Religion & Politics

Old Glory's NEW LOOK — circa 2012?

Let's begin with an almost universally recognized fact about United States history — religious freedom!

Those original colonists came here looking for an escape from the religious zealotry that was part of their lives in England. It had become an overbearing, oppressive arm of the government, and a method for subjugating the population.

Now, just a bit more than two centuries after the birth of our nation, we are once again in danger of being subjected to malignant thinking that seeks to enslave our population. And, this is in spite of the careful efforts of our founding fathers who did everything they could to protect us from such abuse ever happening again.

Our constitution specifically articulates the complete separation of church and state. It prohibits "any religious test" from being applied to candidates for public political office. Yet, look at the number of times we hear of candidates invoking religion as the basis of their campaigns. One popular candidate actually suggested altering our constitution to bring it more "in line" with the "devine teachings" of the bible!

What do you think would happen if anyone suggested that democratic principles be applied to the governance of the churches? "Let the people vote on what is sinful and what isn't!" (How long do you think it would take for the citizens to banish some things they didn't like?)

Of course, this is fueled largely by the agony of abortion and the Roe v. Wade decision in our supreme court three decades ago. And, for the last thirty some years, that court has consisted largely of conservative judges who were appointed by republican presidents. And still, Roe v. Wade has been upheld! (Oddly enough, the citizens who want a total ban on all abortions are same people who are widely in favor of capital punishment.) And, after that hurdle is cleared, I can foresee these missionaries deciding whether judaism, hinduism, and numerous other beliefs are "acceptable" in a country that prints "In God We Trust" on its currency.

Here's a (rather obvious and refreshing) thought regarding religious freedom:

You simply cannot claim that religious freedom exists unless you also grant citizens the right to choose no religion at all! None!

Second Chances

"Could I have another chance?"
"Wait! I can do better!"
"I wanna go again!"
"Just one more time!"

Do any of these seem familiar to you -- from childhood, maybe? Those tough (and sometimes wasted) school years? Or, how about that relationship (or job) you messed up?

Well philosophers, clerics, therapists, and others frequently caution us that, in life, there are no second chances! Yet, in a manner of speaking, though on a somewhat smaller scale, we get lots of them. And here we are once again at one of the biggies -- New Years!

Yeah, you know, resolutions and all that stuff. But wait! Just how many times have you made New Years resolutions? Depends on your age, right? And, how many times have you succeeded? (Duh!)

STOP IT! Just stop setting up more opportunities for yourself to fail, because each time it hurts a little more. Right?

Alternatives? Well, some folks say things like "I'm going to do better in my next life!" (Now there's a gamble, and maybe even a leap of faith!)

Instead, why don't we all adopt Popeye's attitude? "I yam what I yam; and that's all that I yam!" Recognize that all of us, (well maybe not the nut cases) need only to avoid one or two weak spots in our behavior and the rest of our lives will pretty much fall into place. My own demon is night time munching between dinner and bedtime. If I can beat that, well… most of the other things will almost certainly fall into position.

For most folks I know, their problems are like rows of dominoes -- once that first one goes they're done! So,… just focus on that biggie at the front of the line. That's all there is to it! Simple!

Hmm,… let's see… only 8:15 -- Time for a snack!

And,… HAPPY NEW YEAR!