Missouri legislators in Jefferson City considered a bill that would name Christianity the state's official "majority" religion.

[iceyspots 0]

Whew thank goodness i'm from a blue state

[Aymerlu 3]

Since I am from Columbia, Missouri I guess I need to add a few little tid-bits. First I find this article very interesting since I have not heard any mention of in and I am a news addict. I have even called many of my friends and family and they have not heard of this either. Maybe this was on during one of my potty breaks. As for Christianity being the states religion, I that the United States in general is a Christian country. Yes, many other religions here as in other countries, but christianity being the primary. And this is the "land of the free." So, that being said and I also want to mention that I totally respect other religions....IF this is the land of the free and this land was founded a christian nation....why isn't my child allowed to pray at school? Why was it when I was growing up, when there was a Christian holiday such as Christmas, if that was not your religion/you did not beleive in Christmas, you left the room while the class had their party. Now it is a "winter break." Heaven forbid if we say "Christmas" and offend someone. Actually, there are many times that I am offended. Like I said, I respect everyones religion, but why come to my country and then tell me that you are "offended" because of the religion here......YOU did decide to come here, correct? It has even got so bad that last year at my office (I am a nurse) the other nurses and staff members were told NOT to tell patients "Merry Christmas, have a nice Easter," etc. So that's where I have a problem.

My fiance is from Egypt and Muslim and we have talked about this a lot. For example, when I visit him, I hear the call to prayer 5 times a day. Does it offend me? NO, because I am in his country were the majority of people are muslims. Why should I be offended, it is my choice to be there? If I moved there would I become offended hearing the call to prayer 5 times a day? Of course not.

So, like I said, no one I have spoke with has heard of this bill. Probably a bunch of people in the boothill with too much time on their hands praying and playing with the snakes! I do beleive in freedom of all religions, but if you come to a country that is a christian county, guess I would be expecting that religion to be the religion of choice or the state religion.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Is it closing other religions down or tossing non-christians in jail, I don't think so.

Maybe legislators in Missouri should refrain from effectively expressing preference for one religion over another. It matters not whether this will result in other religions being off limits in Missouri. It equates to government promotion of a certain religion. What business does a government entity in this here country have engaging in that sort of nonsense?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

IF this is the land of the free and this land was founded a christian nation....why isn't my child allowed to pray at school?

Maybe that is because the place to pray is church and home. There are, however, schools available where you can choose to send your kids so they can pray.

[pax 0]

Not to mention the fact that your child is perfectly free to pray at school. Your child's teacher or principal is not allowed to compel large groups of children to pray, but if your child wants to say grace at lunchtime or whatever, there's no law saying he can't.

I do get rather annoyed when Christians claim to be persecuted in this country. Nonsense. You want to see what Christian persecution looks like, go to China or Afghanistan. And I say this as a Christian: I do not need any government to declare my faith a "majority" religion. Frankly, I don't give a toss. I don't want my faith watered down and used as a bargaining chip or a ploy by politicians. That's not the government's job.

[Aymerlu 3]

Not to mention the fact that your child is perfectly free to pray at school. Your child's teacher or principal is not allowed to compel large groups of children to pray, but if your child wants to say grace at lunchtime or whatever, there's no law saying he can't.

I do get rather annoyed when Christians claim to be persecuted in this country. Nonsense. You want to see what Christian persecution looks like, go to China or Afghanistan. And I say this as a Christian: I do not need any government to declare my faith a "majority" religion. Frankly, I don't give a toss. I don't want my faith watered down and used as a bargaining chip or a ploy by politicians. That's not the government's job.

wow.....my son is 11 and cannot pray before lunch. Also, my son loves reading his Bible. There is free reading time before school, during and after school. He has brought his Bible to school and was told to put it in his backpack! Personally, I feel that in a way we as Christians are persecuted because we cannot express our religion openly like we were able to in the past because other religions are offended. Like I said before, I respect other religions, but the U.S is a prodominantly christian country.

[faith 0]

and there's also that little line about "separation of church and state". ALL religion is supposed to be kept out of our schools and government. How offensive do you think it is to other people when the school itself breaks the law and forces the children and parents to take part in or listen to a prayer?

Our country was founded on the basis of freedom of religion. NO state should be declaring a "state religion". Again.. separation of church and state.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Personally, I feel that in a way we as Christians are persecuted because we cannot express our religion openly ...

Nonsense. You can't push it onto others. That is not persecution.

[pax 0]

wow.....my son is 11 and cannot pray before lunch.

So I assume that your son bowed his head and said a prayer before he ate. Can you tell us what happened when he did this?

Also, my son loves reading his Bible. There is free reading time before school, during and after school. He has brought his Bible to school and was told to put it in his backpack!

Might this be because it was time for class and anyone doing personal reading would have been asked to put it away?

Personally, I feel that in a way we as Christians are persecuted because we cannot express our religion openly like we were able to in the past because other religions are offended. Like I said before, I respect other religions, but the U.S is a prodominantly christian country.

Well, let's see. I'm a Christian. I was allowed to go to a Catholic college, where I attended Mass and sang in the choir. I even went on Christian service trips. And now I have a good job, I go to church, I tell people I'm Christian if they happen to ask and I don't get interrogated or thrown in jail. Please tell me how I'm being persecuted, because dammit, if I can get some money out of this, I will!

[Sister Fracas 5]

why isn't my child allowed to pray at school?

How is your child denied from praying? I see people saying a quick prayer before meals in the cafeteria at work, restaurants, you name it....and I've never seen someone say...you can't do that.

Why was it when I was growing up, when there was a Christian holiday such as Christmas, if that was not your religion/you did not beleive in Christmas, you left the room while the class had their party. Now it is a "winter break."

With other religious holidays close-ish to Christmas, why shoudn't followers of those religions be included in a celebration of holidays?? Since these class parties don't revolve around religion usually, unless you are at a religious school...why shouldn't all the children be allowed to attend in an environment that's welcome to everyone. Saying Merry Christmas to a Jew is pointless when you wouldn't expect to have the greeting Happy Hanukkah said to you. There is nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays". And I don't understand why people feel threatened by that simple greeting. No one is taking away their right to celebrate their religion in their homes and churches.

but if you come to a country that is a christian county, guess I would be expecting that religion to be the religion of choice or the state religion.

The US is NOT a Chrisitan country....that implies that laws are made based on the Christian faith. There is a difference in a majority of the people being Christian and the country being Christian.

One thing I think people forget if they think something like this is ok is...what happens when all of a sudden YOUR religion isn't the majority faith in the state anymore and someone comes along and says, let's make the Muslim/Jewish/Hindu/Wiccan faith the state faith and not protect the rights of Christians? Will it still be ok then?

Edited March 24, 2006 by Frances

[almaty 19]

Since I am from Columbia, Missouri I guess I need to add a few little tid-bits. First I find this article very interesting since I have not heard any mention of in and I am a news addict. I have even called many of my friends and family and they have not heard of this either. Maybe this was on during one of my potty breaks. As for Christianity being the states religion, I that the United States in general is a Christian country. Yes, many other religions here as in other countries, but christianity being the primary. And this is the "land of the free." So, that being said and I also want to mention that I totally respect other religions....IF this is the land of the free and this land was founded a christian nation....why isn't my child allowed to pray at school? Why was it when I was growing up, when there was a Christian holiday such as Christmas, if that was not your religion/you did not beleive in Christmas, you left the room while the class had their party. Now it is a "winter break." Heaven forbid if we say "Christmas" and offend someone. Actually, there are many times that I am offended. Like I said, I respect everyones religion, but why come to my country and then tell me that you are "offended" because of the religion here......YOU did decide to come here, correct? It has even got so bad that last year at my office (I am a nurse) the other nurses and staff members were told NOT to tell patients "Merry Christmas, have a nice Easter," etc. So that's where I have a problem.

My fiance is from Egypt and Muslim and we have talked about this a lot. For example, when I visit him, I hear the call to prayer 5 times a day. Does it offend me? NO, because I am in his country were the majority of people are muslims. Why should I be offended, it is my choice to be there? If I moved there would I become offended hearing the call to prayer 5 times a day? Of course not.

So, like I said, no one I have spoke with has heard of this bill. Probably a bunch of people in the boothill with too much time on their hands praying and playing with the snakes! I do beleive in freedom of all religions, but if you come to a country that is a christian county, guess I would be expecting that religion to be the religion of choice or the state religion.

it is well known in the st louis area and no secret...and the bill is in congress..easy enough to trace...

Personally, I feel that in a way we as Christians are persecuted because we cannot express our religion openly ...

Nonsense. You can't push it onto others. That is not persecution.

total agreement. i against in the same vein, muslim countries saying you ahve to be muslim....all have a choice and the choice of religion or no religion is based on one's personal choice and beliefs, not a government legislature..........

Edited March 24, 2006 by almaty2004

[Satisfaction 1]

and there's also that little line about "separation of church and state". ALL religion is supposed to be kept out of our schools and government. How offensive do you think it is to other people when the school itself breaks the law and forces the children and parents to take part in or listen to a prayer?

Our country was founded on the basis of freedom of religion. NO state should be declaring a "state religion". Again.. separation of church and state.

I completely agree. If I wanted to move to a catholic State, I would have immigrated to Poland or Malta. I was put in catholic school in Kindergarden, and had to listen to some fairy story concocted by some nutters 2000 years ago.... I think I've had enough. Beside, I don't go all the way with the Pope about condoms.

That said, I totally respect people beliefs, whether they are christians, jews, muslims or else, as long as they don't come and have religion shoved down my throat.

[Mand 1]

had to listen to some fairy story concocted by some nutters 2000 years ago....

That said, I totally respect people beliefs, whether they are christians, jews, muslims or else, as long as they don't come and have religion shoved down my throat.

Hmmm, how can you say you respect other people's beliefs, when you just referred to catholics as a bunch of nutters?!? Think before you write!

[Mirorgate 0]

...I totally respect people beliefs, whether they are christians, jews, muslims or else, as long as they don't come and have religion shoved down my throat.

That's good to know.

... I was put in catholic school in Kindergarden, and had to listen to some fairy story concocted by some nutters 2000 years ago....

Hey now... if you respect... then why ridicule it?

As to OT... Seperation of Church and State all the way... MO.. a$$hats trying to cling to "We good, Them bad." Mentality... Another McCarthyism Commie hunt type era again? I'll pass thanks. If I wanted to have experienced a witch hunt.. eeessshhhhh.

[almaty 19]

...I totally respect people beliefs, whether they are christians, jews, muslims or else, as long as they don't come and have religion shoved down my throat.

That's good to know.

... I was put in catholic school in Kindergarden, and had to listen to some fairy story concocted by some nutters 2000 years ago....

Hey now... if you respect... then why ridicule it?

As to OT... Seperation of Church and State all the way... MO.. a$$hats trying to cling to "We good, Them bad." Mentality... Another McCarthyism Commie hunt type era again? I'll pass thanks. If I wanted to have experienced a witch hunt.. eeessshhhhh.

as always my ecuador friend....well stated..good use of the word asshats