The First Amendment guarantees everyone the right to religious freedom. However, this right is being muddled by the courts and legislatures.
At Christmas time, in a neighboring town, the courthouse was forced to take down a Nativity Scene that had been placed there for years upon years. There had been a complaint from some newcomers in town who had opened a witch shop. They claimed that the nativity scene was a violation of First Amendment rights, and the separation of church and state. I do not believe this is the case.
Christians are being harassed in regards to almost everything fundamental to their faith, and many things that were foundational to the Framers of our Nation. They are no longer allowed to pray in schools. They cannot have discussions within schools about their faith, unless it is started by a student, and only involves student discussion (but what teacher would allow that to happen, and take up their class time?). They cannot place nativity scenes on government properties in some areas. They are limited in where they can place a cross, which is the main symbol of their faith. Some have even gone so far as to stop using the term Christmas, because of the reference to Christ, and therefore a slight reference to Christianity.
However, this religious oppression does not seem to be evenly distributed. Jews are allowed to place their menorahs in public areas. Muslims are allowed to wear their Hijab and veil, even when it could potentially pose a security threat. The government knows about thousands of polygamist Mormons, which is against the law, but chooses to do nothing about it.
What would happen if I, as a Christian, were to tell the government that I felt they were inflicting any of these religions on me? They'd probably laugh in my face!
If we are a nation that claims religious freedom, shouldn't all religions be free to express themselves, instead of allowing all religions except the largest one - Christianity? Shouldn't we do what we say we believe, and apply everything equally? If we are not going to allow Nativity scenes, prayers or discussions within schools, or the 10 commandments to appear in courthouses, then I propose we not allow Jewish menorahs or stars of David or Hijabs, or polygamist marriages. The government cannot have it both ways. We need to either allow all religions to express themselves, or none. We cannot keep playing this game of allowing every religion but Christianity to have their say in policies and politics.
I disagree with your arguments. Yes, the whole separation of church and state thing is taken a bit far now, in the private sector, but government should not be biased toward one religion or group of religion. I've had plenty of classes in public schools on religion, but it's always been about facts, not which is better.
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I do not think that government should be biased toward one religion or group of religions either, but I'm simply stating that I believe it already has become that way. Anytime Christians ask for something, they're turned down, while if Jews or Muslims or any other minority religion asks for something, they're usually told yes, because the government doesn't want to upset them. I believe that this is wrong, and was simply stating that. I'm not in favor of the government favoring any opinion, all I'm saying is that they should treat them all equally, regardless.
We do have the freedom of religion. Your described situation was a violation of the separation between church and state. Christians are allowed to put up Christmas trees and display crosses and other various Christain symbols in their yards and places of worship. Christians are also allowed to wear crosses around their necks and palm ashes on their foreheads in public just like other religious groups are allowed to wear yamukas and Hijabs within the United States. But under no circumstances should a courthouse or any public governmental facility display a baby jesus Nativity scene because it supports the idea that the states favors, sponsors, and or advocates Christianity which would be contrary to one of our most valued values: separation of church and state; hence freedom to choice whatever religion one decides.
Why does it matter? Do you really need to be able to physically see a symbol of your faith somewhere in order to live it? If not, then don't worry about.
Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, renounce worldly goods, practice forgiveness and unconditional love--I can think of many, many things that are more worthy of a Christian's focus of energy.
Seriously, if you have time to worry about having the ability to look at an object in order to remember how great and important you are, you're not working hard enough.
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