Debby Hozan’s Nov. 28 letter, “Where is freedom of religion?,” requests religious freedom in public schools. I’d like to know what her definition of “freedom of religion” is.
Want to pray in public? Not a problem. Just don’t compel yourself to publicly pray “out loud,” possibly disrupting others who might have a different prayer or hope or thought in mind.
Persecution (verbal bullying) occurs on all sides of the religious/anti-religious spectrum. Yes, “making fun of Jesus” comments would be unappreciated. However, “making fun” is also a “belief” and form of “freedom” that Hozan will likewise have to endure, especially if the “Jesus” comments continue. Or Hozan could learn from the “fun makers” (her persecutors), and consider other ways to proclaim her “Jesus message,” which has its own “persecuting” view.
The solution may be for different sides to “compassionately” stick with civil discussions of social justice issues in public and leave out religious/anti-religious references. Keep religious beliefs in the home or church, as some of my church-going friends strongly suggest. The anti-religious viewpoints will then likely diminish or disappear and focus only on resolving social justice issues.
