catholicsphere

On a regular basis, one may find a news story about the freedom to mention of God or religion being abridged in the public square. “God has no place in _____!” (Fill in the blank with whatever place or fora you feel is appropriate.) The basis for such a statement is a premise that, since everyone has different sets of belief, the promotion of any particularly belief infringes on the rights of those who do not hold that belief.

However, society is governed by the principle that there are certain truths which must be followed. This is what makes up our laws. Not all believe that recreational marijuana use should be illegal. Yet, the laws that govern citizens in the U.S. are not inclusive of those people who believe differently. At the same time, it is possible for those persons to express their difference of opinion and propose changes in the laws.

So, too, should it be with the mention of religious beliefs and God. Individual expression should not constitute institutional endorsement of a specific belief, especially in a forum that requests and requires the opinions of the public. This goes the same for those who do not hold belief in God or traditional religious beliefs. Society needs the input of all the people in order to decide that which is in its best interest.

In recent years, however, there have also been expressions whereby religious, particularly Christians, have “dug their own graves”, so-to-speak. There have been numerous instances where Christians have sought to impose their beliefs upon others simply by the invocation of God and the Bible. It has had a detrimental effect, to say the least. The result has been not only a lack of credibility given to expressions of Christian belief, but also a loss in ability to articulate the underlying reasons for those beliefs. The weight of God and the Bible has been thrown around as though it, in itself, should cause even non-believers to tremble at the mention.

To ensure that our society is built upon the best principles and ideas that will serve its best interests, it must be open to hearing and attempting to understand the many different beliefs, and not afraid to endorse any that are found to serve well. And, those expressing their beliefs must become more adept at articulating the truths of their beliefs, for their benefit and that of society.