I've Had Enough

Until yesterday I had never heard of The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Campus, and I would imagine that most of you aren't terribly familiar with it either. It caught my attention because the campus has banned their RAs from holding private Bible studies anywhere in their own dormitories. It isn't surprising that the campus has received some attention over this decision. One of the RAs contacted FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or something like that) for assistance. The campus has turned to the ACLU and the State Attorney General's Office for help while slowly changing their policy to avoid further opening the can of worms. Basically the campus claims that RAs are on duty 24/7 while in the dorms and are state employees. As such they cannot lead any activity that is religious or political in nature. While this policy appears to be a direct contradiction of the campus' own RA job description, the school is standing by it (explore the links below). The initial incident that sparked this debate specifically mentioned Bible study, but claimed that all religious activities were banned. In my internet research I was unable to find any evidence of action actually being taken against RAs for any other religious or political activities. To attempt to achieve a sense of fairness I have attached the following links for your perusal:

FIRE
Eau Claire Campus

Also in news this week, Michael Newdow is back in action. Newdow is the guy sued the government because he didn't want his daughter, who he doesn't have custody of, to hear the words "under God" in the school pledge. Newdow claimed that it violated his daughter's rights. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying that the girl's rights weren't any of his business. Newdow then rounded up some people who actually have custody of children in school and continued his crusade, eventually getting a federal judge to rule in his favor. Newdow now wants the words "In God We Trust" removed from all US currency. It isn't really all that surprising, except that you wouldn't expect this sort of thing from a guy who denies being an activist.

So what's my point, right? Some of you might remember that when Newdow won the school pledge case my response was "It's about time." Implying that American culture has long ceased to mirror religious culture and the shedding of religious adornments might not be all that bad. Basically I guess its just that guys like Newdow irk me. The man wants to remove any trace of anything in society that he doesn't agree with. Why didn't he start with taxes? Anyway, he can go ahead and remove "In God We Trust" from the dollar bill. I can just as easily insert it again with a black marker.

This University of Wisconsin thing has got me more concerned. Frankly I'm just sick of it. There is a growing anti-Christian trend (not sure if it can be called a movement yet) in this country, and this week it finally ticked me off. It is apparent that the constriction of religious liberties in the last few years has been specifically aimed at Christianity. When was the last time Muslims were told that they weren't allowed to do anything? Hindus and Muslims in US prisons are now allowed to wear religious head wear beyond the prison uniform so as not to constrict their religious freedoms. My local school district has now added days off of school so that Jewish kids can celebrate Rosh Hashanah (spelling?). I think that these are all good things. So why can't a college RA hold a voluntary Bible study with his friends? Because he is a Christian.

John Stewart loves to point out that Christians have had their way ever since Constantine, so we should just shut up and take it. While incredibly witty and hilarious, John would do well to reeducate himself on some of the following: Joseph Stalin, Khmer Rouge, China, North Korea, The Sudan, Iran, or maybe just the causes of the foundation of the State of Rhode Island. Yes, Christendom, riding the wave of Roman might, easily conquered Europe. The associated political power led to things like the crusades. I agree that bad things happened. Just as they do when radicals use Islam to teach a religion of homicide, or when pundits use Hinduism to promote a caste system that ensures the impoverishment of the poor in India. Name one nation in the world that doesn't have a black mark in its history. Or a major corporation with business practices that actually stand up under scrutiny. My point here is that every cause can be used for ill gain. This fact says much less about the cause itself than it does about the human condition. It is easy to point the finger, but by far more difficult to look at the nature of the human heart.

What exactly is it about Christianity that so offends people. This is a religion whose true followers believe in things like love, peace, justice, forgiveness, social service, obedience to authority, and grace. Jesus even told us to pay our taxes! Are these things so foreign to society that they must be stamped out at every occurrence? Choose a point of conflict in world history and you will invariably find Christians quietly working to better the situation. Take people like Corrie Ten Boom or Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Look at the Underground Railroad. These are people who are now widely regarded as heroes while their religion is despised. So why is Christianity, a religion that teaches morals that society views a honorable, slowly being pushed away from mainstream culture? Because it works. Christianity is dangerous. Those few individuals who are able to fully open themselves to the message have such an incredible impact on the world that the religion itself has become a veritable powder keg. It teaches you that not doing as you please is the best way to live life. It constantly demands more of you and offers no hope of reward, save death. Christians are passionate. This is something that, as humans, we don't often do well, but when we get it right the results are phenomenal. Christianity is in your face, and makes people uncomfortable. That makes them want to shut it down, and I guess that's fine. We've been taught to expect, and even accept, this. That's pretty much the end of my rage.