Pawhuska OK USA - Opinion

Today is July 4, 2007. 231 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was released. There were representatives from each of the 13 colonies signing it. How many of us today would put our lives on the line and declare Independence from tyranny? These were brave souls, united on the common principles that "all men are created equal" and "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights ... among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The mention of a Creator in the original founding document of this Country did not in any way put together Church and State. Those who argue for the "separation of Church and State" seldom understand that a recognition of our Creator is not the same as an endorsement by the State of one sect or denomination of faith. This is the thing Thomas Jefferson was referring to when he framed his comments about the separation of Church and State. Those comments are not in the constitution, though many think they are.

Every person in America is created equal, and endowed by their Creator. They are also endowed with the right not to acknowledge their Creator. But under the 1st Amendment of the Constitution, they are not endowed by the State with the right to force their lack of acknowledgement on anyone else through legislation or judgements handed down by any court.

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, ratified December 15, 1791, states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Congess, then, cannot prohibit the free exercise of religion. This impllies that neither should the court system, nor any branch of the Government of these United States.

It is our individual right as Americans to freely exercise our religion. Wheither it is in a school, as a student, or as a teacher. I know there are people who have a differing opinion on this, but they need to review the Constitution again, especially the first amendment.

A while back, I published an article that included a part of an essay talking about the life of Jesus of Nazareth. That essay, "One Solitary Life", pointed out the indisputable affect of His life upon this world, from his life to the present.

People who lived with him crucified Him. It is no wonder that there are those today who would do the same should He show up in our midst, and begin His walk of peace again. But look at his life. I challenge you to look at His teachings.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth fulfilled the teachings of the Hebrews. His was a life of peace. His is a way of peace. And though man may choose conflict to try to enforce man's peace, Jesus of Nazareth chose the way of peace. He died for our peace. He rose for our peace. He lives today to bring His peace to us, through faith in Him.

A person who is against peace is self destructive. A person who is against Jesus of Nazareth is against peace. Who in their right mind could choose that?

Michael

A Declaration - July 4th

Date: 07/04/07

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