The primary reason our nation is so divided, and why it is necessary to protest against our government’s attempts to remove our individual freedoms is the Christian religious right. Its control of the Republican Party is a direct violation of the first amendment, and an attack on the majority of the American people.

Do not assume that I am forming an attack on the Christian religion. I support the right of all Americans to choose or not to choose a religion which satisfies their spiritual needs. However, our founding fathers guaranteed that no single religion would be the official religion of our nation. The Christian religious right is a lobby, and has enormous influence over GOP politicians; this is just plain ‘wrong.’

I am not represented by either party in government. I am one of more than 65 million Americans who reject religions. I do not find it necessary to have another man or woman instruct me about how I should live my life, or how to find spirituality. I am also an agnostic. I have many reasons to doubt the existence of a ‘god.’ A caring and loving god would not allow evil to triumph over good around the world. The poorest and must vulnerable men, women, and children suffer the most, while wealthy despots live lives of luxury and privilege.

Tiara Brooke Lycans, who is divorcing her husband Zachary Thomas Lycans, is a native Alabaman. Twice she petitioned judge Shaunathan C. Bell of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court to recuse himself from the case. Bell declined both of the requests.

Ms. Lycans is a lesbian. Because judge Bell has proclaimed his Christian fanaticism, she has now appealed her case to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.

Ms. Lycans’ complaint is that because Bell has “publicly expressed belief that homosexual relationships and marriages are contrary to God’s law.” His religious beliefs would greatly influence the custody arrangements for their daughter.

When religion becomes involved in our government, and our laws, the American people lose their Constitutional rights. When religion is allowed to influence the actions of one political party, human and individual rights are cast aside.

Issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage; human rights which are supported by the Constitution; would not be heated issues if the Christian religious right did not have control of the Republican Party.

These bullies must be defeated; they are one of the prime reasons our government is dysfunctional, and the primary reason why it is divided.

Please re-post; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

My novels are available on Amazon; CLICK HERE