Tag Archives: freedom of religion

Church and State

I had an debate a few hours ago about the nature of the separation of church and state and the role of religion in politics. This First Things article sheds an interesting light on that dialogue.

Publick Religion: Adams v. Jefferson

“The civic catechisms of our day still celebrate Thomas Jefferson’s experiment in religious liberty. To end a millennium of repressive religious establishments, we are taught, Jefferson sought liberty in the twin formulas of privatizing religion and secularizing politics. Religion must be ‘a concern purely between our God and our consciences,’ he wrote. Politics must be conducted with ‘a wall of separation between church and state.’ ‘Publick Religion’ is a threat to private religion, and must thus be discouraged. ‘Political ministry’ is a menace to political integrity and must thus be outlawed.”

Scared Stupid

If these “secularity” measures go through, the faithful remnant of France
should make t-shirts, jeans, or some ubiquitous item take on religious symbolism.
Ghandi did it with the spinning wheel.

French
PM Presses on with Law Banning Muslim Veils

By Timothy Heritage

“PARIS (Reuters) – French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin vowed on Saturday
to press on with plans to introduce a law that would ban Muslim headscarves in state
schools despite growing opposition from Muslim protesters and some politicians.”

Catholics in the People’s Republic of China

I hope that this NY Times Article shows that there is a genuine improvement in the condition of Chinese Catholics. There is a crying need for education about the Church there: many Chinese reportedly think of Catholics and Protestants (who seem to be on slightly better terms with the government, probably since the Vatican is a sovereign nation) belonging to completely different faiths. Oh yeah, and perhaps their prayers and example may do something about a government notorious for its callousness to the human person.

God willing, things may ease for the Catholics, but in the meantime we should not forget those who are still suffering. Check out the Cardinal Kung Foundation to see what is still being done to Christians, nearly 2000 years after the Roman persecutions.

I Swear to Tell the Truth… So Help Me Satan

Kentucky prison suspends satanic services

“LEXINGTON, Kentucky (AP) — The Kentucky Department of Corrections has suspended formal satanic worship services at the Green River Correctional Complex while officials work to shape a statewide policy on the practice.”

Diversity My Foot

It’s funny how diversity education never includes tolerance for orthodox religious views.

Bible-Reading Prison Workers Win Minnesota Lawsuit

“ST. PAUL, Minn. (Reuters) – Two prison employees reprimanded for reading their Bibles in silent protest of an employer-sponsored training session on homosexuality have been awarded $78,000 in damages by a federal jury, their attorney said on Friday. “