Bastard - On Religion and the 1st Amendment - Again
Recently, a plaque at the Grand Canyon was removed. The reason that it was removed was because it had biblical scripture engraved onto it.
Now, I am as unreligious as the next atheist. Frankly, I detest the blind worship of an angry deity who knocked up a virgin and then let the kid die, slowly, on a cross. Though, it was a hell of a good joke to let those dopes wander in the desert for 40 years.
Anyhow, the scripture that was removed read: "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."
Frankly, I think that
that's rather nice. The Grand Canyon is an incredible work of nature. And,
whether you believe in God or Ghea the Grand Canyon is magnificent.
And, I think that despite any religious or anti-religious beliefs that you
may have, that you would find that quotation rather inspiring.
And because of things like this, it seems to me that we are taking things a bit far with this anti-religious crusade. Virtually everywhere I look I read something about the "division of church and state". Somebody, somewhere is probably talking about it right now.
Well, I am sorry to say to you folks that there is not actually clause that details a division of church and state. In fact, the line was part of an opinion by a Supreme Court justice. He stated that there is an implied division of church and state.
Now, this so-called division is supposed to be in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution. I have never found it, however.
Amendment I of the US Constitution:
"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."
Now, if you read that literally, it just tells you that government won't support a religion. Also, it says that it will not prohibit the free exercise of religion. Nowhere does it mention that there is a division of church and state. What's more it does not state that religious items will be banned from public properties.
Unfortunately, we have taken this to mean that teachers cannot legally wear a cross to work as part of their jewelry. But, that violates her right of, not only religion, but free speech. After all, your jewelry is a form of expression and expression is part of speech.
Too, a school disallowed the graduating class from praying at their graduation. And, while the teachers leading them in prayer would have been a clear violation of the first amendment, their preventing the students from praying was a clear violation of the student's rights to free speech and worship.
When are we going to draw the line? When are we going to see that prevention of religion is as much a violation as the promotion of it?
And really, if a quotation on a government owned property is thoughtful and well written - does the it really matter where the quote came from?
