minow@decvax.UUCP (Martin Minow) (10/07/83)
Gary Samulson, in discussing Pamela Troy's comments on life in a Christian society, pointed out that, if Christians ask for laws that support their beliefs, that is "imposing their will on others." One of the problems with "Christian doctrine" as practiced by some individuals (though certainly not all), is that there is a willingness -- indeed, a deep seated desire -- to impose their beliefs on others, whether those others wish this or not. Samulson says that many people believe that it "illegal to pray in a public school" (though probably not true). But, some Christian religous leaders believe that public prayers should be required (and if you don't like the form they take, you may leave the room). People with other religous backgrounds feel this is ridiculous. Consider orthodox Jews who are required by their religious beliefs to wash their hands and say a prayer before each meal. Yet, there are no calls by Jewish leaders to require other citizens to wash their hands -- even though it would undoubtedly provide a secular benefit. And there is no restriction on private prayers: you should feel free to say grace at a resturant, but, I think, you should not be free to say grace -- especially your grace -- before my meals. If you have indeed succeeded in teaching your children proper morality at home, they will not be influenced by what the "moral" lessons of school. Indeed, the questions they bring home may well offer both you and your children an opportunity for communication and mutual understanding. A few weeks ago, to change the topic only slightly, Representative Gary Studds faced his Cape Cod constituants (after his homosexuality became publicly known). One waved the biblical injunction against homosexuality at him. Studds pointed out that that injunction was only a few paragraphs away from the one that forbid eating lobster, clams, and shrimp. Just which Christian rules do you want us to live under -- and if you can select them, why can't I? Martin Minow decvax!minow