Page 205 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

A Patriot’s view of the history and direction of our Country

Passover, religious holidays? Even Fat Tuesday has a religious basis.

However, bring another religion into the mix and immediately a pass
is given because of this amendment. Nonsense! Sadly, religion is

exploited for economic reasons, and both the history and value of
the observances have melted. Our family knows the purpose of

these holidays and why – we all celebrate, reflect and give thanks for
being citizens of a country in which we have that choice and cannot

be persecuted or prosecuted for that choice.
Historically, religion evolved from cultures – persons that

gathered as groups to ask questions, seek answers and share a
common belief in those questions and answers – faith and

spirituality. These were also early forms of governing – using faith
and spirituality as a guide to behavior and punishment Religion is

more than a culture, but culture does not rise to religion; we have
no freedom of culture – and should not. Culture is not only

personal, but also personality. Although they may be
interchangeable to a personal degree, religion is established and

historically recognized. The concept of a culture conceptualizing
into a religion, in a compressed period of time, is absurd. There are

three primary purposes of this right: 1) To prevent a theocracy; 2)
To provide for the individual and collective exercise of religion; and

3) To prohibit discrimination based on religion or exercising the
same. Essentially, there are no other reasons. If you see a

Christmas tree or Menorah at the town square or municipal

building, give a moment of thanks that our Country (should) allow
for the display. It is recognition of our history and heritage. There is
no endorsement by any government. In fact, because we are our

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