“Separation of church and state is a political and legal doctrine which states that government and religious institutions are to be kept separate and independent of one another.” This was implemented to ensure a secular government and the freedom of relgious practice. However, more and more it seems that the line that separates these two institutions is blurring. I believe that many people misinterpret the “Separation of Church and State,” and don’t realize that it was established to protect the Church from the State
After reading an article about a Sikh teen, residing in Canada, who was told that he could not wear his kirpan, a ceremonial knive, to school. The teen and his parents honestly felt like he had an obligation to his faith to carry his kirpin at all times. Another part of the article spoke about a Muslim girl who was told that she could not wear a certain kind of clothing because it did not comply with the dress code. She and her parents felt like the dress code clothing was not modest enough dress according to their religion. These schools were ultimately making these teens choose between their school and their religion. On one hand you have your parents and your religious leaders and texts telling you one thing and School officials telling you another. That is a precarious position for anyone, let alone a 14 or 15 year old. Why are we teaching our children intolerance instead of celebrating diversity? Variety, people, it’s the spice of life…
Sadly, France, which has the largest Jewish and Muslim population in Europe, has already forfeited its cultural diversity by banning religious attire and symbols from their public school systems. France, the country known for its liberalness, of all places! Former President of Jacques Chirac stated, "If we are talking about the star of David, the hand of Fatima or a small cross, those are acceptable, but when it's very obvious, in other words, when if they are worn people can immediately see what religious faith they belong to, that should not be accepted.” This doesn’t exactly take into consideration the scarves worn by Muslim women, skullcaps worn by Jewish men, or turbans worn by Sikh men, which are symbols of their faith and piety. Their government is definitely violating the separation of church and state. This law seems to only be targeting the religious minorities, oddly enough. Could it be that the government is afraid of anything that might threaten their Christian views? Hmmm…
The banning of religious texts in U.S. prisons is yet another prejudice act by a governmental establishment, masking it under the premise of the ”Separation of Church and State.” They say this was taken into action in order to prevent religious extremists, especially Muslim, from recruiting for terrorist groups within the prisons. Mark Earley, president of Prison Fellowship, a Christian group, told the Times. “There’s no need to get rid of literally hundreds of thousands of books that are fine simply because you have a problem with an isolated book or piece of literature that presents extremism.” They deny any discrimination of a particular religion stating that they got rid of an equal amount of books from every religion. Because that makes it right… (sarcasm)What happened to the freedom of religious expression? Do we really want to live in a world void of religious and cultural diversity? I know that I do not want to be told by a governmental institution what I may say or do in public. If I matter is not infringing on anyone else’s rights, I feel that I should be able to say what I want to say, act how I want to act, dress how I want to dress and worship (or not worship for that matter) the way that I want. I was born with the capabilities of making my own decisions and would appreciated it if these government establishments would kindly butt out and let me live my life in peace. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be a member of a religious minority, constantly targeted for your beliefs because you choose to exalt your faith. Yep, if we're not careful we won't have any rights left...
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2 comments:
I have to admit I've been thinking on this topic a lot lately. I'm not sure if it's because we're in a class that exposes us to Islam and Muslim culture, or if it's simply a coincidence that more and more things are popping up in the media regarding this topic. Perhaps it is both.
I am Christian. My sister is Pagan. I have a cousin who practices Shamanism (I think I have that right...Native American rites and rituals..). I love talking to these two women. I love listening to their perspectives on spiritualism. They are both bright, sensitive, and passionate women. Unfortunately, too many people would automatically dismiss their beliefs as superstitious and unenlightened.
Sometimes I find it hard to reconcile myself a Christian when I look around and all I can see are professed Christians attempting to impose their will upon the entire world. I don't understand it and I certainly don't like it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter. I believe the more vocal people are about their support of diversity in all its forms, the better it is for society.
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I should mention before I make anymore comment that I am an atheist (strictly speaking I am an agnostic deist but they are essentially the same for most theists.) That said, it is the nature of democracies to constantly be in conflict. I would not fear too much.
The breakdown can only happen when a majority calls for some sort of religious domination at which point it is time to move. Or an empowered minority creates a religious domination at which point it is time for revolution.
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