Ada M. Fisher, Salisbury, N.C.
♦ The movie God Is Not Dead II is one that should resonate with all religions, belief systems or searchers for constitutional freedoms. Free speech on issues of conscience, schools, public gatherings or those with a different point of view are used to misinterpret the US Constitution citing the separation of church and state which is not within this founding document.
Any discussion of Jesus as a historical figure is allowable as should be that of Abraham, Mohammed, Buddha and other pillars of our faiths. The movie’s legal arguments are outstanding and will move the hearts of most. The sincerity of those desiring to acknowledge their belief in God is one that the US Congress supports with its designated Chaplin. By the same token the disallowance of free speech by others not sharing those beliefs is too often experienced not just about religion but much of politics.
I part ways with those holding positions of public trust who would deny others the protections required in their lawful activities with which I might disagree. Pharmacists may be in the wrong profession who hold critical roles in health care but want to withhold lawfully prescribed medications because they disagree with who the recipients are or the activities such may be used for. By their very nature, Private Clubs and Private Businesses neither engaged with the general public nor taking government funds shouldn’t be subjected to discrimination suits for serving those they chose.
The advent of photos on demand from phones, car cams or other devices allows those non-involved to pry and spy on activities which may not be their business or intrude on others privacy. The limits of the Free Speech provisions of the US Constitution are challenged when citizens find their lawful conversations or sequestered actions recorded without their knowledge. It should be an implicit understanding in this nation that in exercising the tenets of one’s religion, the constitution or laws are not violated. Jesus is quoted as saying “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” [Matthew 22:21]
Public polls would have one believe that there is a correlation with trending decreased church attendance and support for G-d. I’d beg to differ for as our soldiers willingly take up arms to preserve democracy for others or when people donate their organs or donations mount for charitable organizations, we “See a sermon rather than hear one” everyday knowing God is very much alive.
