My son started college this last fall and like all parents, I was happy for him and worried. Happy because he was going to college to set him up for a good start in life on his own, worried because he was leaving to face the unknown with all the dangers of society. From facing temptations of drugs, alcohol, and other things that lead to the downfall of many a college career to the plain unknown of sickness, accidents, and the violence in the world. I prayed that he learned enough from his family (yes family, it takes a family to raise a child properly) to make the right decisions in life. So far, he has done rather well and I pray he continues to do so. One danger that I did not see is how people in a position off power above can have a negative effect a person's view of religion.
My son lives in the dorms at his college. He has it made with a dorm room of his own. The drawback is, or rather was, that his Resident Advisor was a Christian with fundamentalist leanings. There is nothing wrong with being a Christian; I am a Christian. The problem becomes when the person in authority starts to ram their beliefs down a person's throat and preaches hellfire and Damnation, when the person takes the Authority of Christ and condemns people.
I do not like this, to me it is not Christian behavior, it is hateful behavior and tends to drive people away from God. I do not want someone in authority, minor as it may be, to poison my son's view of God. No, I want my son to come to God on his own terms and not be coerced into it. I do not think fear creates a true believer but a suppressed soul.
I was relieved to find the Resident Advisor was relieved of his position because of his actions. He overstepped his authority and was in violation of the concept of separation of religion from government.
Do I think Christians should not serve in government? No, far from it, I believe it is ok for people who have spiritual beliefs serve in government. I do not mind that our elected officials talk about their faith, heck it is part of what makes them who they are. What I do not like is for someone to tell me what to believe in, who or how to worship, or judge me for my beliefs. I definitely do not like a person who condemns another; especially if the person is a hypocrite.
If you are a Christian spread the Gospel, Judge not, live your life as best you can to shine like a beacon for others to follow. I know I have not been the best at this but I try. Heck, I am a sinner but God still loves me and I know there is Salvation in Christ. And for those non-believers or those of other faiths I say. "Treat others as you would like to be treated and Love thy neighbor like thy self." Even this saying is Humanist.
Charles Parmele author of The Last Run
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