Writer's Block: Church & State

[danika_ni_sidhe]

[Error: unknown template qotd]Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. As quoted from The United States Constitution.

The original motto of our country was E Pluribus Unum or "Out of many, one" referring to the strength received when many joined together for a single purpose. It wasn't until 1956 that, during the Red Scare and McCarthyism, the 84th Congress replaced E Pluribus Unum with "In God We Trust" to differentiate between Us and those "Atheistic Communists." It has withstood many challenges because the 5th Circuit Court has determined that, despite mentioning a diety foreign to non-Abrahamic religions, it does not endorse religion. (source: religioustolerance.org)

I believe that decision solidified our path down the slippery slope on which we find ourselves, especially during an election time. It seems that the candidates base their platforms on their Christianity. Every time I hear it, I want to hurl something and scream that Christianity does not possess a monopoly on principled uprightness of character. As so many know, I practice a religious philosophy other than Christianity. I am able to follow the dictates of my conscience, rather than that of the majority, because people like my father are willing to give up their rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to ensure my ability to practice what I believe correct. But what happens should a religion like Buddhism or Paganism come to represent the majority? Would our country be torn apart by those unwilling to concede leadership to someone not like them? I don't believe the religious beliefs of the President have anything to do with his or her effectiveness as a leader. One can be a good, upright and just person and be an Atheist. And while I understand at those who practice Christianity believe inherently in the rightness of their path and most have a sincere belief that bringing nonbelievers into the fold really does benefit their soul, I also believe that everyone has the divine-given right to pick their own poison. I'm not saying that religion is bad, nor am I saying that Christians are bad, but we are guaranteed the right to choose our own path. Why else were humans granted free will?

I do not believe that the United States, both as a governmental entity or as a living entity made up of 305,275,000 individuals (as of 11:33 AM CST on 28 SEP 08 according to the US Population Clock) would benefit from becoming a theocracy. We have enough issue with our status a Republican Democracy. If anyone tries to make Christianity the official religion of the United States, it would have the same effect here as the banning of religion has in China or the former USSR. Secret enclaves of religions would spring up, thus defeating the purpose. I won't force my beliefs on you if you don't force yours on me and we can agree to disagree. Pray for me, if you must, but leave my faith alone and I will fight for your right to disagree.

Comments

[dollface74128.livejournal.com]

Well said.