American Constitution, Was it twisted? Options

[murderous_though...]

The American Constitution, ratified in the 1780s, is a set of laws that make sure the people have certain rights and protections. The first ammendment, part of which includes the freedom of religion has been twisted into a supression of religion. It says that the government will not establish any specific religion, meaning nationally. It also encompasses the fact that the government will not punish someone because of their religion, but certain people have twisted it into now we cant even speak about religion in schools or government buildings...do you think this is right? or should we be able to talk about God (whoever yours may be) and Christmas instead of X-mas?

[yummy_delight]

I think the mention of "God" in schools really depends on the school. It's alright to mention your personal faith as long as you're not forcing it upon anyone. The frenzy to silence talk of religion in schools is just an extreme and unnecessary precautionary measure to ensure that nobody gets offended. No school wants a lawsuit on their hands.

On the subject of the Ten Commandments on government buildings, it is a clear violation of the separation of church and state.

If the Ten Commandments is posted all over government buildings, does it not make it seem like Christianity is the only way for Americans?

That's exactly what it seems like. Even though no one is telling people to be Christian, it looks like Christianity is being endorsed by the government. If the 10 Commandments can be posted, why can't parts of the Koran(sp?) or the Torah(sp)?

[krispy_kreme333]

On the subject of the Ten Commandments on government buildings, it is a clear violation of the separation of church and state.

How is it a violation of seperation of church and state? It was origionally meant to keep the government out of making a country-wide religion and forcing it on everyone, not to take "under God" out of the pledge of alligeance, or taking the 10 Commandments out of courthouses. To be completely honest, our country was formed on Christianity. I'm not saying that everyone has to be a Christian, just that our country was origially based on it, and so it shouldn't be wrong to have the Commandments in a courthouse. We (followers of jesus) respect the fact that not everyone will have the same beliefs as us, so in turn, people should respect us for believing what we do.

[*mipadi*]

We (christians) respect the fact that not everyone will have the same beliefs as us, so in turn, people should respect us for believing what we do.

Is that why Christians are so well-known for supporting gay marriage and the teaching of evolution?

That's not to say I advocate the limiting of rights of expression for any group, but I think it's a pretty big stretch to say that Christians are regularly persecuted for their beliefs, while they are very open towards the beliefs of other individuals and groups.

[krispy_kreme333]

Is that why Christians are so well-known for supporting gay marriage and the teaching of evolution?

Where are you getting that??

Let me rephrase. Not Christians, becasue that name is so abused and twisted. Believers is the correct name. Followers could work too.

[*mipadi*]

No one's telling Christians they don't have a right to belief what they want. The issue is that, in a secular state, it creates a conflict when it appears that the government is advocating one religion over others.

The US may have been founded by men who espoused Christian ideals, but they certainly advocated religious freedom and, more importantly, religious tolerance, over Christianity. Christians are more than welcome to worship however they wish; however, there is no need to do it in a public space such as a courthouse. That only serves to make non-Christians feel like second-class citizens, which is not what the Founding Fathers would have wanted at all.