A positive view on the Bible reading marathon

To the Editor:

In recent weeks I have read two views on the planned Bible reading marathon which were both negative. Here is my positive view.

Is this merely a political move on the part of Governor Branstad? I do not know and I will not judge the man. I would like to think that this proclamation was passed out of concern for the spiritual well-being of the people of Iowa.

Both letters to the editor mentioned the phrase “separation of church and state.” The way this phrase is often used is actually taken out of context. The original intention of the Constitution authors was, I believe, for the government to keep its regulating hands off of religion. Our founding fathers did not discourage religious practice, for they were generally a very religious people themselves.

If the writers of the Constitution could have seen into the future and seen prayer taken out of public schools, the posting of the Ten Commandments removed from public buildings, and religious expression discouraged in an increasingly secular society, what would they have thought?

In our modern times we have seen many efforts to remove religion from the public arena. That was not the goal of our founding fathers, and not what this country originally stood for.

This Bible reading marathon is simply a way for we United States citizens to celebrate and honor our Judeo-Christian heritage. Consider, for instance, if the country of Japan had a Buddhist heritage festival, officially endorsed by the Japanese government. Would that be inappropriate?

No, because part of the religious heritage of the Japanese people is Buddhism. A Christian individual who lives in Japan may well be offended by this government-endorsed festival, but he would have to deal with it, because he is in the minority in that country.

As I celebrate the July 4 holiday, I will remember how the United States of America won its independence from England and the religious repression which demanded allegiance to the church of England. I will also celebrate by practicing my freedom of religion and join in on the Bible reading marathon.

Thank you, Governor Branstad, for encouraging me to freely practice my religion on public grounds.

Arthur Clocksin
Waukon