Random Thoughts

As I occasionally skim blogs and articles across the web, I come across things that really annoy me. Most of them are when people say things that are just plain wrong. With it being the Christmas season, there is always a small number of very vocal people screaming SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Unfortunately the issue while somewhat complex is not understood by most people. Instead of ranting on each site and wasting the effort, I'll just say my peace here.

Amendment 1 -

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.

That means the FEDERAL government cannot establish or prohibit a religion/religious exercise/speech.

Thomas Jefferson's Wall of separation letter (the basis of the terminology separation of Church and State).

The Wall was to protect the Church, not the State. Don't believe me read the letter!

What Jefferson and many today still struggle with, is what constitutes the Federal establishing a religion?

While I feel it would be inappropriate, an individual state in the USA could establish a state Church and it would not be unconstitutional (many states may prohibit it themselves, but the federal constitution does not prohibit states from doing so).

Does a public official reciting a prayer in public establish a religion? Probably not, perhaps if the President came on TV and led the nation in prayer that would--some literlists might even argue that would not be (the Legislature is the branch that is limited afterall).

If a mayor or state governor wants to say Merry Christmas, lead the public in prayer, or even conduct a Church service, there is nothing unconstitutional about it. You may not like it, that is your right, but that doesn't give you the right to squash the rights of others.

Did you know that there used to be Sunday worship services in the US Capitol building? And Jefferson was an attendee! So even Jefferson didn't feel such things established religion, so stop your jammering and have a Merry Christmas.

I thought maybe it was limited, but the phenomenon is all over. Many Churches will be closed on Christmas! Why? So people can spend time with their family is the main reason. Couldn't these people spend time with their families in, say, Church? From what I've read, many of the Churches that are closing are so-called Megachurches. They say they are having services on Saturday to make up for it, but isn't Christmas - the day Christ's birth is celebrated - a religous Holiday? Who knows maybe services for Easter will be canceled in the Spring, then why not nonreligous holidays too? New years day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentines day, Mother's day, Father's day, Independence day, etc. People want to be with their families or friends on those days too don't they?

Some churches offering only eve services, leaving day for families

By Eileen E. Flynn
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, December 08, 2005

Lake Hills Church in West Austin is going all out on Christmas Eve with three services. In North Austin, PromiseLand Church will celebrate the birth of Jesus for two hours Dec. 24.

But come Christmas Day, the large thriving churches that normally shake on the sabbath with rocking praise music will be dark. The pastors and church staff will be home in their pajamas.

[More]

Hard to believe Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! I still have a lot do beforehand, since I'll be taking off a week and half from work.

Here is a Christmas picuture of Anita, Maya, and myself:

I am currently at work, waiting for some materials to arrive before I can do my experiments. So far life in Austin has been pretty good. Last Saturday, we went to the Capitol see the Austin Christmas Tree lighting, which was fun. We got there early and went to a Christmas concert in the Texas State House chamber (we were actually in the gallery as the chamber was reserved for House members). It was a pretty good diverse mix of Christmas music and Maya behaved most of the time.

.......

One of my packages just came, so back to work for me.