Freedom and Religion are two of those words that are probably overused, perhaps even abused by people who are too quick to employ the words but have thought very little about what they actually mean. Back in what seems like a previous life, I was the Manager of Business Systems Development at Ford Credit. This meant that for a two-year period, I was a management-generalist in what had been typically a management-specialists' job. Talk about a round peg in s square hole! I tried to do a good job, learned the systems lingo and could repeat many words often in a conversation but often didn't know what they really meant. Words like "seamless integration" and "graphical interface" were good words to use but I had little appreciation for their true meanings.
Yesterday was the 4th of July and on TV, I was fortunate to happen across seeing our President, George W. Bush speak to the men and women of the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia National Guard. I liked what I heard and took especially note when he started talking about our Freedom of Religion:
"This enemy of ours -- they have got an ideology. They believe in something. In other words, the attacks are just a tactic to enable them to spread their dark vision of the world. Perhaps one way to differentiate between our thoughts is just think about religion. In the great country of the United States, we believe that you should be able to worship any way you see fit; that you're equally American, regardless of your religious beliefs.
They believe that if you don't worship the way they see it, then they're going to bring you harm. We believe in an Almighty, we believe in the freedom for people to worship that Almighty. They don't. They don't believe you should worship the way you choose. They believe the only way you should worship is the way they choose. And, therefore -- and, therefore, they will do anything they can to spread that ideology. And it's our charge, it's our calling to keep the pressure on these people, to defend America and to spread an ideology of hope and an ideology of peace so that the kids who came up here to give the Pledge of Allegiance will be able to live in peace and security." George W. Bush, July 4, 2007
I think the Prez gets it. That's why despite his lack of popularity due to an unpopular war, there are many Americans like me that still admire his understanding of what America is all about.
It's unfortunate that today, unlike George W. Bush, many have not considered the meanings of the words, "Freedom" and "Religion". These words had very specific meanings to our ancestors for those that can trace back their lineage to the very foundlings of this country. It likely has also very specific meanings today to many people in the world, many who are in the Middle East, Africa and in Asia, who are persecuted, abused, badly treated, harmed, physically abused and even tortured or killed because of their religion.
In many way's the greatest freedom that we presently enjoy here in these United States, is the one that is so often taken for granted. I'm not an alarmist but I continue to be very concerned with the wholesale castigation of Christianity in the United States and the trend towards anti-christian humor.
Of course, not all forms of Christianity are in the cross hairs. The social-progressives and Marxist ideologues in this country don't mind if you call yourself a Christian but have no particular belief system. You are no threat to them and voice little opposition to their encroachment on your personal liberty. If on the other hand, you are one that actually believes the the Word of God to be exactly that and embraces the traditional role of marriage and the family, you become a target of intolerance.
Intolerance today can easily lead to persecution and all kinds of abuse.
May we all learn the true meanings of the words "Freedom" and "Religion" that so many have fought and died for in this country.
