Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Dear Editor: Freedom to Practice Religion Starts with You

Dear Editor,

I am by no means a lawless person, but neither am I one of those who say "there outta be a law." In the interest of peace and positivity, I'm not going to point fingers here, or name names; in essence, no religion or person, in particular, will be called onto the carpet! It should be noted, however, that not just in this town, but around the country, if one practices any religion but the prevailing religion of any given region/area (if indeed there is one), then that person, or group of people may expect to undergo some form of persecution (this DOES seem to more prevalent in small towns such as this, for whatever reason). Even those who practice no religion but that portrayed in the Holy Bible might find themselves beleaguered. James 1:27 says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." Whether one is a bible-believing person or not, whether one believes in the God of the Bible or not, it seems to me that this verse is simply saying that true religion is not dogmatic. In essence, it says that it is what we do, not what we SAY we believe, that marks us as truly religious people.

The Constitutions, both of the great state of Montana and of this great nation, were never meant to grant us those rights nor even necessarily to guarantee them, but to protect our precious rights. Those who would deny us those rights are fighting a losing battle, whether they be governments or individuals! Some may say these rights are God-given, but whatever the case may be, they are inherent. Let us then, as human beings, worship whom we choose and how we choose, as long as we do right by our neighbor.

Again, I'm not going to point fingers or name names, but the pettiness that seems to be prevalent in this sort of small-town culture, for whatever reason, needs to STOP. Guess WHO can stop it?! Nope, governmental legislation, no matter how strict, no matter how well enforced will not do the trick. A famous bear once said, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" WE created this mess; WE are the only ones who can rectify it!

In closing, be careful when persecuting and condemning others, for the one who does so will themselves be persecuted & condemned: those who throw stones may find themselves the target of those same stones!

Charles Haddon Shank

Whitehall, Montana

Author Footnote: Constitution of Montana -- Article II -- DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. Section 5. Freedom of religion. The state shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

First Amendment: 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.

 

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