Separation of Church and State

One of the things that I admire most about the United States of America is the concept of separation of Church and State. Unlike countries that blend the two, or nations where religion is a mandatory imposition upon the oppressed people, the United States has an underlying principle or respect and freedom. As an American, I have the freedom to believe what I want, and express my belief however I want.

 

So what is the price of that freedom?

 

In my interpretation, as an American, it is my duty – my DUTY – to stand up in defense of those who believe differently than I. I don’t have to subscribe to their beliefs. I don’t have to agree with their beliefs. I don’t even have to necessarily respect their beliefs. But I DO have to recognize that another person’s beliefs are just that, and the right to believe and express those beliefs must be protected. I am a firm subscriber to this and stand up for it, except in one case – the case of government.

 

America is NOT Saudi Arabia. America embraces all cultures, all races, all ethnicities, all colors, all peoples, and all religions. As such, it really bothers me when government instills particular religious beliefs into government. Like my husband, I shook with rage when former President Bush took a stance against same-gender marriage because, as he put it, the government needed to “defend the sanctity of marriage.” Regardless of how anyone feels about same-gender marriage, when exactly did it become the job of the government to “defend the sanctity” of anything???????? Sanctity, by its very nature, is a matter for the church – NOT government. And when government takes steps motivated by religion, we begin a slippery slope.

 

When I state the Pledge of Allegience, I am not just repeating words like a parrot. I truly am making a Pledge. But when we come to that all-controversial part, “under God”, I do not voice those words. Why should I? I do not believe in a singular-god. And when I am uttering the pledge, it is my pledge – MY pledge. And I will pledge whatever I want, however I want.

 

Today, while watching the Board meeting here in Orange County, I was once again reminded of my anger at the fusion of religion and politics, as the Board meeting began with a prayer. That whole idea of bowing your heads in prayer prior to a political meeting really offends the crap out of me! And as the words, “Dear Father…” were spoken aloud, I gritted my teeth at the thought of an agency of government turning, as an agency, towards one specific type of faith.

 

I don’t want a religion – ANY religion – telling its believers what politics to subscribe to.

I don’t want a government – ANY government – telling its people how to believe.

 

And I believe that is effectively what they are doing. Please tell me I am not alone in being offended by this.