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westwend-
I think the problem is not so much the way things stand now as the way groups like the ACLU are pushing things. This country supposedly prides itself on religious tolerance and "the free exercise" of one beliefs. Many people, of all different faiths, are annoyed with efforts on the ACLU's part to curb their right to exercise. And they pick the dumbest things to go after. Like a cross in the seal of Los Angeles County. Why not the name "Los Angeles" while they're at it? Or Sacramento, Santa Cruz, etc? These names and symbols represent our heritage. They are not a state endorsement of any religion. This silly overreaction does their cause no credit
Admittedly, there are many Christians who want to see all sorts of(their) religious expressions in ways that tread a little too closely to the separation line. I think that is likewise an overreaction to the push to relegate religious expression to houses of worship only.
I would like not so much to have the laws changed as I would like to see people's hearts changed. I drive through my very diverse town and I pass a Catholic Church, two mosques, a synagogue, a Chinese Pentecostal church , a Russian Orthodox church, a Mexican Seventh Day Adventist church, and a Unitarian church and that's only driving about 9 blocks. And I think, "What a great country! Where else do you see this?" When there are mennorahs placed in the town square(beautiful this past year) it makes me happy, although I'm not a Jew. Why? Because not so long ago, not so far away it was verboten to do so. But not here. We're tolerant. At least we're supposed to be.
posted by
AnCatubh
on June 25, 2004 at 10:46 PM
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Thanx man-boy
A compliment deserves a response in kind. I noticed on your " About Me " page you list your religion as " Jesus as Avatar. "...that may well make you the only person I have ever met that fully understands the concept of the teachings of Jesus Christ. If I was pushed against a wall and had to define a belief system for myself I would have to say Buddha as Avatar. With both of us heading down the same path to ultimately achieve the same goals.
posted by
gomedome
on June 24, 2004 at 8:56 PM
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Very ggod point gomedome!
We don't know how good we have it. Prayers and such are fine if you are in a religious school but whose religion will be represented in a state religion?
posted by
man-boy
on June 23, 2004 at 3:16 PM
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westwend --- the simple fact is that a good answer is not likely to be
forthcoming. A few months ago I posed the question " if you are against the seperation of church and state what role do you see the church having within the government? "
Surprisingly not one intelligent answer was forthcoming. Many people blathered on about how we all need God in our lives etc. but it was clear that most people haven't thought it through that far. Nor do the majority of people understand why the seperation of church and state is necessary in protecting their own religious rights and beliefs. Ultimately the majority of the proponents of a unified church and state seem to be saying that it has to be their religion that is unified with the state. Wonder how they would feel if it was put to a vote via referendum and the religion to be represented was not a Christian religion. I would imagine the outcry would take on a dramatically different tune at that point.
posted by
gomedome
on June 22, 2004 at 8:21 PM
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All havoc would run loose.
posted by
mariantonia
on June 22, 2004 at 7:59 PM
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