One nation under God?
Junior Luke Smith talks about his experience expressing his religion
Photo by Savannah Pritchard
I am about to go into what feels like uncharted territory. The most important thing to me that very few people now seem to discuss, especially in school, is Jesus Christ.
What once was “One nation under God,” now is becoming a nation drifting away from Him. In my opinion, the problem starts in the school system because the kids today are our future, whether it’s for better or worse.
Yes, we do have freedom of religion and freedom of speech, but its almost as if those have been taken away from us. This is not only in our school, but also across the country for various reasons.
Christianity can “offend” people or make them feel uncomfortable. Since this is the case, to avoid getting sued or causing disturbances, schools will either say or make you feel like you can not say anything about God on camups. In doing so, Christians cannot defend their view on God. Here is an example: in schools, especially colleges, there are professors who express their views of atheism. They sometimes speak disrespectfully of Jesus Christ, and Christians can’t say anything out of fear of being alienated, the professor judging that student and possibly threatening to fail them, or receiving punishment by the school.
Secondly, many of the kids look up to the teachers to see what they do. If these teachers say they are Christian, but aren’t allowed to talk about God, how are we supposed to change?
Seeing teachers living for The Lord and being bold about their faith can encourage kids to do the same. Also, teachers can draw in kids that have never heard about Jesus and what He did for us closer to Him.
Romans 1:16 says, “For I am unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” For those who want to talk about Jesus and care about spreading His word but are nervous,the Bible says 365 times, “Do not fear.” If you are nervous about getting in trouble, 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God will generously provide all you need.”
If you have any fear of losing a job, getting in trouble with the school, or whatever it may be, The Lord will provide.
“One nation under God” is in our Pledge of Allegiance. This country was founded on Christian values. There should be more clubs and opportunities to talk about God and teachers that believe in Christ should be permitted to talk about what He did when given the opportunity. Also, I think it would be a good idea for schools to offer after school ministries.
If God is for us who can stand against us? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He died on the cross to save everybody’s sins and it is a free gift that we can all accept.
Luke Smith is a junior at Texas High School. He joined the newspaper staff this year after discovering an interest for writing. Luke does not only write...
Taylor Potter • Oct 20, 2014 at 6:02 pm
I have to disagree with you on a few points.
First off, I don’t know how many college classrooms you’ve been in, but your view is a little off the mark. I go to a pretty liberal university (LSU), and I have never heard of any professor making off-hand comments about the Christianity. In fact, many of our science professors are devout Christians (I see my Astronomy professor at mass fairly often). Even in one of the most liberal departments, the journalism school, professors don’t mock the beliefs of anyone. Sure, there are a few that do, but at the same time there are some that criticize atheists. It balances.
My second point is that you criticize atheist teachers for talking about their beliefs but think that Christian teachers should be allowed to. You can’t have it both ways. You have to understand that public school employees are not supposed to openly discuss religion. It does make people uncomfortable. Everyone has their own belief system. Don’t ask that everyone have to talk about yours.
Our nation was not, in any way, shape or form, founded on “Christian values.” If it were, we would have an established religion and not be a center of religious freedom. The United States of America and its laws were not the product of conventional Christians (they were mostly deist). They were founded on morals and the belief that people, regardless of their beliefs, are equal.
Look, I’m a Christian and I believe with all my heart that is the correct path. But, at the same time, I’m not arrogant enough to think that, out of all the world’s religions, that I was right. Everyone deserves the same level of freedom.
Ashton Roy • Nov 21, 2014 at 2:42 pm
just because you have never heard of professors putting down christian values doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. He states there are not everyone is. I support you 100 percent go luke for standing up for your beliefs when no one else will!