I have probably mentioned this before, so please bear with me. It was probably 24 years ago; I was new at my present church, and it was time for the children’s sermon. I had printed out the 10 Commandments and invited the children forward. I told them that a lot of people wanted these rules on the outside of buildings, including schools, while many others did not. I told them that these were good rules, but not everyone agreed on all of them. Some people thought they came from God, while others did not. In America, I said, there are a lot of different religions, and part of the hope of who we might be as a nation is that we respect all of them, even if we don’t follow or agree with them. Every religion had somewhat different rules, kind of like parents.
I then asked them if their parents or grandparents had these rules on the outside of their homes, which, of course, none of them did. In fact, none of them had ever seen a house with them on the outside. How about inside? Nope. So, I gave each child a copy to put on their fridge next to their art. We can follow God our way in our home and in our church, I said, but we can’t force anyone else to do the same. They all agreed that this was a nice way to live. Children’s sermon over.
In places like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana (among others), politicians and school superintendents are trying to force their faith on the public. This outrageous manipulation of God is being met with approval and resistance, and the outcome, if the Supreme Court does their job, will be against the people who are trying to force their religion on the rest of us. I don’t want anyone being force-fed any religion. I believe that it is the parents and extended family who have the right to choose whether or not their children attend worship in the faith community of their choice. Imagine if a school superintendent put the Koran – for example – in every classroom. The uproar would be deafening! It is ignorant, hypocritical, mean-spirited, and Un-Christian to force one’s faith on another person. Is that clear enough?
Faith is private, personal, and, at times, public. It is a way people can see who and whose we are. It should never be used as a weapon. When it becomes a tool of oppression, it is no longer about God; it becomes a vehicle for evil. May those who decide the laws of the land choose good instead. If they don’t, God help us all.
Prayer – Holy God, You have called us to live our faith for the good of all. May that be our hope. Amen.
Today’s art is by Nick Anderson.