Dear editor:
When Joseph, in the Bible, was tempted to enter into an adulterous relationship by a gorgeous woman, his response was, "How can I do this wicked thing and sin against God?"
When Daniel broke the law of the Medes and Persians and opened his window toward Jerusalem to offer his prayers, he was thrown into a den of hungry lions. He was miraculously saved from them.
Queen Esther went against the government to save her people; Jeremiah was thrown in a well. All the Apostles were loyal to their Messiah to the point of death -- some quite horrible and painful deaths.
Martin Luther stood for his belief in salvation by grace alone, going against the religious leaders and government: "Here I stand," he said. "I can do no other, so help me God!"
Here is a jewel from Thomas Jefferson, in 1781:
"Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the mind of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever."
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ..."
According to the United States Constitution, government cannot make religious laws. Neither can it prevent any citizen from freely expressing his/her religious beliefs. Now, many folks are asking, is this at risk? I guess we are going to find out. What will our response be when it becomes personal? Something to think about.
Pat Pine Darnell
501-282-3102
Hot Springs
Editorial on 07/26/2015