On Rights

On rights

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
Over the past few years there have been several court cases in the United States that have caused scripture quotations to be removed from the walls of schools, public buildings and courtrooms.
To my knowledge these cases have been brought before the courts by Atheist groups not religious groups.
One Atheist I heard interviewed on the news said she was offended because it came from “the bible”.
Christians particularly in the United States do the same.
They demonstrate and use the court system to strike out against things they believe wrong.
I think people no matter who they are Atheist, Christian, or those of other faiths who are offended by some words on a wall are out of line.
Particularly when it comes to Christian saying on the walls of courthouses and other government institutions here in the west.
Those words were put there when Christianity was much more a part of our western heritage than today.
I would even go as far as saying some of the people at least, that voted to put the word on the wall were not even Christian. For them it was a cultural thing.
The words sounded nice and appropriate to the situation at the time.
Judeo-Christian thought has contributed much to western culture as a whole over the centuries. Today other religious and ethnic groups are starting to contribute to our culture. This in many ways makes it richer.
I personally find it disturbing that someone would want to remove any religious quote or symbol from any public place.  This to me shows a lack of tolerance. The “I HAVE MY RIGHTS” syndrome.
It’s like Christians wanting to restrict the rights of groups they object to.
An extreme example of removing “offensive symbols and words” is happening in Syria and  Afghanistan where the Taliban and Islamic state are destroying religious images and icons that had been around for centuries simply because it offends them.
I know it seems extreme to compare the actions of an Atheist and some Christians in North America who is using the courts to stand up “for their rights”to the Taliban and Islamic State, but whether done through the courts or violence it is being prejudicial.
I as a Christian see things daily in the media and where I travel that I disagree with but that is a fact of life in a free and democratic society.
I personally and I believe every true Christian would never demonstrate against the rights of others unless it restricted my rights as a Christian to worship and practice my faith.
Those who claim to be Christians and demonstrate against the rights of others are in my opinion not following the teachings of Christ. They should take a closer look at the life and teachings of Christ.
Jesus and his disciples lived in a multicultural society. The Roman empire. Yet Jesus never spoke against the secular Roman authority.
He a Jew, spoke against the teachings of other Jewish teachers of the law. Men who were not following God’s teachings. But never against those outside his faith.
I’m sure the framers of the Constitution of the United States never wished to restrict anyone’s right. The bill of rights was to ensure freedom for all. To promote tolerance.
Sadly over the years, and particularly in this century people have become it seems self centred. They regard their rights above all others. Rather than showing tolerance and understanding. And that goes for both Christians and Atheist alike.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
This is a truth everyone can appreciate.
Please think about it .