homosexuality \"spitting in the face of God\" while also condemning physical attacks.

\"I'm not gonna tell you that it's okay to beat upon gay people, or cause them harm,\" Finley said. \"I'll sit here and tell you that practicing homosexuality is a sin against God.\" He referred to an Independent piece that noted Missoula's \"thriving gay culture\" and cited local incidents, including the beating of a 51-year-old gay man.

Finley read and cited multiple Bible passages in arguing his position, including Leviticus 18:23, Romans 1:26–27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9–10. He framed his remarks as doctrinal rather than personal hostility: \"I'm not talking about hate. I'm saying that, you need to get right with God.\"

On the subject of hate-crime policy, Finley said that as long as the mayor and city council decline to enact local hate crime legislation or domestic-partner/employment discrimination protections, \"the police and district attorney cannot proceed with investigating recent homophobic attacks as hate crimes,\" adding his view that \"a crime is a crime, period.\"

Finley urged Christians to be public in preaching against what he described as sin, recommending demonstrations and street preaching near universities and public gatherings. He also cautioned against normalizing or teaching acceptance of homosexuality in schools.

Finley identified the coverage he was discussing as coming from The Independent and noted The Advocate's national listing that named Missoula among \"best places\" for queer life. He said the city's openness to queer culture remains \"precarious\" in his view unless churches and families teach what he described as biblical acceptance and repentance.","On his program Eternal Matters, host Steve Finley discussed a recent Independent article about Missoula's LGBTQ community, called homosexuality a sin under his reading of scripture, and said he does not endorse violent attacks while urging repentance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268228,"Host Steve Finley urges return to 'real gospel,' warns unbelievers face 'hell'",0,3452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b&start=3452&end=3452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3056763-ef566b7e8fd468f06877b1cde067d09b/thumbnail_3452000.jpg","/articles/6268228/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Host-Steve-Finley-urges-return-to-real-gospel-warns-unbelievers-face-hell","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268228-485a1df109db1e654c6f6f49b92db090/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207600&Signature=WJMY680eU5DDc9heV9hwuqsFrZi0qE6kVK9lCttXJQVHJRfQagM-bkQIFYcM-QyupfOzdzLp2AIBOYjI023IN77WcPnSYUQ~b7lBQzN~xyaACnp7zUvFFHChDq10GmCICMtBxn0jGNX15erlo150pA3GNKcg8E-EiqN~dD~rhxScid54SZ7ZW2gPtoUdtxdVxoUpfNmrulK7ZB7NOhxsbLGRv7zznB5PAvW13pxnLOswHtWrw~hFjsb6aeBREvYVOqRWkwovfvCiMzqJ350Kh2Cpoet57HkWAJUNYhPKHlVGBQXnxL1ofGmWf7-OglQ5enl05w8ZwBTYCoYy-PLTpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Host Steve Finley of the radio program Eternal Matters said during a recent episode that Americans have adopted a \"modern gospel\" that removes warnings about sin and judgment and thereby endangers souls.

\"God is a God of justice,\" Finley said. \"If a person dies in their sins, unsaved, they didn't go to heaven. Okay? They they end up in hell.\" He urged listeners to seek a contrite heart and to be \"born again.\"

Finley criticized contemporary churches that emphasize entertainment and growth metrics over preaching about sin and repentance. \"Watering down the gospel, and making it be all about entertainment, you're killing people,\" he said, adding that the Bible's warnings about judgment should be presented so people can \"fall under conviction and be saved.\"

He cited several New Testament passages to support his argument, including Matthew 10 (\"fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell\") and 2 Thessalonians 1 (on \"everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord\"). He said genuine conversion requires ongoing change and warned against \"false converts\" who profess faith without evidence of repentance or growth.

Finley encouraged listeners who doubt their salvation to \"repent and believe in Jesus Christ\" and said spiritual disciplines such as daily Scripture reading (he recommended starting with the Gospel of John) are important to sustain genuine faith.

Finley also said personal conduct can indicate whether a person is saved, listing behaviors such as habitual drunkenness, profanity, and sexual immorality as signs that someone \"is not saved.\" He framed his remarks as pastoral exhortation rather than personal attack: \"I'm not trying to be mean,\" he said, \"if you've had somebody that's passed away, that you know, please do not misunderstand me.\"","On his program Eternal Matters, host Steve Finley argued that modern churches have watered down the gospel and urged listeners to repent, saying those who die \"unsaved\" will go to hell. He cited multiple Bible passages and criticized contemporary worship styles that, he said, prioritize entertainment over conviction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Steve Finley links underage drinking to 'kicking God out' of schools, calls for moral instruction

Steve Finley calls abortion 'detestable' on Eternal Matters, urges repentance

Steve Finley criticizes Missoula's gay culture on air, calls homosexuality a sin but condemns violence

Host Steve Finley urges return to 'real gospel,' warns unbelievers face 'hell'