John Roberts Nomination Affects Religious Free Speech or The ULC bows in Fear
The Universal Life Church has its own forum on the internet. Like most forums, members can come to express their beliefs on many different topics. Well, it turns out that Judge Roberts nomination to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will not be one of those topics. Why not, you ask? It is because, even though the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court can have a major impact on decisions effecting freedom of religion and its expression, it is seen as a “political topic”.
Those in charge of the site seem to fear that if such discussions were allowed to exist in this type of setting, it would affect the non-profit standings of the ULC Seminary. How sad is it that a far-reaching state of fear exists within some religious communities in the United States under the current Bush administration.
I believe the quote is: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Those in charge of the site seem to fear that if such discussions were allowed to exist in this type of setting, it would affect the non-profit standings of the ULC Seminary. How sad is it that a far-reaching state of fear exists within some religious communities in the United States under the current Bush administration.
I believe the quote is: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
posted by Zanla | 7:34 AM
2 Comments:
Hi.
Unfortunately, churches don't have quite the same freedoms of speech as other places.
It has nothing to do with the Bush administration. In order to be a tax-exempt organization, we have to stay away from political discussions or else we might fall into the category of political group.
Religion and spirituality have nothing to do with politics. God is neutral. :)
While it is true that religion and spirituality have nothing to do with politics, the decisions that a Supreme Court judge will have to make on the expression of one's faith will have a major impact on individual religion and spirituality. That is of concern to all and has nothing to do with politics. There was a recent decision by a judge during a divorce proceeding that prevent both parents from sharing their Wiccan faith with their child. This was not even a subject that the parents argued over, yet the judge took it upon himself to forbid either parent from raising their child within their choosen faith. Is it to be believed that this isn't something that could be discussed within a religious forum? Would this be called politics? I think not. I stand by my assertion that discussing a now confirmed Supreme Court judge is something that is important due to the major impact that this one individual can have on religious freedom. Politics is not the issue, freedom of religious expression is.
Post a Comment
<< Home