Q of the Day: Why is Religious Expression Being Persecuted
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34368)
February 8, 2023 6:54pm CST
I am noticing a disturbing trend in the United States and perhaps even in other countries. While other groups are allowed to freely express their beliefs in public (BLM, Abortion Advocates, and Gay Pride are typical examples) religious beliefs are being shut down in certain states and being encouraged by this current administration in my view.
Just this past week in the Mall of America, located in the state of Minnesota, a young man of color was hassled by security for shopping while wearing a T-shirt which read "Jesus Saves" on it. Mall security told him either to remove the shirt or he had to leave. The young man was not speaking to anyone or soliciting religion, just walking in the mall. In this country freedom of expression is a 1st amendment right.
Another example was in Florida where a military veteran held up a sign reading "God Bless our Homeless Vets." He was arrested for showing his support for the homeless veterans in need of help. Maybe he should have omitted the word "God" in his sign. What is going on in our country. Everyone should have the right to freedom of expression as long as they are not physically hurting someone.
And yet a recent example was some high school students visiting the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. on a cold day wearing knit hats which had the letters "Pro Life" on them. The staff asked them to leave or remove the hats, yet other patrons were wearing hats with expressive messages printed on them. Eventually, the museum did offer the boys an apology saying they were wrong for asking them to leave the premises. Why, because lawyers threatened a lawsuit against the museum for denying the students the right of religious expression.
Why are people of faith being silenced? Something is serious wrong here.
The way I see it as long as they are not hassling me, people have a right to express their views without being persecuted or silenced! This attitude has no place in a free society. 
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12 responses
@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
I think you're missing the point of the post. Whether you believe in an established religion or not silencing the voice of anyone who expresses their belief is a violation of one's civil rights. I brought up BLM and Gay Pride as examples of groups who express an opinion and are not silenced for their views. And as long as they are not physically hurting anyone, they have a right according to our Constitution and living in a free society to express it. So, I'm asking... Why can someone wear a hat in a public place reading Gay Pride yet someone wearing a hat saying Pro-Life is asked to leave? Why is religious expression targeted? Should it be?
I can provide you another example where it was reported that a teacher makes her grade school students pledge their allegiance to a gay pride flag each morning. This also is freedom of expression, but the difference is children are being forced to do this. Who is causing more harm?
Hope this provides some clarity on my post. If not, we can discuss it further. 
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@rebelann (111190)
• El Paso, Texas
12 Feb 23
Ahhh, ok. I wondered what the connection to religion was.
I haven't seen anything like this around here and I doubt anyone would put up with those who wouldn't be pro life as almost all the hispanics I know are Catholic. I do know that on at least one occasion a woman was wearing a tshirt that said freedom to choose or something like that and a lot of people got a bit incensed about it.
I think every woman has the right to choose what she wants to do with her body, it shouldn't be anyone else's business nor should any of them be condemned if they choose to terminate an early pregnancy.
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@jerzgirl (9233)
• United States
14 Feb 23
I don't believe this administration has done anything in any way to discourage religious discussion. However, they won't allow people to bully or discriminate in the name is religion. This country was founded on the right to believe as you see fit. It also allowed for disagreement with government policies that appeared to harm the people. BLM was opposed to the all too frequent killing of unarmed blacks when they had done nothing to threaten anyone. But, the more radical Christians turned to violence, many times pretending to be groups they did not like so those groups would be charged with vandalism, arson and other crimes of violence. Those are things that we cannot have, no matter the group. And allowing rights for all is not a threat to religion as many seen to think. You don't believe it should be, then live your life without interfering in theirs. God will sort everything out in the end. It's not our job to do that. Because evangelicals have been so very vocal in their opposition to ANYTHING they don't believe in, even taking things to court in order to have the right to deny rights to others they don't believe should have them, non-evangelicals feel persecuted and rightfully so. But, there is no persecution of those who are religious. It's more a presumption that being told no is persecution when It's not. We all have to live in peace and stop fighting and trying to force others to do things our way. They're not us and we aren't them. Just live in peace and worry only about your own actions. Emulate Christ, who said to love our enemies, instead of looking for something to condemn. Condemnation is God's job. Not ours.
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@jerzgirl (9233)
• United States
15 Feb 23
@dgobucks226 You're right. Mall security was wrong, yet, as a privately owned entity, the mall can decide what can or cannot be shown by patrons. First Amendment protections only cover government interference with your right to wear slogans of ANY kind. As for Florida, they no longer follow the US constitution since Desantis has turned the state into a dictatorship. It has to be MAGA or it's out the door. Supporting homeless veterans should not be something illegal. But where right wing extremists are in charge, the feeling is often that homeless are lazy beggars who should get off their azzes and get a job. Mental health needs are never considered. Anyone needing assistance is obviously not doing everything they should to get back in their feet. (That is my sarcastic interpretation of their perception.) I didn't see the news on that one so would have to see what reasoning they used in the arrest to understand more, but I can assure you, it wasn't because of the word God. As far as the kids in the museum goes, the museum was wrong. Period. I'm going to assume it's because of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and they may have thought the hats would garner negative reactions from other patrons as MAGA hats have done since 2015. Unless a hat calls for an illegal, violent, deadly or sexually explicit act, they should be left alone.
I didn't gloss over. I totally missed the paragraphs that followed the first one. For that, I apologize.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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14 Feb 23
Thanks for responding with your opinion on this topic. I'm trying to follow your reasoning but your response to me is a bit confusing. I will say that I provided you with 3 examples of religious persecution where one's freedom of expression is being censured. Maybe you glossed over them or did not read them, but they did occur. Nowhere in the post does it mention any bullying except on the part of the mall security, government security at the museum, and the police at the homeless site. So, I disagree with your statement no religious persecution took place. I do agree with you that we should be a free society able to believe what we want to without being cancelled or censured by other groups, the liberal media, and the government. As long as we are not violating the law, we should not be forced to do something against our beliefs. Sadly, in my view I do not believe this is the case with our society today, with this administration, and certain states. God certainly does have his hands full 
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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15 Feb 23
@jerzgirl Actually someone on the mall staff apologized to the young man and allowed him to continue shopping wearing his t-shirt. Personally, I think it was overzealousness on the part of the security guard as no one was being harmed physically. I believe it's a sign of the times, where in each example anyone expressing something considered as conservative is attacked verbally, silenced, or censured.
Well, at least we agree that in some instances those actions were wrong.
I'll defer on the MAGA comments, as debating whether someone can wear a hat with a positive slogan on it makes no sense. I feel just because you don't like someone's personality (and I think he goes overboard myself) does not give you the right to stop someone for wearing a hat in most cases. Just turn the other cheek and ignore it if you disagree.
Just my view, not expecting you to agree with me.
The other stuff regarding DeSantis and conservative attitudes are too generalized on your part for me to respond.
Thanks for responding back!
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@celticeagle (159078)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb 23
This is all getting more and more serious in this country. Bizarre is what it is. I wonder how a person with no religion and that didn't believe in God would be treated in these instances.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
You raise a good point delerious. One I'm not sure about, but actually I do think they would be treated better than our forefathers would have treated non-believers in God in the past. Religion was treated with much more respect and reverence back then. Today, I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some BLM members who protested during the summer riots for example.
Sadly, ignoring this injustice will not make it go away. Everyone should have their voice and should not be censured or shouted down by those who have opposing views. As long as it is peacefully done and not forced upon others.
I appreciate your response and question on this topic...
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@celticeagle (159078)
• Boise, Idaho
12 Feb 23
@dgobucks226 .........They were too extreme in the past. Religion and cultural issues are used to make people feel at odds and help the fascist movement take place. This is like what Hitler did. Make people feel at odds and believe anything the fascists want the people to believe.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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15 Feb 23
@celticeagle Hitler condemned religious worship. And if your saying Hitler used the Jewish faith as a scapegoat for Germany's problems after WWI I agree. The German population was so economically poor after the war, and Hitler seized upon nationalistic pride and the idea of a pure German race to gain support.
Even today governments use these separatist tactics as a way to condemn those who question and resist. Look what happened to the people who questioned whether the Corona virus vaccine prevented Covid 19, and if enough testing was done for it to be safe. Well, Biden went after those people along with certain states forcing them to jab or be fired or laid off from their jobs. He made it mandatory, yet the shot did not prevent one from getting the virus and there have been cases of heart issues from some getting the shot. Like Hitler this administration ridiculed and ostracized those who would not take the shot. Fortunately, Biden did not send the vaccine doubters off to a prison camp. (Just kidding thank goodness)
History always repeats itself in some form or other. Why it is so important to learn from it.
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@RebeccasFarm (86764)
• United States
11 Feb 23
Well, my answer to that is, because there is so much evil permeating through people that relish in it (and most definitely will not win in the end), they do not want people to have any hope or belief at all in any Higher Power, let alone mention the word God. There is strength, spiritual strength in the unity of people, and those who love evil, do not want that to happen. It threatens their belief in themselves as being the only superior in the universe.
A man's heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps... Proverbs.
Like it or not
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@RebeccasFarm (86764)
• United States
13 Feb 23
@dgobucks226 BLM was a sham from the very start ..they conned millions out of people.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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14 Feb 23
@RebeccasFarm So true! Did you know the leadership took the donations to their cause to buy a 6 million dollar California home for themselves to use as a campus. How does that help their cause? They fight against police brutality yet in some cities where they demonstrated some members beat innocent people. Does that seem like a good way to solve their issues with the police.
I really do not think this group wants to have a serious dialogue to solve racial tension in this country.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
Your right OT, you make some very good points about those who want to destroy others faith. They feel threatened by it in some way. I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some BLM members for example.
I'm not a proverbs guy but I believe the Lord is watching over us and sees what in one's heart and soul.
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@CarolDM (203452)
• Nashville, Tennessee
9 Feb 23
The world has lost its mind to be honest. The Democratic National Committee has passed a resolution condemning “white religious nationalism,” declaring that “theocracy is incompatible with democracy and religious freedom.” Absurd!
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
The left is really good at labeling things without really explaining exactly what the labels represent. White religious nationalism what does that supposed to mean anyway?
According to my opinion targeting certain groups for their beliefs or lifestyle is wrong. I believe the woke movement is behind this effort supported by this administration. The government should not be working to censure citizens' rights to express themselves. I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some BLM members for example.
Everyone has a right to expression as long as no physical harm is being done. Something the summer police protesters would not be able to claim as true.
Thanks, Carol, for your perspective on this topic!
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@CarolDM (203452)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Feb 23
@dgobucks226 You are correct. And of course you are welcome.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
I believe there is merit to those comments John. I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some other groups.
Whatever your beliefs you should have the right to express them without being ridiculed or physically harmed and silenced.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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23 Feb 23
It seems tolerance is very selective these days. Seems our society is going backwards not forwards.
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@FourWalls (62161)
• United States
9 Feb 23
Nothing new. Charles Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was banned from running for political office because of his religious beliefs. However, the increase is a sign of the end times.
“If they are quiet, the rocks will proclaim!” — Luke 19:40.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
Thanks for your viewpoint. Not sure if your comments support freedom of all groups to express their views, but the example you sighted was wrong then and now. I'm not a bible (proverbs) guy, but my opinion is targeting certain groups for their beliefs or lifestyle is wrong. I believe the woke movement is behind this effort supported by this administration. Although woke ideology is supposed to support tolerance and inclusion, this is a falsehood. They tolerate only those whose ideals agree with their own and cancel and persecute those who express opposing views.
The government should not be working to censure citizens' rights to express themselves. I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some BLM members for example.
I'm not saying you feel this way, but some will be like the monkey who sees, hears, or speaks no evil. Sadly, ignoring this injustice will not make it go away. Wearing a hat, t-shirt, or waving a sign is non-threatening and should not be suppressed. Remember the fan with the rainbow wig and proverb sign attending those sporting events. He was not asked to leave for expressing his views. Seems we are going backwards as a tolerant society under current leadership. And as you put it the end of times may come much sooner than one realizes.
These crazy times do provoke a lot of thought and debate over issues. Even more than food and music, lol.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
I'd go along with that too. In my opinion targeting certain groups for their beliefs or lifestyle is wrong. Thanks for your input.
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Feb 23
I agree completely. Here, shops no longer put nativity scenes in the windows at Christmas. There are all sorts of restrictions nowadays. As regards T-shirts and placards, if they're not physically hurting someone, what's the problem?
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
Very true on all points Judy! No one is being forced to do anything against their will. It has gotten to the point where some political groups will attempt to silence or cancel anyone whose voice/comments they disagree with violating their right to free speech.
I can provide you a recent example in my country where it was reported that a teacher makes her grade school students pledge their allegiance to a gay pride flag each morning. This also is freedom of expression, but the difference is children are being forced to do this. That is wrong!
Thanks for your feedback on a very troubling topic in society today.
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@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
9 Feb 23
I'm speechless. I don't understand why there is ANY problem with people wearing expressive T-shirts or hats.
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@dgobucks226 (34368)
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12 Feb 23
Yes, it is a sad commentary on society today and the left's viewpoint that everyone should be included whatever your views are.
I believe the woke movement is behind this effort supported by this administration. The government should not be working to censure citizens' rights to express themselves. I think religion is an easy/weak target because these groups are passive and non-violent unlike some BLM members for example.
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