David Limbaugh: Toward Freedom From Religion

Townhall.com ^ | October 13, 2001 | David Limbaugh

[Gritty]

Two recent events poignantly illustrate the unmasked hostility some in this nation have toward God. They insist that they are motivated by adherence to lofty constitutional principles, but are they?

First, the ACLU has demanded that the Breen Elementary School in Rocklin, Calif., remove a "God Bless America" sign from its marquee. The sign was placed in front of the school after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

An ACLU staff attorney called the message a "clear violation of the California and United States constitutions, as well as the California Education Code. "It must be replaced immediately," she ordered.

The ACLU argued that the message divides students along religious lines, and that school officials are hurting and isolating students of "minority faiths" when they should be supporting the values of pluralism and tolerance.

Apart from the "heady" constitutional issues, let me just ask a question. Could all those who really believe that any students are being harmed by such a message raise their hands? Can anyone contend that with a straight face?

And just what minority faiths might the exalted ACLU be referring to? The sign says "God Bless America." It does not say, "The Triune God Blesses America." It does not say "Jesus Christ Blesses America."

The only students who could conceivably be offended would be atheists or agnostics. If they don't believe, it sure shouldn't offend them that a Being they don't believe in supports their country. Besides, how many crumb-crunching atheists and agnostics do you know? And even if there are some of those poor souls, how many of them do you suppose have heightened sensibilities about such innocuous and neutral references to God?

I'm not finished. You must also explain to me how that sign is anti-pluralistic or intolerant. It doesn't impugn non-believers in any way. It doesn't say, "Shun those who don't believe in God or America."

The thrust of the sign's message is patriotism, not religion. The school put the sign up after the attacks to display patriotism. President Bush ends almost every speech with "God Bless America," as have numerous presidents preceding him – from the White House, no less. Should government officials be prohibited from making such statements?

The insanity continues. The Madison Wisconsin School Board adopted a policy barring recitation of the pledge of allegiance by schoolchildren. This was after the state legislature passed a law in September requiring Wisconsin school children either to say the pledge or have the national anthem played daily.

But here's the kicker. One school board member admitted that the board was primarily concerned with the pledge's reference to "one nation under God." "What I wanted to do was eliminate that which would be repugnant to those who believe very strongly and would have their personal and political beliefs violated by group coercion." It's the same old song, is it not?

So, instead of allowing the schools to make their choice between the pledge and the anthem, they issued an edict requiring that only an instrumental version of the national anthem be played.

Thankfully, the parents in both places are fed up, and they're fighting back. Some 250 people, many dressed in red, white and blue gathered in Rocklin, Calif., to support the message. Similarly, hundreds of parents protested the Madison School Board's injudicious action.

Let's call a spade a spade here. I'm quite supportive of the First Amendment's prohibition of state-sponsored religions, but these cases don't even come close. These references to God, especially such religion-neutral and denomination-neutral expressions are part of our country's heritage and enjoy the full imprimatur of our founding fathers.

We're all aware of the many and long-standing references to God in our founding documents and governmental institutions (Supreme Court, Congress, etc.) and so we know the framers were not offended by them. I came across another one that even preceded the Declaration of Independence.

In a Declaration on the Necessity for Taking Up Arms against the British, Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson made multiple references to God as well as penning patriotic themes. "Our cause is just. Our union is perfect ... We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the divine favor toward us, that His providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength ... we most solemnly, before God and the world ... exerting the utmost energy of those powers which our beneficent Creator has bestowed upon us. ...

I could continue, but I certainly don't want to offend anyone.

[Storm Orphan]

Let's call a spade a spade here. I'm quite supportive of the First Amendment's prohibition of state-
sponsored religions, but these cases don't even come close.

I am an atheist, and I can mostly agree with this.

Of course, the problem would be moot if we had proper separation of School and State.

[Robert-J]

You mention that you are an atheist. It is my informal observation that there are a disproportionate number of atheists here, primarily libertarians. There definitely seem to be more atheists posting on FR than there are in everyday life.

[Storm Orphan]

You mention that you are an atheist. It is my informal observation that there are a disproportionate number of atheists here, primarily libertarians. There definitely seem to be more atheists posting on FR than there are in everyday life.

I think there are more of us than you suspect in everyday life. Your sample is limited by
your circle of those willing to discuss such issues.

BTW I've met several atheist conservatives here. We come in all flavors.

[shempy]

I also think it is easier to discuss controversial beliefs in the semi-anonomous realm of an online forum. I am an atheist, but I am not bothered by prayer in schools. I am bothered by the government being involved in schools. I also don't much care that our coins say "In God We Trust". I have some deeply religious folks that work for me. They are my best employees.

[Storm Orphan]

I was meeting with a council of a big Presby Church in Dallas trying to get their business
for some brochure and publicity work.

During the meeting, the chairman asked me casually - "So where do you and your wife go to church?"

I answered "Oh, we live in Plano (a suburb of Dallas)" and he didn't pursue it.

It seemed the politick thing to do, given the circumstances. I'm the kind who won't hesistate to
say I'm an atheist, but there's sometimes reason to withhold comment. (We got the contract.)

[Doe Eyes]

I am uncomfortable telling God what to do, i.e. God Bless America.

However if we are tasking God, shouldn't we be asking for more, like God Bless America and kill bin Laden?

[Gritty]

I am uncomfortable telling God what to do, i.e. God Bless America.

I always considered this phrase as asking, not telling. However, I will admit Mr. Berlin left out the "Please".

[Deb4U]

This is one of the best I have yet to read following Sept. 11, 2001. It was forwarded to me, but I don't know who wrote it. Subject: Where was God on Sept. 11 ? Many of us have heard that question "Where was your GOD when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was attacked?" Well, I know where my GOD was the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy! He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights. Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard. He was on 4 commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the high-jacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the highjackers. He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all, only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings held over 50,000 workers, this was a Miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the World Trade Center told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays. He was holding up 2-110 story buildings so that 2/3 of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. And when they did fall, they fell inward. GOD didn't allow them to topple over, as many more lives would have been lost. And when the buildings went down, my GOD picked up almost children and carried them home with him. Reassuring his frightened children that the worst was over and the best was yet to come. He sat down and cried that 19 of his children could have some much hate in their hearts. That they didn't choose him, but another god that doesn't exist, and now they are lost forever. He sent his children that are best trained for this disaster and had them save the few that were still alive, but unable to help themselves. And then sent many others to help in anyway they were needed. He still isn't finished though, he held the loved ones that were left behind in his arms. He comforts them daily. His other children are given the strength to reach out to them and help them in any way they can. And I believe he will continue to help us in what is to come. He will give the people in charge of this great nation the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing. He would never leave us in our time of need. So when anyone asks, "Where was your GOD on September 11", you can say "everywhere"! And yes, although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I see God's miracles in every bit of it. I keep praying for those who don't believe in GOD, every chance I have. I can't imagine going through such a difficult time and not believing in GOD. Life would be hopeless.

[Gritty]

How many of the people who were employed at the World Trade Center told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.

In the case of a brother of mine who had an office on the 65th floor - he took that week off to be with his daughter. There is at least one similar other case I know of. I'm sure there are many more.

[tuesday afternoon]

"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect ... We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the divine favor toward us, that His providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength ...."

[HiTech RedNeck]

We will set all them up the gospel: sin has no chance to survive all your bases belong to God make your time.

[HiTech RedNeck]

what, Satan set up us the hell?... Jesus set up us the heaven?... sin has no chance to survive all your base belong to God make your eternity!...

[yikes]

I think there are more of us than you suspect in everyday life.

No, babes, they were just taught by the politically correct that being religios was not cool during the 90s.

On Easter Sunday of this year, a close relative left me a voice mail message, to wit: "I'm just calling to wish you a Happy Easter. I don't do Easter--it's not my style." Cool, huh?

[Storm Orphan]

No, babes, they were just taught by the politically correct that being religios was not cool during the 90s.

My conclusion that the supernatural does not exist has nothing to do with "fads."

It is the culmination of a deliberative and thoughtful consideration of all
available evidence taken over a long period of time.

Perhaps your reasons for your belief system is based on something so transient.
Don't project your shortcomings on others.

Babe.

[BMCDA]

That's interesting: the planes took off with only half of their capacity and a lot of people were late to work. Maybe we could use this correlation to determine whether there is going to happen something horrible or not in future.

[A2J]

"Of course, the problem would be moot if we had proper separation of School and State."

I almost hate to admit this, but I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one, Storm.

This must certainly prove that there is a God in heaven.

[RnMomof7]

A reading Bump

[RnMomof7]

"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect ... We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the divine favor toward us, that His providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength ... we most solemnly, before God and the world ... exerting the utmost energy of those powers which our beneficent Creator has bestowed upon us. ...

Amen