Government has been deeply involved in religion since the enactment of separation of church and state. If anything an initiative like this is a means of getting government less involved in our religious lives.talltex wrote:I thought this one shouldn't be on there for a number of reasons:Pawpaw wrote:There were 6 propositions on the ballot. They all got my "Yes" vote:
1. Texans should be free to express their religious beliefs, including prayer, in public places.
YES or NO
1. I don't think the government needs to be involved in religion period.
2. We are all already free to pray, anywhere we choose and to whomever we choose...unless you think the only way to pray is to do so out loud, so everyone else can hear and admire you. I'd wager most of us over the age of 50, have all endured a few of those folks that want to make sure they get the most out of their opportunity to pray, at great length, to a captive audience over a PA system.
3. I understand what they are looking to achieve...the right to have public prayers at group events...primarily public schools, but we must be careful what we wish for. Most of the 97% voting yes are thinking, in their minds, of THEIR religion, but would be against it, if it meant they also had to stand and listen to other, "non Christian", religious prayers before every ball game or any other event. I'm fine with a "moment of silence" that one can use as they see fit.
What I believe is being sought here is equality. If you believe "non Christian" religions do not currently receive accommodations that are not afforded to Christians, you would be sadly mistaken. Are Christian children allowed to bring and freely display religious items to school? Are they allowed to leave class in order to pray? Are they provided a place prepared specifically for them meeting specific requirements for the performance of those prayers?
The answer to these questions would be no. However your school is required to provide these accommodations to other religions. If you want government out of religion you need to be very politically active in passing laws that do exactly that.