Students are required to post their primary response (200 word minimum. Students will respond to at least 2 other postings (150 words

minimum each).

The rights of many different groups are being “protected” and advanced. Are the

rights of Christians being protected and advanced or

being eroded away (do you have an example?) What can Christians do to protect and advance their rights?

REPLY – 1 (TINA BRYAN)

This week’s discussion has me perplexed on how to answer. I have been deciding my thoughts on this topic and how to answer it.  I was raised by my parents not to discuss politics or religion at any event and have added social media.  I still follow this lesson in my life. Especially in today’s world, where there are so many opinions that can be given by a keyboard warrior without a fair discussion.

In my opinion, Christian rights are not being eroded away. I believe they are changing, issues are being questioned, and individuals thought processes are being examined. This is where I believe the difference in opinions come into play.  If change is scary or not wanted, then maybe it feels to them that rights are being eroded.  I think that is a legit feeling.  

Regardless of which religion we are discussing, there has to be growth. I know this nation was built on Christian beliefs.  It is the reason we are who we are, but times change, and so do people. There was a time when it was taboo for interracial marriages, slavery, polygamy, sometimes sighting biblical reasoning. But it was questioned, which is how issues come to light, they are challenged. In my view, this is advancement, not eroding. 

I think what is not being protected is for people to feel safe in their beliefs. Also, there is a way to have your beliefs and allow others to have theirs.  Chick Fil A is a perfect example.  People get upset when they ask the owner their views on hot topics like closing on Sundays or homosexuality.  Then are surprised by their answers, they do not believe in homosexuality and will remain closed on Sunday as a day of rest.  However, they do not refuse to serve or hire anyone, and have opened on Sundays to serve during a disaster when the time calls for it.  A great demonstration of having and sticking to your beliefs without turning your back on individuals or treating them any different.

REPLY – 2 (RACHEL BLACKBURN)

In my opinion, I think the rights of Christians are being eroded away more so than they are being advanced. In today’s society, everything is scrutinized. From the way children are dressed, to the labels we put on our bathrooms. There are always two sides to an argument, but it seems to me that favor tends to shift to the non-Christian solution more times than not. In 1954, President Eisenhower urged Congress to add the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance (“The Pledge of Allegiance”, 1995). However, in 2002, a federal appeals court declared that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional because it contained the words “under God”, which violated the separation of church and state (Nieves, 2002). While it is not illegal to say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, many schools do not participate in saying it anymore. Not only is the Pledge not being said, but praying within school settings (unless it is a private/religious school) is highly discouraged as well. Our country was founded upon Christian beliefs, but in my opinion, it seems that those same Christian beliefs are being hindered instead of advanced. I think Christians should continue to stand up for the things they believe in without fear of prejudice or penalty. One company in particular that I think of when it comes to preserving their Christian values is Chick-Fil-A. I am not saying I support every decision they have ever made, but I think having strong Christian values is a necessity – especially when you see the success the company has made over the last decade.

References

Nieves, E. (2002). Judges Ban Pledge of Allegiance From Schools, Citing “Under God”. The New York Times. Retrieved from

https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/27/us/judges-ban-pledge-of-allegiance-from-schools-citing-under-god.html

“The Pledge of Allegiance” (1995). US History. Retrieved from

https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm