I am going against my own advice and writing about my political and religious views on the internet. In the era of "personal brand", it should practically be a crime to dare voice your actual opinions on this subject (ok, people do it all the time), but things have gotten to such a point in my great state of Tennessee that I must speak out. The latest in a string of actions by my representatives involves a law (Bill 202) that establishes a Day of Prayer for our schools. This is my opinion on the matter:
In regards to Tennessee State Bill 202, which states "Tennesseans are encouraged to pray" and "it is appropriate that prayer be offered" and, most egregiously, "the people of this state may turn to prayer", I would ask Governor Haslam, Representatives Crowe and Holsclaw, who do you think you are?
Student, teachers, and everyone in our school system needs prayers. What we do not need is the government thinking they have any business or role in our relationship with God. How dare you presume to tell us when or when not to pray? You are the servants of the People, and all People are the servants of God. I can only hope your hubris is innocent misunderstanding, not a willful attempt to unseat our preachers, our religious scholars, or even our humble neighbors — all of whom are the ones actually with any right to say anything about this subject.
The government of Tennessee continues to miss the mark with their comprehension of what their purpose is in respect to our Creator. When Mr. Crowe and Mr. Holsclaw attend church or sit down at dinner, they are the People, too, but when they go to their office and write Laws, they are the employees of Tennesseans and beholden to the United States Constitution. The entire purpose of separation of Church and State is not so that Christianity (or any religion) should be held lower in our hearts, but so that the State knows its place in our great country — beneath God and beneath the People.
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