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Originally Posted by djplong
I can only find one real hole in what you wrote - any other differences I have with your position are minor. But you said:
It is simply not true. What *is* true is that *if* you allow (to take a classic case) a nativity scene on the common, you *have* to allow a menorah or other religiouse symbols. You cannot show preference for one over the other.
Schools *are* allowed to talk about the Bible - *and* other religions.
HOWEVER - gutless and lilly-livered politicians don't want to step into waters where they actually have to THINK or perhaps defend an unpopular position (like if a pagan group wanted a Yule display in a more conservative community) so they take the "no tolerance" approach (which I equate to 'no thinking').
Yes, we were founded by Deists who where *greatly* influenced by Christian (many say judeo-Christian) principals. But they were smart enough to know the dangers of "one sect versus another" and said none could appear to be akin to the Teacher's Pet.
223 years of challenges has meant a lot of analysis and legal hair-splitting has happened over the years. It's easy to see where that can cause a lot of frustration. I mean, having a high-school football team say a prayer before a game doesn't seem like much (and if it's a Catholic high-school, there's no problem with that). But if it's a public school, what happens when the first Jewish kid in on that team and gets beaten up because he doesn't "accept Christ as his Lord and Saviour" (as happened in Texas, if memory serves)?
By the same token, *nobody* should be able to tell you me or anyone else how to worship behind closed doors, on private property or anywhere else that isn't on public land so long as nobody's rights are being violated (i.e. sharia law, the Catholic priest scandal, Bakker's fraud, etc).
And, Richie, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to expand upon your views. Too often, these days, we're influenced by sound-bite mania. You'd think that with a half-dozen 24/7 news channels, they'd have time for REAL news, not just reporting what was in Paris Hilton's purse during her last arrest or which rehab facility Lindsay Lohan has checked into.
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I actually do have a little problem of the politically-correct reasons for the dominant Christian community to have to hide their religion in the public square to protect those that might be offended. If they are merely offended and not harassed, or beaten up as you said, I say it's a small price to pay to live in the freest greatest nation ever given man by God.
If a bunch of players want to get together to say a prayer before a game, in any venue, it should not be looked at as anything but a good thing. The non-Christian could merely stand aside or say his own prayer in his own way if he wishes.
Our money says "In God we trust." and the U.S. Congress starts its daily session with a prayer. The same U.S. Supreme Court that has consistently struck down organized prayer in public schools as unconstitutional opens its public sessions by asking for the blessings of God.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declared the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional for including "under God" on June 26th 2002, and then one day later, the Supreme Court rules that tax-supported vouchers can be used to help parents pay tuitions to religious schools.
Is saying "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance "an establishment of religion?" Does prohibiting a teacher or coach from leading their class or team in a voluntary prayer "prohibit the free exercise" of religion? Is there any point of compromise at which religion and government can co-exist?
I believe that anyone who lives in this Christian created and still Christian dominated country where, by law, they are not discriminated against in regard to their own religion or religious practices, should be encouraged and thankful for people who are trying to live a good modern Christian way of life. If everyone behaved as a good Christian, in an ideal sense, the problems of the world would be mostly solved. Of course, this is all idealistic as Christians are still human and therefore very fallible. Of this, based on your posts, I know you are quite aware of.