Freedom From Religion

Let me begin this article by stating I am no longer a religious person. There may seem a bias in what I will write, but that is because this is my own personal belief and I feel very strongly on that belief. While I will not get into a long lecture on why I do not believe in God, or any god for that reason, since I am sure there will be another chance for me to discuss that topic.

Instead I will be talking about our schools and a piece of legislation which has made its way back into the headlines. The Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act although just deemed unconstitutional in January by the Illinois court system has found its way back to legitimacy. How you may ask, well just change a couple words and problem solved, no more religious context. Really? Do you think that actually works for intelligent people who actually look at what you do down in Springfield?

Let me explain. On January 21, Judge Robert W. Gettleman stated that the law “…is a subtle effort to force students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion”. Gettleman continues with more on why his interpretation of the law is unconstitutional by stating “a teacher is required to instruct her pupils, especially in the lower grades, about prayer and its meaning as well as the limitations on their 'reflection’”.

The law has since been changed to The Student Silent Reflection Act taking out the obvious religious reference from the title. Let’s bring back an oldie from the election and state “You can put lipstick on a pig…”. Now I understand many people find nothing wrong with this; that religion shows no harm since we are founded on the basis of Christianity as so eloquently stated by anyone who believes that snakes can talk and that some guy 2,000 years ago can create zombies out of old friends (this is Lazarus for those of you cannot follow).

Let me go ahead and talk about the implications of these types of statements on our foundation on a religion. “Christianity is the most perverted system that ever shone on man.” Sounds like some radical left-wing nut doesn’t it? Well it somewhat is, his name is Thomas Jefferson. Not obvious enough for you? How about John Adams stating, “The government of the United States in not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

13% of US citizens claim to be non believers of any religion. May not seem like much so who cares if they get offended, right? Well what if we decided to leave out the Civil Rights movement in history classes? Only 13% of US Citizens are black, so who cares if they are offended? We need to make sure that both Jews and Muslims rights are not infringed upon when it comes to dress, but they combined only make up less that 2% of the population.

What I am stating is there is such a double standard in our country to protect the rights of those who have a religious foundation but anyone who questions that guy in the sky must have something wrong with them so who cares. Schools are the one place where people are the most impressionable and we need to keep religion where it belongs, mythology and literature classes. Let me end on this question, what would John Adams or Thomas Jefferson think of this law being placed?