MadOdorMachine said:When our founding fathers started this country, they never meant the "Separation of Church and State" to be interpreted the way it is today. If that were the case, we wouldn't see things like "One Nation Under God," and "In God We Trust" on national documents. The separation of church and state was meant to keep a church from having the ultimate power in governing our country. It was to prevent something like what the Romans did from happening to our country. It wasn't meant to completely omit God from all aspects of our society.
Protip: Learn your American history before citing it.
"In God We Trust" was first authorized for use on U.S. money in 1864 by an act of Congress. The impetus for this - like the FCC, by the way - was a simple letter from a citizen stating that it seemed like a good idea at the time.
The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written as a loyalty oath to the United States that made references to no God. The kicker? The Pledge's author, one Francis Bellamy was a Baptist preacher.
The original wording follows:
I pledge of allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands - One nation indivisible - with liberty and justice for all.
Bits and pieces were subsequently added over the years, climaxing in the 1950s when in a cynical ploy to seperate the United States from the "Godless" Communists, Congress added "Under God."
That being said, christians no longer have the right to gather in public in government places. Christianity has been stripped from public schools in place of evolution. Prayer is no longer allowed.
All specious claims, especially the final one. Prayer is definitely still allowed in this country, unless all houses of worship were turned into casinos when I wasn't looking; unless the giant space laser is tuned to zap anyone who does it within the privacy of their own home. No one is stopping you from strolling into Central Park with a Bible and praying silently to yourself, either. What is being scrutinized is local, state, and federal government actions that may imply an endorsement of any one religion (e.g., a nativity scene bought by, and placed in front of city hall in December.) This also applies to the Ten Commandments issue in Alabama. Placing a Judeo-Christian symbol of such magnitude in front of a courthouse implies zero respect for paintiffs or defendants of other religions.
Not too long ago, there was a flag in California (I think it was L.A. or San Francisco) that had a cross taken out.
And you have a link to back this up of course, right?
Of course now people are also trying to pass gay marriage and abortion is legal.
And this is preventing you from practising your religion? These laws are passing in accordance with what rights are given to United States citizens by the Constitution, which was not written using the Bible as a template. Just as the government cannot openly endorse any one religion, it cannot take rights away from people because said rights don't parallel what one particular religion's teachings condone.
We are being forced into secular belief by loosing these rights.
You don't have to live a secular life; what religion you subscribe to is your own business. Expecting respect for your religion is one thing. That comes in the form of people not openly persecuting you for just wanting to go to Church. However, that respect does not extend to making sure the law dictates morality.
That's why I fear for those living in this country when it truly does become completely Godless. How will people be able to understand what is absolute truth? I wonder if people don't think about these consequences or if they just don't care.
"God" has been used to push more lies and agendas than anyone can possibly count. Certainly by this particular Presidential administration, and definitely by self-appointed moralists who don't have anything better to do than care what other people - outside of their religion - are doing. It's my firm belief that the more Godless - secular - we become, the better off we'll be.