Do you think America will ever outlaw Christianity given the hateful remarks often directed at some Christian organizations in the country on same-sex marriage and other various issues? Would you be in favor of it?
Extremely unlikely. This is the reason why:
You know how the people who criticize Christianity appear to be able to say anything offensive they want about it and not be punished for it?
You know how lawmakers feel free to disregard Christian viewpoints while crafting legislation?
You know how you can attend church every week without worrying about losing your job, your house, or your freedom from jail? Don't tell me what might or could happen; I'm talking about what happens or doesn't.
The US Constitution's first amendment safeguards all three of such rights. All those rights disappear if any portion of it is taken away or made weaker.
Do you want the criticism of religion to end? Alright. The next time you feel like making some disparaging remarks about Islam, be ready to be arrested (not the kind of fantasy jail that talk radio hosts like we'll all end up in if things continue the way they are).
Do you want America to be a Christian supporter and ally? Alright. Assume for the moment that America decides to formally become an Episcopal nation tomorrow. The progressive kind with homosexual clergy. Other worship styles are not permitted. And how does that sound to you?
Alright, but what if the state were to exclusively promote YOUR interpretation of Christianity? What might be the issue with that? Nothing if you want to give the government the authority to define your church's theology and penalize members who disagree with it.
Okay. Those are all pretty much bad options. What else can we do to safeguard religious individuals? Nothing. We allowed the First Amendment to continue defending both you and those who disagree with you. Everyone is secure, but nobody is quite happy. Issue resolved.
Extremely unlikely. This is the reason why:
You know how the people who criticize Christianity appear to be able to say anything offensive they want about it and not be punished for it?
You know how lawmakers feel free to disregard Christian viewpoints while crafting legislation?
You know how you can attend church every week without worrying about losing your job, your house, or your freedom from jail? Don't tell me what might or could happen; I'm talking about what happens or doesn't.
The US Constitution's first amendment safeguards all three of such rights. All those rights disappear if any portion of it is taken away or made weaker.
Do you want the criticism of religion to end? Alright. The next time you feel like making some disparaging remarks about Islam, be ready to be arrested (not the kind of fantasy jail that talk radio hosts like we'll all end up in if things continue the way they are).
Do you want America to be a Christian supporter and ally? Alright. Assume for the moment that America decides to formally become an Episcopal nation tomorrow. The progressive kind with homosexual clergy. Other worship styles are not permitted. And how does that sound to you?
Alright, but what if the state were to exclusively promote YOUR interpretation of Christianity? What might be the issue with that? Nothing if you want to give the government the authority to define your church's theology and penalize members who disagree with it.
Okay. Those are all pretty much bad options. What else can we do to safeguard religious individuals? Nothing. We allowed the First Amendment to continue defending both you and those who disagree with you. Everyone is secure, but nobody is quite happy. Issue resolved.