Uneasiness

Last night, we were up late, surprise surprise, "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" was on. Bill Maher was his guest. He said somethings that really bothered us, especially R. R has been paying more attention than ever to everything that is going on. He has been feeling uneasy about the Political world, the Economic world, etc. etc. I know he is not alone. Mr. Maher pushed him over the edge last night. He sent this email out to some of his friends/co-workers today. I thought it was nicely written so I decided to share....



I have yet to decide how widely to distribute this, but thought I would share with you my ramblings from a long night last night.


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I encourage you to watch this interview of Bill Maher pitching his new movie “Religulous”. Bill is a very articulate, well educated, and persuasive individual. Bill starts out relatively even and logical. Unfortunately, he builds to God being an “invisible space guy”, ridicule of afterlife beliefs, and referring to all religions as “all crazy…all completely insane.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcLhXjOReH8

Because of him and others in our nation, I fear that all religions and those that ascribe to religious values will be subject to escalating ridicule, derision, and scorn. Those of us that have the courage to believe in something, will be scoffed at by those who find it easier to believe in nothing. True persecution will not come from the inarticulate, uneducated, or unconvincing. We will be challenged, and it is time to prepare.

Regardless of the election results, those with a belief in God need to commit to personal preparation and active participation in our country. We must know where we stand if we are going to be able to stand against those that would call us “completely insane” for our beliefs. The banner of liberty will not fly without people willing to carry it, sacrifice for it, and to declare it to others.

It’s not about party lines, it is not merely about the next four-years. We should not “hide behind” God, but should be out front fighting for our children’s futures.

This oft replayed Presidential address should never be forgotten:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.” (John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address Friday, January 20, 1961).
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On a slightly different topic, but still relative to Mr. Maher’s comments, I would encourage you to at least read the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Without doing so, how can we ever hope to answer the “separation of church and State” argument?

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.

Notice that there is no mention of a "separation of church and state". Based upon my limited research, that phrase came in an 1803 letter from Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist minister, written to assure him that the United States would never declare a state religion.

For a fairly inclusive, although certainly not authoritative review of this subject, Wikipedia provides a good source of initial research. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States

Some excerpts:

The first amendment to the US Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". The two parts, known as the "establishment clause" and the "free exercise clause" respectively, form the textual basis for the Supreme Court's interpretations of the "separation of church and state" doctrine.

The Senate went through several more narrowly targeted versions before reaching the contemporary language. One version read, “Congress shall make no law establishing one religious sect or society in preference to others, nor shall freedom of conscience be infringed,” while another read, “Congress shall make no law establishing one particular religious denomination in preference to others.” Ultimately, the Senate rejected the more narrowly targeted language.

I’m no attorney or scholar. I don’t pretend to understand all of the Supreme Court rulings on this subject. But I do know what the Constitution says. Until they tie me up and tape my mouth I will Pledge Allegiance “under God”, I will continue to place my Trust “In God”, and I will “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.”