More and more it seems like our “freedom of religion” is turning into “freedom from religion” as organizations like the ACLU and individuals obsessed with political correctness continually try to purge any and all reference to religion from our culture.
Several football coaches at a public high school in Westmoreland, Tenn., were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a student-led prayer before a game. These coaches were required to sign statements indicating they understood “the school’s policy, which prohibits staff from appearing to participate in a student prayer in any way, even if it takes place after hours.”
The coaches didn’t say a word; they simply bowed their heads alongside students. I suppose the non-offensive act would have been for them to stare blankly into space. Whether these coaches are Christians or religious at all is regardless, as it seems that freedom of religion ends when you reach the public sector (even though it is the public sector that guarantees a freedom of religion in the First Amendment of the Constitution…hmm). Let me remind you that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not exist in the United States Constitution. It first appeared in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists of Pennsylvania 1802 when they expressed their concern over a false rumor regarding a national denomination. (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/987191/posts)
I do not understand what is offensive about this. The First Amendment of the Constitution ensures, “Congress shall make no law respecting and establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Are a couple of coaches who bow their heads in a student-led prayer forcing any other student to do the same? I really don’t think so.
Life is not perfect, and unless you lock yourself in an empty room eternally you are bound to become offended at one point or another. If you’re at a football game and a prayer is said, and you happen to not be a praying person—the answer, to me, seems simple: don’t pray! Or if you pray to a different God, take the opportunity to pray to that God!
In the words of Glenn Beck, “Political correctness doesn’t change us; it shuts us up.” All I can say is, if I were a student at this school, I would be BEGGING my parents to send me to a private or charter school. Now if you’ll please excuse me I am going to go bow my head and pray. (Seriously!)
What are your thoughts/opinions on the role of government and religion? What do you think of this incident in Westmoreland, TN?
(http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-school-coaches-in-trouble-for-bowing-their-heads-during-student-led-prayer-in-tenn/)
Less is always better. Our Founding Fathers understood the dangers of a strong central government and framed a limited central government. It is time we got back to our roots and started upholding the 10th amendment!
ReplyDeleteIt is refreshing to find a young adult with these thought processes. There is hope for our future. Don't go changing....
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. It's upsetting to hear about people being reprimanded for expressing their beliefs, especially when they weren't forcing it upon anyone else.
ReplyDeleteYou're discussions are very interesting! I can't wait to read more of them.
Political correctness is awful, and it's becoming very disturbing to see that people are abusing the First Amendment to infringe on right to religion.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, as long as it's not being school-sanctioned, there is nothing wrong with it. Political correctness restricts freedom and religion. Like I said, awful.