The downside to the First Amendment

Is Scientology a religion? Whether or not one finds this ideology to be considered a legitimate religion, the fact is that thousands of people follow it. Scientology became a huge phenomenon when celebrities began endorsing it on national television and news outlets. Even the country of Denmark where the Scientology European headquarters is located in, does not consider it a religion. Belgium, Canada, Finland, France , Russia, and the United Kingdom along with many other countries, do not publicly recognize the church. The United States constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This seems to be the “loophole” under which the United States had to recognize Scientology as a religion.

Examiner examines Scientology

Manhattan Declaration part3

Manhattan Declaration is basically a document that encourages “religious Americans” to fight back and unite on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage. Ann Coulter appears as a guest on the O’Reilly show to express her concerns as a conservation writer and Christian. She agrees that people of faith should be become more aggressive and even go as far to break the law/ use civil obedience to practice their beliefs. O’ Reilly and Coulter point fingers at the liberal administration of Obama for the need of Christians to unite.

Manhattan Declaration part 2

The Manhattan Declaration is a document that "addresses the sanctity of life" or opposition of abortion and "traditional marriage" or opposition of same-sex marriage. Since it's release, the document has received much opposition. The Examiner even wrote an article based on the negativity that the document has received. Apparently, Mark Kern, another writer from the Examiner did not agree with that opposition that the document received. Kern believes that the Manhattan Declaration is simply a document that defends the traditions of American life and liberty. Furthermore, he believes that faith-based organizations provide a safety net for politics in this country. It is interesting to see the differences from both sides as two very different articles were released by the same news outlet, illustrating the same differences seen in America today.

When politics dictates religion

Resist Gay Marriage & Abortion

Religion has always surrounded controversial issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. This still holds true in the document recently released by the National Press Club. The document is called the “Manhattan Declaration” and has been signed by over 150 Christian leaders, Catholic bishops, and officials of evangelical organizations. They claim American culture is a “threat” to the ideas held by the church and have released a document outlining them.


Resist Gay Marriage & Abortion

This author mad that Israel doesnt get attention from Obama and spends too much on parties? Time t

http://wizbangblog.com/content/2009/11/28/burnin-down-the-house.php

Keep the Nativity Scene

Although the Nativity scene at Chambersburg's Memorial Square is set to be removed, 100 protesters are fighting for the support of allowing the holiday decor to stay. Many supporters of the nativity scene included church members and 6 pastors from the local community. The line of separation between church and state has often been unclear and the question remains whether the Nativity scene is an appropriate one at the Chambersburg's Memorial Square.

Rally for Nativity

Good without God

The American Humanist Association has come out with a new campaign that illustrates that non-believers have ethics. Their new national campaign logo is "No God? ...No problem!" The full text of the ad read: No God? ...No Problem! Be good for goodness' sake. Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God." This ad illustrates happy people with Santa hats on. It is interesting how humanism is going to be advertised in public transit systems through these ads.


Good Without God

Savage remarks

During an interview about terrorism suspects, Republic Representative Donald Manzullo stated, "These are really, really mean people whose job it is to kill people, driven by some savage religion." This quote obviously offended Muslims throughout his Illinois jurisdiction. The lawmaker is now apologizing for his statement and has said that Islam is a "religion of peace." Before making comments, lawmakers should realize that generalities are unacceptable.

Lawmaker apologizes after 'savage religion' remark

Separation of Mosque and State

According to this blatantly bias article, Federer urges Americans to keep a special eye on Muslims who use the "cloak" of religion to push certain political ideologies. Due to the actions of Major Hasan in Fort Hood, it seems that being Muslim is synonymous with being a murderer. This article explores how Islam is a religion, a political system, and a military system. Church and state are in fact separate entities in America; however if one takes a look at human history, many times religion is tied with politics. Muslims in America are generally law abiding citizens and those who are not, are always labeled "Islamic fundamentalists." When any other American citizen commits a crime, their religion is very rarely mentioned; however when a Muslim commits a crime, religion becomes the main focus and motive.



Fort Hood and separation of Mosque and state

Violence strikes Peace

The Fort Hood shooting rampage has drawn more negative attention to the religion of Islam. This religion ideologically promotes peace but some misguided followers have turned Islam into a religion of violence. After U.S. Army Major Hasan's malicious shooting, Islam is being questioned. As a whole, most Muslims find Hasan to be evil and his actions punishable. One imam, or Muslim religious leader, praised his actions and has since then been dismissed from his mosque. Americans should view the actions of Hasan as an act of an individual, rather than an act supported by his entire Muslim community.



Religion of Peace struck by violence

The United States of America is a country founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs, but there has always been a separation between church and state. That is, until the presidency of George W. Bush. During his two terms in office, many decisions made by Bush were based not from strategy and analysis, but by faith. This article sheds light on how his religion played a major role in even domestic issues such as teen pregnancy. Rather than using tax dollars on contraceptives, the President chose to tackle teen pregnancy through teaching abstinence. A faith based presidency is no way to run a secular country.

Religion in Politics?

http://www.examiner.com/x-27914-Newark-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m11d27-Does-religion-have-a-place-in-politics

Nativity Scene must Go

Although an estimated 95% of American’s celebrate Christmas in some form, the line of separation and church is being enforced in the form of the removal of Christmas decorations. Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire has banned displays of religion or any thing non-governmental from the Capitol building. Due to the protests by an atheist group called The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the nativity scene and other holiday decorations are no longer welcome.
It may have been extreme for the atheist group to protest against holiday decorations in general, but the nativity scene directly follows the Christian faith. It should not have been placed outside a federal building in the first place.


Washington State Bans Holiday Display

Stop the Hating

Hate Crime Rates Increase

Although it may seem as though people are generally more understanding and tolerant about different religions, new FBI data found that the rates of religion based hate crimes has increased since 2001. Religion based hate crimes account for 20% of hate crimes. Two-thirds of all religious bias crimes were against the Jewish community, the largest number of crimes against Jews since 2001.

It is time for the public to become more educated and tolerant about religion. There is no reason that we can not all live peacefully amongst each other despite ideological differences.

Oregon finally up to speed

Oregon Teachers

Teachers in Oregon will most likely be allowed to wear religious garb in classrooms in February when the 1923 law will be repealed. This will finally allow many religious followers to teach in public classrooms without sacrificing their religious values. In 1986, a Sikh teacher was fired for wearing his turban. This will no longer be the case in a matter of a few months.

The time for change has been long overdue. The original law of 1923 came into play when Kaper K. Kubli, an open supporter of the Ku Klux Kan, presided as speaker of the House. Since then, most Americans have embraced religious freedom in the form of headscarfs, turbons, habits, yamakas, etc.

Two Million Muslims Stone Devil

Reuters