Bloggers for separation of church and state

For the next three days, I'm going to participate in a blogswarm on behalf of the concept of separation of church and state, a most American concept in which we can take great pride and solace.

Not everyone sees this loosely organized effort this way, of course. To them, this is an anti-religious act masquerading as something neutral. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

So let me begin with two statements, one personal, the other political.

Personal: Whatever my thoughts about  spirituality -- and they are both  numerous and often unresolved -- those thoughts are too important to me to leave to the whims of legislators.

Political: Should you feel compelled on this, the most holy weekend of the Christian calendar, to express your religious beliefs, then please do so. Express them passionately, profoundly and publicly. Pray and preach and witness. Do it in your homes and churches, yes, but also on street corners, in public parks and -- with whatever permits your municipality requires, so as not to land you in jail -- from the steps of the nearest courthouse.

Should your religious convictions compel you to speak out against the separation of church and state, do that, too. And if anyone tries to limit your First Amendment right to that public expression of conscience, then please let me know about it, so that I can offer my support for your cause.

But whatever you do, please don't confuse this message:

It is not the public expression of religion that we fear, but the state expression of religion.  By protecting the rights of the few -- be they pagan, Muslim, Taoist or Pastafarian -- we secure the liberties of the many, and the peaceful co-existence of our people.

Here endeth the lesson.

Comments

[Agricola]

The uncarved block of wood notes the simple beauty of your post, like the tranquil river that delivers its message from the mountains to the lowland. Disharmony finds resolution through actionless action.