Religion Suppressed Because of Poorly Understood Concept of Freedom

The suppression of religious expression in the name of a poorly understood concept of freedom of religion is quite bothersome. Whether I agree with folks and their religious beliefs is irrelevant, for I always have the freedom to remove myself from their congregations if I disagree with their philosophy.

As long as institutions which separate themselves are not receiving federal or state monies, the legality of their conscious choices should not be open for challenge if no constitutional laws are broken.

So why is there a media blitz to make us feel guilty if we are straight or religious?

Why are people derided as deplorable by Clinton or questioned by Obama on whether their support reflects them being mad?

Even today, many remain incredulous by the firm belief of Trump coalitions noting we are doing for others what is not being done for citizens. There is at the same time a sense that we are trying to abridge constitutional rights under the 2^nd Amendment for guns or defining boundaries for immigrants in possible violation of a personal right as well as our national sovereignty. This is not just Republicans but different groups with vested interest which may not be clear or self-revelatory.

If we get to the point where ministers are challenged for expressing their religious views in their pulpit, religious freedom is in serious jeopardy.

What would Martin Luther or John Locke say in their rebellion against the crown while searching for religious freedom, leading to immigrants from Europe migrating to America — known as Pilgrims? It is often bothersome when political events have prayers which turn into a religious soliloquy, straying into politics rather than a praise of the glory of G-d and thanks for His beneficence.

The ability to have a moment of silence or take a knee is a matter of preference and so vital to the concepts in the founding of this nation.

As a Torah based Old Testament follower, I’m thankful for the Native Americans who willingly shared their bounty so that the early settlers would not perish. I shudder to think of the intolerance to Christianity by many while at the same time get tired of belittlement because as a Jew I don’t share all of the beliefs of Christianity.

People can be whatever they want and reach whatever heights their abilities take them. Is being LGBTQ a right, a choice, or a given? Is this relevant to the question of promoting options which influence young minds not yet appreciating the vast possibilities coming with such? My religion has certain proscriptions against these behaviors and try as I might, ignoring them in view of my surroundings is not possible.

I do not condone or condemn but neither do I indulge. Such does not necessarily make me better than others but it does make me devoted to my G-d and the Word as detailed for me.

Neither do I believe that advantages should be bestowed to such groups to the detriment of others, e.g. allowing genetically inherited males to compete against women in athletics given their hormonal advantages because they feel their sex doesn’t match their bodies.

Finding that LGBTQ individuals are discriminated against because straight individuals chose not to date them is not an enforceable right. Such does not transfer to the workplace or elsewhere as there are many nations and situations where assuming one’s sexuality preference puts one at risk. It is females, our progenitors and reproductive force, who seem to be more under siege in this questioning of our sexuality.

We can’t force compliance with individual choices or preferences unless issues of the workplace are involved where such is not a unique job qualification. Free will can be a tricky and perilous choice. Life is not always about you. Our ability to succeed in it often requires that we live and let live adapting to an ever-changing environment.

Ada M. Fisher, MD, MPH is a licensed teacher, retired Corporate physician, former county school board member, speaker, author of "Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions Good for What Ails Us Book 1" (available through Amazon. com) and is the NC Republican National Committeewoman. Contact through DrAdaMFisher.org. To read more of Dr. Fisher's reports, Click Here Now.