In the Mojave Desert, there is a homemade cross that has been there for years. The cross was raised by the VFW as a memorial over 70 years ago. It probably stood unnoticed until a few years ago when someone asked to put up a Buddhist shrine as well. The park service refused and a flurry of trouble ensued. The cross’ presence came under fire as a violation of separation of church and state. The VFW placed the cross there as a tribute to the sacrifices of the fallen, but after so many years, the original purpose was forgotten and the cross’s traditional status as Christianity symbol took precedence.
Recently, a lower court ordered the cross taken down. The Supreme Court, however, stepped in and stated that the lower court had not done it’s homework and that the cross should stay.
Today that point is moot as someone has stolen the cross.
Even though I am fairly conservative, I believe in the separation of church and state. The government has no business telling me what, how, or even IF I should worship or practice my religion. What we must not lose sight of is what one of the justices wrote:
“A cross by the side of a public highway marking, for instance, the place where a state trooper perished, need not be taken as a statement of governmental support for sectarian beliefs.” (Anthony Kennedy)
And I might add that it in no way intimates the state trooper was a Christian. Even though I understand, I think that non-believers have become too knee-jerk and reactionary to these ubiquitous symbols. My personal desire is to see a return to the idea of what the old-schoolers called “personal piety.” I can pray, believe, worship, –whatever and however I wish. And I don’t have to advertise it.
For an easy to use workbook on prayer, go to:
