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OpEdNews Op Eds    H3'ed 12/9/11

The Hidden Agenda within the Hidden Agenda

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As a Christian myself, I often wonder what America conservative Christians live in, and why it is so different from the America I find myself in. Recently Rick Perry released an advertisement in which he is quoted as saying,

"I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a Christian. . . there's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school."

I am not sure why people should have their Constitutional rights of freedom of speech revoked for being a homosexual in the military. Is there a "the Constitution no longer applies to you" clause when they sign up? I understand that joining the military requires one to sign a waver giving control of one's life to the government -- they become voluntary slaves to Uncle Sam. Yet one would think that if you are going to give your life for the freedom of others, they should at least have the right to enjoy those same freedoms.

That said, like Rick Perry, I too am not ashamed to admit that I am a Christian. In fact, I remember getting caught reading my Bible and my Book of Mormon in study hall back in high school. I'll never forget the harsh words the teacher spoke to me.

Teacher: "What are you reading?"

Me: "The New Testament."

Teacher: "Is all of your homework done?"

Me: "Yeah."

Teacher: "Okay."

What could he do? It was my book, I was quietly reading. It's not like he was legally obligated to rip it from my hands and throw it into some Bible burn pile.

I would pray in school too -- a lot. I would pray before tests, when I got my report card, during math class, almost whenever I wanted. No, I didn't drop to my knees and start screaming in tongues or disrupt others around me, I would quietly bow my head and talk to God in my mind. There was no one that could stop me. I was asked a few times if I was sleeping, but when they saw that I wasn't they left me alone. I didn't do it when the teacher was talking, as it would have been rude.

My children are in school now, and no one stops them when they pray over their food at lunch time.

Again, I ask, why is the America conservative Christians' life so different? Why are they being stopped from reading the Bible or praying when and where they wish?

Maybe this is just like the call to bring the Pledge of Allegiance back to schools. My kids have attended two school thus far, and both recited the Pledge every morning. Yet I still get emails and Facebook post from my conservative Christian friends asking me to sign petitions to bring back something that isn't missing.

My point? The whole thing is a sham. There is no plot to stop Christians, just a plot by Conservative to keep their Christian sheep in line. Fear is great inspiration for those looking for something to motivate.

There is still the point of Christmas in schools. Last night each of the first grade classes performed a skit based on various religious holidays; Hanukkah, Ramadan, Christmas, and Kwanza were all covered. Why shouldn't Christian children be educated about other cultures and religions?

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A graduate of Franklin University with a degree in Digital Communications, David is the co-president of the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational Latter Day Saint/Mormon movement. In the past, he was a full time (more...)
 

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