Chronicle Opinion
There is nothing new to the argument of religious zealots who believe they have some inherent right to force their brand of religion on everyone.
Misguided evangelicals somehow misunderstand the arguments of their forefathers and actions that led to the establishment of the United States of America. Those who originated this country sought to rid themselves of government-sanctioned and endorsed religion. If the Church of England had been the designated choice of every colonialist, who knows how far independence would have gotten?
The fact is, however, that America was established as a republic with total religious freedom. These days, those who carry their King James Versions close their hearts insist that the Revolution gave us “freedom of religion” not “freedom from religion.” That issue is a red herring.
In a republic, the majority does NOT rule. What “most of us” think is not the rule of law. Taking freedom of true expression from one person is taking it from all. If someone of the Muslim faith is forced to sit through a rousing rendition of “Jesus Christ, Superstar” in order to watch his or her child play a high school football game, the spirit AND letter of the law are being violated.
In Logan County, public address announcers and time keepers say they will walk off their jobs tonight if they cannot have public prayer. Prayer on public property became unconstitutional long before the first football was teed up. What responsible public officials should be doing is showing young people that they MUST abide by the law, whether they agree with it or not.
Officials who threaten or do walk off their jobs tonight are unpatriotic and simply show that they do not believe in the American system. The rights of all are protected in a true republic; not just those of the majority. If majority rule is correct, nations that seize private property and distribute it to the public are righteous in their actions since they represent the majority. Likely, no public address announcer is willing to give up any of his 600 acres to the poor and disadvantaged.
More people have been killed as a result of religious zealots than any other way in history. While we don’t expect any shootings in the Logan County stands, we think those who call themselves “good Christians” could consider the examples they are setting.
Do you want to tell a 16-year-old football player that it is perfectly all right to disobey the law if you disagree with it? That’s what each and every “protestor” would be doing tonight.
If the God these folks worship cannot hear a silent prayer offered from a football field or anywhere else, He is a mighty feeble Creator. The only possible excuse for insisting on an audible public prayer is so those praying can glorify themselves.
Think about the example being set. Folks who demand strict constitutional adherence as to what they believe about gun possession feel that the separation of church and state should just be ignored.
Public officials should stop blatantly breaking the law.