2008 Woodie Awards
The Many Words of Wisdom
Politics and religion need to be separate.
Kathy Arellano
Issue date: 3/16/05 Section: Opinion
Proponents say the presence of the Ten Commandments in government buildings is part of the nation's God-endorsed legislative heritage and should stand in courts as a reminder of the moral laws therein, but there's no denying that other religious symbols also impart messages of justice, knowledge, balance, compassion and wisdom.
But should they be displayed in government buildings?
Why not?
If voters want to mix church and state, then the Chief Justices need to pass a law allowing equal space for all recognized representations of the religious freedom Americans enjoy.
Justice John P. Stevens can display a silk wall hanging on which the graceful calligraphy of Shinto has been embroidered and he can light the flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism before each case is heard.
Justice Ruth Ginsberg could make room for a colorful Buddhist lotus blossom poster on the wall behind her desk.
Maybe she could arrange a collection of Hinduism's beautiful bronze god-and-goddess statues atop the railing of the jury box.
For good measure, witnesses will have to swear on not only the Bible, but also on the Bhagavad-Gita, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Zen Texts and other revered tomes.
The pledge of allegiance will have to be amended, too.
In the hallways will hang the black and white yin-yang orb of Taoism calming nervous defendants, while an authentic medicine shield of Native American spirituality will remind passers-by of the spiritual heritage that existed in this country before the founding fathers arrived.
Each religion will be fairly represented when the prayer is recited at the start of most, if not all governmental meetings.
Federal buildings will have an eclectic look. Visitors and employees will have an opportunity to study the symbols that now share the space with The Big Ten as they move through the hallways or consult with their lawyers in the courtrooms.
Doesn't sound too comfortable, does it?
It's like serving crème Brule and sashimi on the same little plate. They shouldn't be together - ever.
Separation of church and state is a vital cornerstone of religious liberty, which guarantees each person the freedom of choice about their spiritual life.
Something so personal should not be mixed up with government in a pot like so much jambalaya.
But should they be displayed in government buildings?
Why not?
If voters want to mix church and state, then the Chief Justices need to pass a law allowing equal space for all recognized representations of the religious freedom Americans enjoy.
Justice John P. Stevens can display a silk wall hanging on which the graceful calligraphy of Shinto has been embroidered and he can light the flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism before each case is heard.
Justice Ruth Ginsberg could make room for a colorful Buddhist lotus blossom poster on the wall behind her desk.
Maybe she could arrange a collection of Hinduism's beautiful bronze god-and-goddess statues atop the railing of the jury box.
For good measure, witnesses will have to swear on not only the Bible, but also on the Bhagavad-Gita, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Zen Texts and other revered tomes.
The pledge of allegiance will have to be amended, too.
In the hallways will hang the black and white yin-yang orb of Taoism calming nervous defendants, while an authentic medicine shield of Native American spirituality will remind passers-by of the spiritual heritage that existed in this country before the founding fathers arrived.
Each religion will be fairly represented when the prayer is recited at the start of most, if not all governmental meetings.
Federal buildings will have an eclectic look. Visitors and employees will have an opportunity to study the symbols that now share the space with The Big Ten as they move through the hallways or consult with their lawyers in the courtrooms.
Doesn't sound too comfortable, does it?
It's like serving crème Brule and sashimi on the same little plate. They shouldn't be together - ever.
Separation of church and state is a vital cornerstone of religious liberty, which guarantees each person the freedom of choice about their spiritual life.
Something so personal should not be mixed up with government in a pot like so much jambalaya.
