L 81. NO 1 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1986 A MAGAZINE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

LIBERTY JanuarylFebruary, 1986

SHELLYAs TOLD TO JANET LEIGH paid, and we would be willing even to adopt her. Finally We could give love, support and convinced of our sincerity, he agreed to sign adoption papers. stability. But because of our Her mother, however, was hostile. She believed we were "aberrant" lifestyle, the court said part of a plot to relieve the father of obligations to care for Shelly. But she, too, gave us a letter when she was convinced we couldn't adopt Shelly. we were sincerely interested in her daughter's welfare. Only when we had filed a petition with the court did we a homosexual or a lesbian a fit foster parent? It learn that the mother had changed her mind. She had written seems so in some states today. In most cases, the caseworker stating that adoption would make things "too however, one must be of good character, have a easy for the father. He should have to pay for what he did." stable (and conventional) marriage, and be able to Still we refused to give up. And at last we came before Is offer the foster child both love and support. But Judge Casey to present our case. To our surprise, when the increasingly, aberrant lifestyles do not seem to disqualify one preliminaries were finished, he told us he had already made to be a foster parent. With one exception—one cannot be up his mind. "too religious." To be religious may not disqualify, but to be "But, Your Honor," our attorney protested, "the case has too religious certainly can. My wife and I know. So does not been heard!" The judge was adamant. The case was over Shelly,* a slim, gray-eyed, 14-year-old with a touch of before it had begun. Our petition for Shelly was denied. freckles and a sad smile. She wanted to be our daughter. The A few days later I received a letter from the judge, telling judge said No. Our home was too religious! us why he had decided against us. I read it in disbelief. For Shelly's father had "fallen in love" with another man's the first time I realized the penalty of taking one's religion wife. His affair broke up two homes. Consequently, he seriously. Our home, the judge said, was "too religious"! married the "other woman," and Shelly's mother married Neither the judge nor the caseworker had visited our home. another man. They had asked no questions regarding our religious beliefs Shelly found neither home compatible. She ran away and or practices. They knew only that I was a Seventh-day one midnight arrived in Los Angeles. When a strange man Adventist employed by a Seventh-day Adventist medical began following her, she hailed a taxi and asked to be taken to school. And that was enough, in their opinion, to disqualify the police station. That is how she became a ward of the us as foster or adoptive parents! court. Later the judge asked that we return his letter. We could I lived near Los Angeles, where I was custodian understand why he wanted it back. It provided grounds for superintendent of a medical school. I learned of Shelly from further legal action. But, fortunately for the judge, our foster parents who were leaving the area. Would my wife and religion got in the way of that course. The Lord says, I be interested in raising her? After a visit the decision was "Vengeance is mine." We felt it was not fitting that we mutual: She would like to live with us and we would like to attempt to impugn the motives or actions of a judge. We have her. We went to see her caseworker. could ask only that the Lord place his case on the agenda of a To our surprise, the caseworker showed a barely Higher Court. We returned the letter. concealed hostility. No, we could not have Shelly. No My wife and I saw Shelly after the trial. We were not reason. Period. permitted to speak to her. She waved from across the When we told Shelly the decision, she put her arms around courthouse yard. We learned later that Shelly had been us and told us how much she had wanted to live with us. It placed in a girls' home. There was little discipline there; the was then that I decided to go to court. girls were permitted unsupervised visits with boyfriends. An attorney advised me to get written statements from And of course there was little or no religion. Shelly, her parents, and grandparents, indicating their A few days ago we got further word about Shelly. ± willingness for us to take her. Her grandmother readily She is pregnant. 4J consented, but her father was suspicious. Were we taking her only because we were being paid? No, we were not being * Shelly is a pseudonum.

LIBERTY IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY AND COPYRIGHTED D 1985 BY THE REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSN,. 55 WEST OAK RIDGE DRIVE, HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND 21740. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: US86.75 PER YEAR, SINGLE COPY: USS1.50. PRICE MAY VARY WHERE NATIONAL CURRENCIES ARE DIFFERENT. VOL. 81, NO. I, JANUARY-FEBRUARY. 1986. POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED,

ILLUSTRATION BY DANA VERKOUTEREN 3 COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFREY DEVER LIBERTY

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BY CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN T g

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4 ILLUSTRATION BY ROSEMARY COVEY January/February, 1986 nder the cover of night vandals nally, only adult Jewish males paid the sion "became so great that complete separa- spray-paint hate across a syna- fiscus judaicus; eventually, every Jew, male tion had to be achieved." 9 The book of gogue wall. Swastickas, anti- or female, from 3 to 62, was forced to drop Acts records the hostility of the Jews toward Semitic slogans, curses— coins into the royal coffers. their countrymen who believed in Jesus, crude blemishes, like numbers After the Bar Kochba revolt, the Jews such as Paul, whom they accused of Utatooed on a prisoner's arm. were forbidden, under threat of death, to undermining the law. To keep Jewish When the sun rises, the mayor utters a enter Jerusalem. Hadrian outlawed Juda- Christians out of the synagogue, Rabban sympathetic shibboleth, the police ask ism, the study of the Torah, and Sabbath- Gamaliel II (c. A.D. 90) added a "prayer questions, the reporter scribbles on his pad, keeping. The period became known to the against the heretics" to the liturgy. Because and the rabbi grinds his teeth. Jews as"the era of religious persecution:" no one was allowed to avoid reciting the And Sunday morning, Christians on their While the imperial armies used swords prayer, which cursed Jewish Christians, the way to church lament the deed; the pastor, against the Jews, the Greek and Roman follower of Jesus, unwilling to recite it, was who has seen the desecration, encourages intelligentsia used words. Cicero called exposed and expelled. During Bar the congregation to "love thy neighbour"; Judaism a "barbaric superstition." 4 Sen- Kochba's rebellion, the Jewish Christians, and the church that evening votes to send a eca referred to Jews as an "accursed already considered traitors for abandoning letter of sympathy. Christian concern and race." 5 Petronius claimed that they wor- Jerusalem in A.D. 70, were persecuted by irony mingle in the gesture. None know shiped a pig-god. Plutarch thought that the the rebelling forces. that, in their weekly ritual of Sundaykeep- Jews kept Sabbath as a day to get drunk. Bar Kochba's rebellion caused a decisive ing, they have celebrated a day rooted in Pompeius Torgus claimed that the Jews break between Judaism and Christianity, hatred of the Jews. were descendants of lepers expelled from and it gave Christians added cause to Egypt and abstained from pork in remem- disassociate from the Jews. Until then, The Roots brance of their leprosy. These attacks, and Christians had hoped that the Jews would The pagan Romans hated the Jews the diatribes of Juvenal, Horace, Persius, collectively acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. because of Jewish rebellions throughout the Quintilian, Dio Cassius, and others accel- But when, influenced by the famous Rabbi empire. In A.D. 115 Jews revolted in erated the rush of Roman anti-Judaism. Akiba, multitudes of Jews proclaimed Bar Cyrene, Egypt, and Cyprus. More than Kochba Messiah, many Christians must 220,000 Greeks and Romans perished in Cannons to the Right of Them have seen this act as the final rejection. The Cyrene alone, according to Roman historian Caught in the crunch between Roman false Messiah's brutal persecution of Jewish Dio Cassius. After ruthlessly suppressing a imperialism and Jewish nationalism were Christians alienated Gentile Christians pre- revolt, the Romans would tighten their yoke the Christians. Because Christianity origin- viously sympathetic to the Jews. Although around the Jews: When General Martius ated in the land of the Jews, and because its Jews who kept their Hebrew traditions Turbo squashed the insurrection in Cyprus, early leaders and apostles were Jewish, its comprised the early church, in the following a new law forbade Jews, on the pain of holy writings Jewish, its God that of the decades increasing numbers of Gentile death, to disembark on the island. If Jews, and because its holy days, such as the converts lacked these traditions. Con- shipwrecked, they weren't even allowed to Sabbath and Easter (Passover), were cele- sidering Hadrian's prohibitions, they would drift to the beach.' brated at the same time as the Jewish be severely disadvantaged by following Under the leadership of Bar Kochba, who festivals, Christians were mistaken for them. As a result, the church began to declared, "I am the Messiah!" 2 the Jews Jews. Especially in early Christianity, "the disassociate from the Jews. Abandoning the revolted in Palestine in A.D. 132-135. The Roman police had not yet come to distin- Sabbath as a day of worship and rest is Jews had hoped that Emperor Hadrian guish the Christians from the Jews." 6 probably the most evident sign of this would rebuid the Temple. When they Because of the severe anti-Jewish senti- estrangement. '° learned that he planned to dedicate it to a ments, "many Christians did take steps to Roman deity, Jupiter Capitolinus, not Jeho- appear, especially in the imperial city, "Volleyed and Thundered" vah, they attacked their Roman masters. different and clearly distinct from the Jews Besides the social and political impetus to Within the first year, the Romans were in the eyes of the Romans. Under the change the Sabbath, the transition also had a driven out of more than 50 cities and emperor Hadrian (A.D. 117-138) particu- theological thrust. Early Christians such as villages. Bar Kochba proclaimed himself larly, a clear differentiation from the Jews Justyn Martyr attacked the Sabbath as a king and even struck his own coinage. In became a more urgent necessity, due to the custom that God imposed solely upon the one of Hadrian's early reports to the Roman punitive measure taken by the emperor Jews, terming it, "a mark to single them out Senate, he omitted the customary opening: against them." for punishment they so well deserved for "I and the army are well." The Romans lost And what did some Christians do to their infidelities." " Though Ignatius, the so much blood that Hadrian called for more appear different from the Jews? Among bishop of Antioch, didn't attack the Sab- troops and brought his top general, Julius other changes, they eased away from the bath, his warnings against keeping it in the Severus, the governor of Britain, to lead seventh-day Sabbath. Considering that the manner of the Jews showed the tendency of them. After three years, the revolt was "Sabbath [was] not only outlawed by the Christian community toward separation. crushed and Bar Kochba killed. Hadrian's edict but also consistently The Epistle of Barnabas (c. A.D. 130) called These rebellions inflamed Roman anti- attacked and ridiculed by Greek and Latin the Jews wretched men, abandoned by God Judaism. Alexandria, Antioch, and Cae- authors, it should not surprise one that many and deceived by an evil angel. The author sarea exploded in riots against the Jews. In Christians severed their ties with Judaism emptied the Sabbath of significance, assert- Rome, anti-Jewish fervor forced crown by substituting for distinctive religious ing that it was never to be literally kept and prince Titus to end his plans to marry observances, such as the Sabbath . . . , new would be spiritually fulfilled at the coming Bernice, sister of Herod Agrippa the Youn- ones." of Christ. These writings, along with the ger, because of her family ties to the Jews, social and political factors, helped transfer even though she was a fervent supporter of Cannons to the Left of Them the Sabbath to Sunday. the dynasty. Vaspasian levied a special tax The Jews encouraged the distinction (fiscus judaicus) against the Jews, and between themselves and Christians, espe- Clifford Goldstein is a staff writer for Domitian and Hadrian expanded it. Origi- cially Jewish Christians, because the ten- LIBERTY.

5 LIBERTY The change didn't happen in a day. In predominant day of the week, superseding and craftsmen shall rest on the venerable Rome, where the transition was initiated, Saturday, the day of Saturn, about the same day of the sun." During the next few years, the Sabbath, along with Sunday, was kept time Roman Christians started favoring he issued other Sunday laws, including one until the fifth century, though not as a holy Sunday, the day of the resurrection, over the that permitted Christian soldiers to attend day. In contrast to the Jews, who regarded Sabbath. The early Church Fathers fre- church on Sunday. Pepin the Short, Char- the seventh day as a time for feasting and quently chided certain of the faithful for lemagne, and their successors enacted strict joy, the church made the Sabbath into a day venerating the sun, indicating the tendency Sunday laws in the Middle Ages, and King of fasting and mourning. Marcion, in the to backslide among those converted from Stephan of Hungary, trying to Christianize second century, fasted on Sabbath to show sun worship. his realm, issued Sunday edicts in 1016, his hatred of the God of the Jews. According The backsliders, however, apparently including one that gave priests the right to to Pope Sylvester (A.D. 314-355), the allowed some of their "light" to shine into confiscate an ox from a man working with it Sabbath should be spent fasting to mourn Christianity. In early Christian art the sun on Sunday." Early American Puritans the death of Jesus, as well as to show was often used as a symbol of Christ, "the adamantly kept Sunday holy; penalties for "execration of the Jews." Victorinus, Sun of Righteousness." In pagan art, a man failure to keep Sunday ranged from loss of bishop of Pettau, urged Christians "to with a disk at the back of his head was provisions to whipping and even death. In extend their Friday fast into Saturday, to sometimes represented as the sun. In the the 1800s in America, Seventh-day Advent- make it appear that they did not observe the earliest known Christian mosaic, Christ was ists in several Southern states spent time on seventh day as the Jews did." '2 portrayed as the sun, with rays of light chain gangs for working on Sunday after shining from the back of his head. The observing the seventh-day Sabbath. Some Put on Your Easter Bonnet church at Rome began celebrating the birth 30 states still retain Sunday laws on their Hatred for the Jews might not have been of Jesus, the Son, the same day (December books—but with a civil rationale. the only factor that initiated the Sabbath 25) that the pagans celebrated the birth of Though Christians throughout history fast. Christians originally celebrated the the Invincible Sun. Also, like sun worship- have, with the Jews, adhered to the Biblical death of Jesus with a yearly Easter com- ers, Christians started praying toward the Sabbath, for most Christians today, Sunday memoration held on the same day as the east, the direction of the rising sun. As a is the day of worship. Passover, the fourteenth of Nisan, the date result, Church Fathers—Tertullian, for of the crucifixion. Wishing to avoid identi- one—had to refute charges that Christians A Clean Wall? fication with the Jews, flu, Roman church were sun worshipers. Jews and Gentiles together repaint the began celebrating the holy day on the first synagogue wall. It's clean. Yet the wall is weekend following the weekday on which Ergo: A New Theology like Sundaykeeping: If you get up close and the fourteenth of Nisan fell. The celebration Just as the Church Fathers devised a look carefully, you can still see traces began on Friday, with a fast, and climaxed theology for abandoning the seventh day, of anti-Judaism beneath the coating. on Easter Sunday, with the partaking of the they devised a theology for keeping the Lord's Supper. Eventually, "there devel- first. Sunday was designated as "the eighth oped a tendency to extend the Paschal day," a day of mysterious import that FOOTNOTES fasting of Friday over into the Sabbath in enjoyed superiority over the seventh. This ' Isaac Landman, ed., The Universal Jewish order to end the fasting by partaking of the eighth day became symbolic of the new Encyclopedia and Readers Guide (New York: Lord's Supper early on Sunday morn- world to come, while the seventh day was Ktav Publishing House Incorporated, 1969), vol. ing." 13 denigrated as the symbol of the old world 3, p. 438. Early church writings from Origen, passing away. For Justyn Martyr, Sunday Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 93b, Son- Eusebius, and Pope Innocent I show that the commemorated the first day of Creation, cino edition, p. 627. weekly Sunday and Easter Sunday often particularly the creation of light. Christians, Landman, op. cit., vol. 5, p. 151. 4 Quoted in Samuele Bacchiocchi, From were regarded as the same feast celebrating he said, assemble on the day called Sunday Sabbath to Sunday (Rome: Pontifical Gregorian the same event. Some scholars have con- "because it is the first day on which God, Press, 1977), p. 173. transforming the darkness and [prime] cluded that the weekly Sabbath fast might 5 Ibid., pp. 173, 174. have "originated as an extension of the matter, created the world." '5 Eusebius (c. 6 Pierre Batiffol, Primitive Catholicism (New annual Holy Saturday of the Easter season, A.D. 260-340) and Jerome (A.D. 340-420) York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1911), p. 19. when all Christians fasted." 14 The Sabbath also cited the creation of light as reason for 7 Samuele Bacchiocchi, Anti-Judaism and fast, besides weaning Christians from Sat- the veneration of Sunday. "In this day of the Origin of Sunday (Rome: Pontifical Gregorian light," Eusebius wrote, "first day and true University Press, 1975), p. 58. urday as the Biblical Sabbath, also 8 enhanced Sunday as a day of rejoicing day of the sun, . . . we celebrate the holy and From Sabbath to Sunday, p. 185. 9 Landman, op. cit., because the hungry adherents hadn't eaten spiritual Sabbaths. . . . It is on this day of the vol. 4, p. 24. '° Bacchiocchi, Anti-Judaism, p. 52. since Friday. creation of the world that God said: 'Let 16 II Quoted in Bacchiocchi, Anti-Judaism, p. there be light' (Genesis 1:3, R.S.V.)." 107. Dawn of a New Day For the early Church Fathers, the resurrec- 12 Robert Odom, Sabbath and Sunday in Early Sunday was the logical substitute for tion of Jesus on the first day of the week Christianity (Washington, D.C.: Review and Sabbath. Through the influence of Eastern served only a secondary reason for Sunday Herald Pub. Assn., 1977), pp. 225, 226. sun cults, sun worship had become domi- observance. As sun worship started to fade 13 Ibid., p. 107. nant in Rome by the early second century. in the empire, the resurrection became the 14 Kenneth Strand, ed. The Sabbath in Scrip- Obelisks and altars dedicated to the sun primary motive, and still is today. ture and History (Washington, D.C.: Review and proliferated throughout the city. Nero cred- Herald Pub. Assn., 1982), p. 138. A Christian Institution 15 Bacchiocchi, From Sabbath to Sunday, p. ited the sun with uncovering a plot against 272. him, and he erected the famous "Collossus Indeed, Sunday has become a Christian 16 Strand, op. cit., p. 141. Scripture quota- Neronis" in honor of the sun and himself. institution, even an enforced one. In the tions marked R.S.V. are from the Revised Hadrian, also, after removing Nero's image early fourth century, Constantine the Great Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted 1946, from the monument, dedicated it to the sun. issued the first known secular Sunday blue 1952 © 1971, 1973. Sunday, the day of the sun, became the law, ordering that "all judges, city people, 17 Ibid., p. 202.

6 January/February, 1986 Coming to Grips With "111"4I-tiv 4

BY ALAN DERSHOWITZ

he Supreme Court's recent failed the quiz, he would have to pay the not only have the purpose and effect of decision on whether em- fine and endure a stern lecture about abusing preferring the religious over the secular, but ployees can be required to work a religious excuse. It was "justice," but they also discriminate in favor of some on their religious Sabbath brings was it consistent with the separation of religions over others. to mind an experience my father church and state demanded by the Bill of No American cities or states have laws used to have every week. Rights? requiring stores to be closed on the Muslim My father, a deeply religious man, Last June the Supreme Court suggested Sabbath, Friday, or the Sabbath of Jews and observed the Jewish Sabbath. His clothing that the old judge may have exceeded his many Christians, Saturday. Nor can the store on lower Broadway in Manhattan authority under the Constitution. In striking majority be said to rule on the issue of would have done a thriving business on down a Connecticut law that required religion. That is precisely what the estab- Saturday. But his religion forbade him to employers to give their employees a day lishment clause was intended to prevent— remain open on that holy day. off for their Sabbath, the court reiterated preference for the majority religion. In order to stay in business, therefore, he its view that religious claims may not There is unquestionably something dif- had to open on Sunday, the day when other be elevated by the state above secular ferent about religious prohibitions and observant Jews do their weekend shopping. claims. secular preferences. Burger is wrong as a But New York had a Sunday closing law—a In the Connecticut case a Presbyterian matter of fact when he compares a religious "blue law"—that made no exceptions for employee of Caldor—a department store employee's refusal to desecrate his Sabbath someone in my father's situation. chain—had refused to work on Sunday, his with another employee's mere preference So every Sunday Dad would receive a Sabbath. The state law gave the employee for another weekend day off. summons to appear in court the following that absolute right. Because the law ele- My father didn't simply prefer not to Monday. vated his religious reason above those of work on his Sabbath. He could not—in the When he got to court he always con- "other employees who have strong but most existential sense—desecrate that holy fronted the same old judge, himself an nonreligious reasons for wanting a week- day with secular activities. observant Jew. end day off," the court concluded that The constitutional question is whether the As each shop owner came up to the bench the law preferred religion and violated state is empowered to recognize that reli- the judge would ask why he opened on the "establishment clause" of the First gious reality by legislating a preference for Sunday. Each would tell the judge that he Amendment. religious compulsion over secular conve- was an observer of the Jewish Sabbath and It was a remarkable decision, especially nience. To answer No, as the court did, was obliged to be in synagogue on Satur- since the opinion was written by the same imposes a burden on the free exercise of day. The judge would peer down from the Chief Justice Warren Burger who found no religion. To answer Yes, as the Connecticut bench and look over the shopkeeper, as if to problem with government-supported Chris- legislature did, certainly prefers religion. gauge whether he was really a religious tian nativity scenes as part of a town's If the court were to strike down the man. Then he would shoot him a question: Christmas celebration. religious preference explicit in many Sun- "What portion of the Torah did you read Equally surprising was the fact that the day blue laws, it would achieve the neutral- this week?" He would vary the question decision did not discuss the constitutionality ity a out religion the Constitution with every defendant, but each answer of the Sunday blue laws that still exist in demands. required a familiarity with Jewish ritual. many states. Those laws, which were based If the shopkeeper answered correctly, the on the Christian religious prohibition Reprinted from the Chicago Sun Times, July 21, 1985 judge would dismiss the summons. If he against certain activities on the Lord's day, with author's permission.

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LIBERTY e hear much about people of the northern breakaway kingdom of Israel, want it to be because he or she has freely the Christian Right and their "How long will you go limping with two decided to do so, not because there is no social agenda. They believe different opinions?" (1 Kings 18:21). other option. We may do our utmost to that the Lord cannot bless By its own choice the human race divides persuade that special man or woman to America unless Christians itself into two classes: those who choose marry us, but we would be crushed to learn Wstraighten out such issues as abortion, eternal companionship with God and those that our spouse did so against his or her will, national defense, and homosexuality. But who refuse it. Each of us decides for himself or for an ulterior motive. Even should we the Religious Right is not the only segment in which class he will enlist. Scripture attempt to buy or compel love, or friend- seeking to influence or reshape society portrays Christ as gently knocking at the ship, or loyalty, we would then want it to through legislation. The Roman Catholic heart's door, but our hand opens it or keeps turn into the real thing. And when we think Church and mainline Protestant groups have it closed (Revelation 3:20). about it honestly, we know it can't. long had their lobbies and social action God has only our best interest and our My wife feels that it is her responsibility groups. happiness in mind. He takes "no pleasure in as a good parent to see that our children eat If Christianity has any validity, it should the death of any one" (Ezekiel 18:32). He is balanced meals and not play on traffic-laden have something to say to society. But that not like a human parent, who may compel streets. She makes them do things that they does not mean that Christians of either the his child to obey. should anyway. It's for their own good. right or the left have the moral right to Our heavenly Father is no tyrant, manip- They would never reach adulthood if she compel acceptance of their particular con- ulating us against our will. With an intensity didn't. victions. In fact, compulsion is contrary to that we can't comprehend, He longs to But even parents eventually turn over the the principles of the God that they profess to salvage us. But He never lets His infinite responsibility for such decisions to their represent. love violate our personhood, our freedom of natural sons and daughters. We let go. Throughout Scripture the Lord stresses will and choice. If we choose, we may spurn In spiritual decisions God treats each of the voluntary nature of the decision He even the most overwhelming love in the us as an adult. He lets go. He gave mankind wishes us to make—that we "choose life" universe. rights of his own at Creation, and though the (Deuteronomy 30:19),* by accepting Him Why does God permit us to hurl His offer human race has abused them, He does not as our rightful ruler, as the rest of His back in His face or to shrug it off as if it is of annul them. universe has done. His human spokesman no importance? Because true love never I have a teenage daughter. In too few asks us to "choose this day whom you will forces itself on anyone. years she will float into the house to serve" (Joshua 24:15). Elijah demanded of When someone falls in love with us, we announce that she is in love, and that the

When comic-strip character Charlie Brown asks Lucy why lie should do something she wants, Y RALD VVHEELER she replies that she has five reasons, and shoves her fist in his face. Is Lucy's way God's way?

8 January/February, 1986 lucky young man has asked her to marry fere; to respect their right even to make God's way. It should not be ours. him. Naturally, I will have checked out wrong choices. Whatever the situation, true The Christian is to be a leavening agent, Robin's boyfriend already. I may approve love—after it has done all it can to not a police agent. As he seeks to influence of her choice, or I may wonder where she persuade—will avoid coercion. Coercion society, he must ask himself: Did Christ found him. never convinces. It only stifles resistance work through example, or constitutional If my reaction is the latter, my wife and I and sparks resentment. amendment? What can I do in the legislative may try to change her mind. Should she Through every avenue at His command process that will reflect the way of the One persist in wanting to marry him (Robin has a God seeks to lead us to choose life with whom I profess to worship? Could I be streak of determination in her), Penny and I Him. But if we spurn Him, He does not denying Christ when I impose my Christian could become exasperated and feel that throw a tantrum or lock us in our room until beliefs upon others? How can I rectify we'd like to shake some sense into her. we come to our senses. He honors the right injustice, yet avoid trampling upon divinely After all, we know better than she herself He has given us to select even eternal given free will? knows what is best for her. We might even separation from Him. Such questions do not have easy answers. toy with the idea of locking her in her room It is painful to have our hand slapped as They require the Christian to wrestle with or see if we can run the scoundrel off. we hold it out in love. In His dealings with Scripture and the issues to an extent that few Is that God's way of handling such us God has endured this repeatedly. But He are willing to do. It is simpler to legislate situations? Does He make us do something would rather bear the agony than violate our than to love. But the truly loving response to whether or not we like it? personhood or coerce our love. life's problems and issues is the only My son may select one kind of lifework This is the God that Scripture reveals. If convincing argument for commitment to when he is better suited for another. Do I He treats the rebellious in such a loving and Christianity. In decisions of the conscience have the right to order him to take up the respectful manner, what right have those we cannot treat others as helpless children profession I think most appropriate for him? who are called by His name to go beyond and make their choices for them. ■ Or must I as a parent respect and honor His self-restraint and to coerce in His name? Jamie's choice? He must ultimately chart Many Christians speak of God's love but Gerald Wheeler is an associate book editor and bear the responsibility for his own life, practice their own brand of compulsion. with the Review and Herald Publishing even though I may agonize over some of his When comic-strip character Charlie Brown Association, Hagerstown, Maryland. decisions. asks Lucy why he should do something she * Scripture quotations in this article are from It calls for great love on our part to watch wants, she replies she has five reasons, and the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, our children make mistakes and not inter- shoves her fist in front of his face. That's not copyrighted 1946, 1952 © 1971, 1973.

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"If the public perceives the First Amendment as a law allowing radicals and rock collectors to use school facilities but not permitting ordinary, -behaved Christian children the same privilege, I *stian Right might find the leadership to emasculat iiendment and in the process deprive Americans of the valuable rights they have."

10 PHOTOGRAPHS BY RNS

JanuarylFebruary, 1986

No concept is pure. Nothing is absolute. And religious worship or religious teaching." The restriction was the more general a mandate, the greater the designed to ensure separation of church and state as mandated by the Constitution of the United States and the likelihood of differing interpretations. Congress state of Missouri. and the American judicial system are facing a A group of evangelical Christian students calling them- fundamental conflict—a natural tension— selves "Cornerstone" had been using a university room between equal clauses of the First Amendment when the school administration determined—because of the to our Constitution: "Congress shall make no religious nature of their meetings—to deny them space. law respecting an establishment of religion," The students brought suit, arguing that enforcing the university regulation deprived them of two First Amendment versus "Congress shall make no law . . . rights—free speech and the free exercise of religion—and the abridging the freedom of speech." Fourteenth Amendment right of equal protection under the law. Upholding the university's policy, the district court stated that the school acted properly in seeking to maintain n July 28, 1984, President Reagan signed a separation of church and state. However, on December 8, bill allowing student religious groups to use 1981, the Supreme Court overruled the district court 8 to 1. public high school facilities for meetings In a decision delivered by Justice Powell, the Court stated during nonschool hours. The measure is that denying equal access to Cornerstone was a restraint on 0known as equal access. free speech. Although generally discussed in the same context, equal The free exercise of religion was not a strong argument in access is a different problem from organized prayer in public the students' favor. A number of chapels close to, and on, the schools. However, in certain quarters the concept has created campus, permitted them religious expression as a group. the traditional hyperbole and heated feelings surrounding Individuals have the right to pray and otherwise practice their other church-state issues, with some of the same adversaries religion in any setting, as long as doing so is not disruptive to lining up on both sides of the argument. the business of the university or coercive to others. A number of key cases concern public schools allowing a The court evaluated the equal access policy by the club, group, or fellowship—not associated with the Board of "three-pronged test" originally outlined in Lemon v. Education or the school itself—to use schoolrooms, within Kurtzman, 1971. 1. Does it have a secular legislative predetermined guidelines. Conflicts have arisen when a purpose? 2. Is its principal or primary effect neither to religious group has been denied access to facilities or when advance nor to inhibit religion? 3. Does it foster excessive access has been legally challenged, on the grounds that government entanglement with religion? school administration approval implies official support for a In Widmar v. Vincent, equal access would meet the particular religious sect. requirements of 1 and 3 because—being only one of a An equally valid question has been asked in response: If number of groups—religious gatherings would not dominate glee clubs, stamp collectors, liberals, conservatives, Demo- the university's limited forum. Since advancing religion crats, Republicans, Marxists, or right-wing extremists can would not be the forum's primary effect, equal access would legally use a schoolroom for nonschool activities, why can't satisfy the second prong as well. a Methodist or a Christian fundamentalist have the same Basing a restriction on content—in this case, religious opportunity? content—was seen by the eight-man majority as a limitation Civil libertarians of all kinds, and the American Civil on the exercise of free speech. Liberties Union in particular, are badly split on the issue. However, it is interesting to note Justice White's Individual chapters of the ACLU—northern California, dissenting comments, because they reflect the difficulty of for example—believe that as long as secular gatherings of resolving issues dealing with equal constitutional provisions. students are permitted to use public school facilities, student Justice White emphasized the differences in religious religious groups are entitled to the same privilege under the speech as opposed to regular speech. "Were they not Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. The national different, the religion clauses [in the First Amendment] board of the ACLU differs. Its contention is that use of the would be emptied of any independent meaning in circum- room for purposes of worship and religion clearly indicates stances in which religious practice took the form of speech. official school administration (government) support of . . . Although this is a close question, I conclude that it does religion and should be disallowed under the No Establish- not. . . . I would not hold, as the majority does, that if a ment of Religion Clause. university permits students and others to use its property for The courts have narrowly favored the right of equal secular purposes, it must also furnish facilities to religious access, while being critically aware of conflicts arising groups for the purposes of worship and the practice of their between equal clauses in the First Amendment. religion." In Widmar v. Vincent the facts were these: The University of Missouri had permitted more than 100 student groups to J. R. Joelson is a writer, editor, speaker, and former use school facilities. However, a regulation adopted in 1972 political consultant with a special interest in First Amend- prohibited use of buildings or grounds "for purposes of ment issues. He lives in Monterey, California.

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LIBERTY

Repeatedly judges dealing with conflicts between no interests apart from the school itself. Therefore, the level of establishment of religion, free exercise of religion, and free the student and the school is significant. speech echo Justice White's concern regarding coequal Other Supreme Court precedents have defined the rights. boundaries of the equal access cases. In McCollum v. Board In the case of Bender v. Williamsport (Pennsylvania), it of Education, Abington School District v. Schempp, and the was shown that administrators at the Williamsport area high 1962 case, Engel v. Vitale, the Supreme Court made school encouraged student groups to use school facilities to resolutely clear that school boards and government agencies develop a variety of interests. More than 25 student groups cannot establish religious instruction or prayer in public were meeting in September, 1981, when Lisa Bender, schools. Morris Braggs, and Kern Hunter asked principal Wayne Conversely, so long as no official approval is implied and Newton for permission to form a group that would meet all groups permitted to use public school space for during the designated club activity period. Forty-five extracurricular activities follow the same rules and regula- students and one adult teacher, who acted as monitor, tions, no automatic assumption must be made that the school attended the first session. At that time the students formed a administration favors any religious group. nondenominational prayer fellowship called Petros. Free speech means just that. It is not necessary to agree Principal Newton withheld permission for further meet- with ideas conveyed, regardless of where they are presented. ings until he met with Dr. Oscar Knade, superintendent of the Nor does permission to use space—if equally granted to Williamsport area school district. At that point Petros was other groups—imply agreement with the concepts advo- prohibited from utilizing school facilities because of the cated. All groups have the right to assemble peaceably and district's concern over violating the principle of church-state exchange thoughts. Religious precepts are as protected as separation. political opinions: as ideas, not as religion. The students brought suit in 1982 on the First Amendment Moreover—and perhaps the most important point of grounds of "free exercise of religion" and "free speech." all—our government is legally neutral about religion. The On May 23, 1983, District Judge Nealon dismissed the Constitution is explicit on that score. Aside from the First free exercise of religion argument because the school district Amendment, Article VI, Paragraph 3, prohibits religious test had made no attempt to have the students alter or forsake their for public office. James Madison, who wrote the First religious beliefs. However, he found for the plaintiffs on the Amendment, and the great majority of constitutional writers issue of free speech. were clear in that intention. Judge Nealon: "The case indicates a constitutional Today some well-meaning civil libertarians interpret our conflict of the highest order. . . . The plaintiffs assert a Constitution to be antireligious. They assume the No constitutional right as the basis of their claim. The defendants Establishment Clause takes precedence over the Free Speech assert a constitutional limitation as the basis for their defense. and Free Press clauses. No history or reason justifies that The students argue that the First Amendment requires the belief. A natural tension exists between those clauses, and school to grant them the permission they seek. The school one is as valid as the other. district argues that the First Amendment bars it from granting Adding weight to legal neutrality are the political realities: such permission." • If you cannot convince devout First Amendment advocates On June 20, 1983, the Williamsport school district that equal use of school facilities establishes religion, how appealed Judge Nealon's decision to the Federal Circuit can you convince the Supreme Court or the American public? Court of Appeals. On June 6, 1985, the Supreme Court A reverse threat is tied to these political realities. If the called for the Bender v. Williamsport file (case number public perceives the First Amendment as a law allowing 84-773). On October 15, 1985, oral arguments were heard. radicals and rock collectors to use school facilities but not The decision has not come down from the court. permitting ordinary, well-behaved Christian children the Widmar v. Vincent dealt with university students. Bender same privilege, the Christian Right might find the leadership v. Williamsport deals with high school students. At the lower to emasculate the amendment and in the process deprive grade levels administration imposes more structure and Americans of the most valuable rights they have. controls. Older students are encouraged and expected to have Perhaps it would be the better part of valor and common interests outside school confines. They are mature enough to sense for civil libertarians to spend part of their limited enjoy activities not sponsored or approved by school resources convincing the American public that the First authorities. Amendment and our government's legal neutrality regarding Elementary education, intermediate schools, and higher religion protect each citizen's religious liberty and freedom education have different goals and requirements. I do not of expression. The First Amendment is not antireligious. know of an equal access case involving public elementary Justice John Harlan's comments in Sherbert v. Verner, and junior high school students, but in my view, such a case 1963, read as well today as they did 22 years ago: "The would lack merit. The young students would interpret general principle deducible from the First Amendment and permission to use a classroom for religious activities as all that has been said by the Court is this: That we will not support and approval. In the two cases I've cited—Widmar tolerate either government established religion or govern- and Bender—the university and the high school administra- mental interference with religion . . . [We want] a benevolent tions encouraged students to use school facilities for neutrality which will permit religious exercise to 11/6\ independent activities specifically designed to develop exist without sponsorship and without interference." ,14

12 JanuarylFebruary, 1986 one other than Supreme Court tion, where the Bill of Rights was hashed what they actually did with the more general Justice William H. Rehnquist out, Madison lost interest in the matter and declaration "Congress shall make no law has decided to lend his consider- that he agreed to a list of personal liberties respecting an establishment of religion." able influence to those who including religious freedom only out of Rather than heed such contrived historical would discard separation of political expediency to save the Constitu- revisionism, a majority of the High Court church and state as the standard for proper tion. appears to agree with the late William 0. church-state relations in this country. Denigrating Jefferson's role and Madi- Douglas' assertion "The First Amendment In a lengthy dissenting opinion in Wal- son's convictions, however, is but the first says what it means and means what it says." lace v. Jaffree—a June decision in which of Rehnquist's faulty assertions. His real What it says and means is that church and the High Court struck down a mandatory point throughout the dissent is to argue that state, inasmuch as is practicable, are to be silent prayer statute in Alabama—Rehn- the Constitution's Framers sought nothing separate. quist joined the chorus of those singing the new tune that the nation's Founders never intended for church and state to be separate. Leaders of the so-called Religious Right have been saying for the past half-dozen years that because the First Amendment does not explicitly mention separation of church and state, it is a concept foreign to the Constitution. (By the same logic, one might say that because the New Testament in no place specifically mentions the Trin- Views of the ity, it is a concept foreign to the Bible.) Rehnquist's dissent purports to be a short lesson in the history of the Establishment Clause "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." It won't wash for a number of reasons. First, the Justice makes a major argument of the fact that the phrase "separation of church and state" was coined by a Foun- der—Thomas Jefferson—who wasn't even a participant in the Constitutional Conven- tion. He then proceeds to write off the more in the Establishment Clause than (a) to But Rehnquist's ill-conceived effort fails Virginian's influence on the debate. forbid establishment of a national church, on another count as well. He doesn't Jefferson's fellow Virginian James Madi- and (b) to prevent preferential treatment of mention that when the Framers gathered in son—Father of the Constitution and princi- one Christian sect over another. Interest- Philadelphia to debate the issue, the new pal author of the Bill of Rights—must be ingly, that has been the argument of the nation harbored only a dozen or so religious looked to for guidance, Rehnquist goes on. Religious Right as well. groups. (Indeed, historians long have noted And Madison, according to the Justice, Here too Rehnquist fails, mainly because that perhaps fewer than 5 percent of the really didnt much care whether the Consti- the snippets of debate from the First Colonists held membership in any religious tution contained religious guarantees at all, Congress he chooses to lift for examination society.) much less whether it would enshrine the are only those that supposedly make his Today, the United States protects the idea that church and state ought to be point. Under the guise of careful research of rights of some 3,000 separate religious separate. the original record, Rehnquist conveniently bodies on an equal footing. No other nation If Rehnquist had bothered to read a little refrains from mentioning that the body— on earth boasts such diversity. In no other Virginia history, he would have learned that not once or twice, but three times—rejected nation in the world do as many as four in ten Madison almost didn't make it to the Old the very notions he advances. citizens voluntarily attend houses of wor- Dominion's own constitutional ratifying On the first day of debate on the First ship regularly. And no other nation comes convention because of the challenge to his Amendment, a motion was brought that close to matching the two thirds of Ameri- candidacy by a determined Baptist preacher instead of the proposed wording, Congress can citizens who of their own accord belong named John Leland, who offered himself as adopt language forbidding the new govern- to a church or synagogue or mosque. Such an opposing candidate from Orange ment from establishing "one religious sect facts certainly vindicate the Framers' wis- County. Leland campaigned on the proposi- or society in preference to others." The dom in wording the First Amendment in tion the proposed Constitution should be motion was defeated. such a way as to make it relevant to an rejected by the Virginia Convention Another motion was made to adopt ever-growing, ever-changing society. because it contained no religious guaran- alternative language: "Congress shall not Why, then, would anyone—especially a tees. make any law . . . establishing any religious Supreme Court Justice—want to tear at the Only when Madison publicly announced sect or society." The motion was defeated. fabric that has made of America the most his support for a clause in the new document Yet another effort to weaken the pro- religious nation in history? guaranteeing separation of church and state posed language came in a separate motion And why toss out the hallowed constitu- did Leland agree to withdraw, thereby reading "Congress shall make no law tional principle—separation of church and assuring his more prominent neighbor's establishing any particular denomination of state—that has made it so?—R.R.H. election. religion in preference to another . . ." It too Yet Rehnquist asserts in his Jaffree was defeated. Reprinted with permission from Report dissent that between the Virginia Conven- In short, Rehnquist fails in his effort to From the Capital, September, 1985. Copy- tion and the federal Constitutional Conven- prove the Framers sought to do less than right 1985.

13

LIBERTY January/February, 1986 1 he year is 1987, and the Reagan President's nominee to head the Conserva- administration, heading into the tive Catholic Division of the Bureau of sunset, has completed a coup Catholic Affairs, "is all the Unitarians ever 'etat (actually, more of a coup de do. Have affairs.") Tddepartment) that has even its The bureau breakdown set off a storm of harshest critics reeling with admiration. It protest by the religious groups that were not took two years to get all the mechanisms and given bureau status. Jim Bakker, head of people in place (fast by Washington stan- Praise the Lord, the prosperous religious dards), but just before Congress recessed group that uses television extensively, sent for August, the administration rammed an angry wire to Secretary Bennett. Shortly through a bill making it official: The thereafter, Bakker was named head of the Department of Education was being re- department's newly created communica- named the Department of Religion. tions division, charged with identifying of - fective methods for marketing religion. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF Followers of Guru Bhagwan Shree Raj- neesh came from Oregon by the busload to picket the Religion Department. They car- ried placards saying "Religion Without Representation!" and vowed to maintain picket lines until the sect was granted bureau status. REM "That'll happen when hell freezes over," Bennett declared at a press confer- ence. "Those people are absolute wackos." A*F*F*A*I*R*S Christopher C. Sundseth was named to head the division of Congressional liaison Reagan's mandate to the department head was emphatic: and correspondence. Sundseth, an adminis- tration appointee in the Treasury Depart- ment, vaulted from obscurity in August, Give me the answer to the most pressing question of our time! 1985, when it was revealed that he was answering citizens' letters to the govern- BY JUDY MANN The President, who had threatened to ment about Christian issues. He answered veto a Congressional pay raise if the bill one by calling the letter writer an "amazing, didn't go through, was elated: A campaign pathetic creature," and by adding a post- promise to get rid of the Department of script warning: "When you die, you will be Education had been fulfilled, and he'd giving account to Jesus Christ, your Cre- finally gotten government jobs for some of ator, who happens Himself to be a Chris- his most earnest supporters. His place in tian. I hope you are prepared." history as a man who kept his word was Tim LaHaye, author of the seminal work assured. Battle for the Family, was named to head William Bennett, who as Secretary of the general, counsel's office, which was Education had called for a national debate given the task of rooting out secular on religion and had become the standard- humanist teachers. Their names were to be bearer in the drive to reaffirm the linkage referred to the Justice Department for between democracy and the Judeo-Chris- possible prosecution. tian ethic, was named to head the new The American Civil Liberties Union filed department. The Vatican sent him a warm suit, charging that the department's exis- note of congratulations, as did the Reverend tence violated the separation between Jerry Falwell, head of the Moral Majority. church and state. The Supreme Court, The Washington press corps noted that the packed with Reagan appointees, refused to tone of Falwell's message was lukewarm hear the case. Leaders of feminist organiza- and speculated that he had wanted to be tions held a press conference to decry the Secretary of Religion. Falwell issued a lack of female appointees in the department. statement saying that he could not abandon Only two reporters showed up. his television ministry, and besides, he President Reagan, faced with another didn't need the pay cut that goes along with $200 billion deficit, left for California for government service. his annual vacation. Before he left, how- The department was divided into bureaus ever, he ordered the Department of Religion reflecting the interests of the major religions to begin addressing what he called the in the United States: The department's table "most pressing issue of our time." When of organization called for a Catholic Affairs he returned he wanted a report on his desk bureau, a Moral Majority bureau, a South- that would answer the question "If Jesus ern Baptists bureau, a Jewish Affairs Christ were alive today, what church would bureau, a Protestant bureau, a Mormon He belong to?" bureau, and, to the dismay of most of the above, a Unitarian Affairs bureau. Copyright 1985. The Washington Post Company. ("That," growled Phyllis Schlafly, the Reprinted with permission.

14 ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFREY DEVER

LIBERTY Public Schools and Religious Diversity 13i THOMASW GOODHU

would hate to return to the mandatory, meaningless prayers I was forced to recite in kindergarten."

16 ILLUSTR ATIONS BY PAT MORRISON January/February, 1986 mericans have learned to tread lightly where Americans feel besieged these days. Our nation is changing religious convictions are concerned, as well we in countless ways that disturb them, and they fear that public should. No one should want to return to the bad schools are promoting the erosion of their beliefs; so they are old days when schools proselytized and text- beginning to fight back, demanding that schools actively books routinely denounced Judaism, Catholi- promote their beliefs. These are the feelings behind the cism, Islam, and all faiths except Protestant Christianity. I, otherwise inexplicable drive to teach creationism as science for one, would hate to return to the mandatory, meaningless and to remove from classrooms and libraries books that differ prayers I was forced to recite in kindergarten or the from the fundamentalist view of the world. baccalaureate worship service all graduating seniors were expected to attend. Removing public schools from the business of promoting particular religions and particular religious beliefs has certainly been a good thing for education and for our society. What disturbs many Americans, though, is that in seeking 0 to avoid promoting religion, many schools try not to say anything about religion at all—even though the same Supreme Court that banned mandatory school prayer upheld the constitutionality of teaching about religion (Abington School District v. Schempp, 1963). It seems that many teachers, afraid that they may offend someone's beliefs, have decided to say nothing about any beliefs. How can schools respect the beliefs of all students without acting as if differing beliefs do not exist—or do not matter? A Confused Issue The Religious Right's attack on "secular humanism" has raised and confused this issue. Almost every day of the week, it seems, fundamentalist broadcasters claim that a "secular humanist" conspiracy seeks to destroy the faith and values they hold dear, and that schools are a prime agent of this A destruction. The fundamentalists are wrong about the conspiracy, of course, just as they are wrong to portray all lmost every day of the week, it humanists as secularists. Many humanists (people who seems, fundamentalist emphasize human responsibility for shaping our fate) are also deeply religious and do not seek to remove religion from broadcasters claim that a 'secular public life (secularism). The Religious Right condemns many believers who simply emphasize the human side of the humanist' conspiracy seeks to destroy theological balance between divine initiative and human the faith and values they hold dear, response. From what one reads in the media one might get the and that schools are the prime target impression that what riles Christian fundamentalists the most about public schools is their teaching of evolution and the and agent of this destruction." banning of morning devotions. Their anger actually derives from how teachers approach many other subjects, from Santa It is good to remember, though, something Sigmund Freud Claus to whale fins to the prayers that sustained the black is reputed to have said: that even paranoids have real heroine Harriet Tubman in her courageous fight against enemies. The secular humanist conspiracy may be a slavery. phantom, but many schools are guilty of promoting, albeit It is not easy to reason with those who are irrational, but we unconsciously, something quite different—secularism: the should try to understand the feelings behind political views rejection of all religion, and exclusion of faith from public we may find ludicrous. Why, for example, did a Dallas life. Perhaps the fundamentalists succeed in persuading publication called The School Bell warn parents a few years many folks that there is indeed a secular humanist plot afoot ago to watch out for 200 terms that it claimed were associated because there is so much evidence that secularism is alive and with the secular humanist movement—terms including well. behavior, child development, coping, creative writing, Can secular schools be anything but secularist, though? democracy, ethics, ethnic, individualized instruction, men- Can public schools recognize the existence of religious tal health, parenting, understanding, and values? beliefs without violating the very necessary separation our nation has created between congregation and government? I Schools a Battleground think so. Such lumping together of one's opponents and suspi- cions—along with every symbol of cultural change—usually Reprinted from Women's American ORT Reporter, vol. 35, comes from people who feel under siege, and many No. 4 (Summer, 1985), with author's permission.

17 LIBERTY To begin with, we might take a fresh look at how we among students. We can present the story of Hanukkah or expect schools to observe holidays, most of which are rooted Saint Patrick, for example, without imposing our own belief in religious traditions, from the Druids' Halloween to the or disbelief on the story. Those who truly support religious Pilgrims' Thanksgiving. Public schools, like our commercial toleration should recognize that we need to know each culture, have tended to secularize these holidays. The Babe other's stories. in the manger and the Incarnation have been downplayed in Won't teachers need guidance as to how to approach favor of Santa Claus and gift-buying. Hanukkah's miracu- holidays whose interpretation is controversial? Of course lous tradition gets little mention; if noted at all in public they will, just as they require guidance in how to approach the Vietnam War or the civil rights movement. If teachers are forced to learn more about Saint Patrick, Purim, or Ramadan, so much the better. I have been troubled myself, for example, about whether I have steered away from aspects of the Chinese New Year that seem "superstitious" to me. Isn't it an injustice to the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean children in our schools, I wonder, to make lanterns, eat dumplings, and have a dragon dance but to say nothing of customs that to them are important though they may seem odd to us. To understand what Tet means to Vietnamese- Americans today I have had to learn more about Asian piety and culture. This, I am certain, is a good thing. Second, in every subject students examine, teachers should be more honest about the importance religion has had in people's lives. We simply cannot understand Harriet Tubman or the abolitionists without knowing that faith was at the core of their motivation. Was not Christianity invoked by slaveholders as well? Of course it was. Tell both facts and you help the young learn an important lesson—that people often disagree about divine leading. False Impression When teachers, curriculum writers, and publishers mini- mize by omission the role that religion has played in history, e must take a fresh look music, literature, science, and other fields, they give students the false impression that religion's role has been peripheral. at how we expect schools to They also often distort the content covered. One of the ironies of the schools' current difficulties in dealing with the observe holidays, most of which are relationship of science and religion is that they have rooted in religious traditions, from the contributed themselves to the public perception that science and faith are irreconcilable. How many science texts Druids' Halloween to the Pilgrim's mention, for example, that many great English naturalists— and many of the first evolutionists—were also Anglican Thanksgiving. " clergymen? In an extreme form of the play-it-safe syndrome, schools, it is usually described as a time of gift-getting and discussion of faith becomes a new taboo. The tip sheet for candlelighting. These are "safer" than a discussion of writers of Bantam's Sweet Dreams romance series, distrib- miracles. And most schools never celebrate at all those uted in public schools by the Xerox Corporation, bans piety separatist festivals such as Purim or Kwanza that do not fit along with pornography: "Last, there should be no into the melting-pot dogma. profanity, no religious references, and no explicit sex." To We water down holidays, I suppose, because we don't devour a steady diet of these novels, as many teens do, must know what to say about them and wish not to take sides. In give them the impression that other teens do not share the seeking not to give offense, though, schools outrage many thoughts, doubts, or questions they have about matters of who resent bunnies and fat men in red suits upstaging their faith. Certainly the book banning sought by the Religious traditions. Such people can easily be recruited for the crusade Right is bad, but isn't this sort of censorship also harmful? against nonsectarian education. Third, schools should take care not to present scientific theory as fact. Theory, as every scientist knows, is meant to Some Suggestions be modified or rejected in the face of new evidence. It is bad Teachers could say, "Some of you may be out of school science to present any theory as if proven for all time. During tomorrow while you celebrate Yom Kippur. Let's learn a 1985, for example, the once-dominant theory that life first little about this important holiday," or "We're going to emerged in the sea has been supplanted by evidence study the history of Ramadan," without either endorsing Continued on page 27 anyone's doctrine or masking the real religious differences

18 January/February, 1986 MISLEADING ANSWERS BY ROLAND R. HEGSTAD A reply to a solicitation letter from the "Coalition for Religious Liberty"

n impressive letter reeking of ous of addressing serious religious liberty "It might well be said that one's educa- urgency is on my desk. concerns will not be well served by such pap tion is not complete without a study of "Immediate Reply Re- as follows the heading (in Gothic text) "The comparative religion or of the history of quested" say bold black letters State of the Union"—"America today— religion and its relation to the advancement on a red banner across the 'one nation under God with liberty and of civilization. It certainly may be said that top. The letter is headed "Coalition for justice for whom?' " The grammar is better the Bible is worthy of study for its literary Religious Liberty" and lists its national than the objectivity. The questions, and historic qualities. Nothing we have said headquarters in Washington, D.C. It is answers, and my observations follow. here indicates that such study of the Bible or signed by a respected Protestant clergyman identified as president of the organization. "Dear Friend," the letter begins [an low improvement over a computer production that arrived recently headed "Dear Mr. What best-selling book cannot be Liberty Magazine"]. "Your religious free- doms have never been in greater danger. . checked out of the public school library "I urge you to read the enclosed ques- tions. The answers will shock you!" "May or used in the classroom? shock you," without an exclamation mark, would be safer when addressed to editors, a) The Communist Manifesto whose seismographs generally are unflap- pable for anything under a moral Mount St. b) Lady Chatterley's Lover Helens. But I was prepared to be impressed. Even in our forefathers' day religious The Holy Bible liberty was best served, a savant has told us, c) by "eternal vigilance." As it turned out, the answers did shock me. I found them puerile, leading, mis- leading, and outright fallacious. They sound as if they were constructed in the back The answer, we are told, is c. room of a fund-raising factory on a bleak Untrue. The Bible is in many school day late in a disastrous fiscal year. I libraries—and by permission of the High of religion, when presented objectively as sincerely hope that the respected clergyman Court. Wrote Justice Clark for the majority part of a secular program of education, may signed without reading. I prefer ignorance (8-1) in Abington School District v. not be effected consistently with the First to deception. Any religious coalition desir- Schempp (1963): Amendment. "—Page 25.

19 LIBERTY In the more than two decades since the Religious Liberty wants to return to such along with other religions—is hardly disap- Supreme Court ruled on Bible reading and excesses, it is misnamed. pearing from public life. prayer in schools, I recall hearing of only Municipal buildings and public high Now, the above conclusion should not be one New Jersey high school in which the school auditoriums often are available to undue cause for rejoicing. Historically, principal ruled (contrary to the Supreme religious and civil organizations for fair Christianity has been at its best—spiri- Court) that a Bible could not be kept in the rental. Of the three groups listed, Christians tually, morally, actively—when standing school library. In fact, the Supreme Court are most likely to be permitted access to decision in Schempp encouraged study of high schools and municipal buildings. the Bible as literature or as a textbook in The third question: comparative religion classes. On the other hand, while I've been outraged at some books in public school libraries,' and a few in Christian school According to the current interpretation libraries as well, I've never heard of Lady 3. Chatterley' s Lover in a high school library. of the First Amendment, what religions Somewhere it must be on a shelf. But a call are being removed from every aspect of to the major high schools in the Washing- ton, D.C., area found not one. our national life? In my office are a number of Bible-read- ing syllabi used in public schools. LIBERTY a) Humanism c) Christianity printed an article on a program pioneered by Thayer B. Warshaw in a Newton, Massa- b) Scientology chusetts, high school.' Warshaw is author of a teacher's syllabus on how to pursue this constitutional course. Many schools have been teaching about religion for two or more The correct answer, we are told, is c. discreetly apart from Caesar. Our Lord decades: The correct answer is none of the three. instructed His disciples to seek their The second question: Humanism surely is flourishing—though strength not in alliance with Caesar, but in oneness with their Lord. The power of the pulpit increases in proportion to its proxim- ity not to Caesar, but to Jesus Christ. Its What groups are most often denied meet- impact on national life can be measured not by public exposure, but by private devotion; ings in schools and municipal buildings? not by its politics, but by its prayers; not by its ceremonial manifestation, but by its a) Homosexuals spiritual reality. The nations of Western Europe long ago b) Left-wing political groups enshrined the church in their national life. c) Christians Today Europe is a post-Christian continent. Our nation long ago disenfranchised the church. Today there is yet a vital Christian witness in our land. In Europe, not The answer: c. more than 5 percent (and as low as 2 per- One might ask: "What schools?" Uni- cent) of Christians are found in church versities and colleges? High schools? Grade not all brands correctly can be catalogued as each weekend; in America the figure is 40 schools? In a case publicized nationally, the religious. And whatever the catalog head- percent. University of Missouri denied Christian ing, in the sense of putting humanity above What religions have been or are being students the right to meet on campus. In God, humanism sits in pews across the land removed from our national life? The fran- Widmar v. Vincent, the Supreme Court held by invitation of preachers. chised. The preferred. The established. that the school was out of line with the Scientology? Courts have questioned Of course, the urgent letter concluded Constitution. Christian students now meet whether Scientology is more than a Ron with an urgent appeal for funds— on university and college campuses as do Hubbard venture into metaphysical science "Enclosed is my supportive gift of . . " left- and right-wing political groups and fiction. A directive from Scientology head- homosexuals. I know of no high school that quarters—introduced as evidence in a Port- This response is my contribution. permits homosexuals to meet on school land, Oregon, courtroom—refers to local I shall not join the Coalition for Religious property. Right-wing political and Christian groups as "franchises" and speaks of Liberty as a "Defender of Freedom." If groups on campus far outnumber left-wing "quotas" of money assigned to each. you've received a solicitation letter, I hope political groups. Whether Scientology differs substantially you'll determine to stand, alone if neces- As a high school student at Roosevelt from McDonald's or a Midas Muffler Shop sary, as a Defender of Truth. High School in Portland, Oregon, I was a remains to be determined. Well, not alone. When one stands member of the Evangelical Christian- Christianity, then? As we've read, the for Truth, one stands, even if un- oriented Hi-Y Club. As a young editor in High Court has affirmed Christianity's knowingly, with One who is Truth. Nashville, Tennessee, I visited a public place, along with other religions, in our high school assembly, at which a Protestant public schools. Another decision, Engel v. I See "More Bodies," LIBERTY, January-Feb- evangelist was holding a week-long revival Vitale, confirms its place in our national ruary, 1982, p. 6. series complete with altar calls! Yes, a songs, on our coins, and in our pledge of 2 See "We're Studying the Bible in Our High public high school! If the Coalition for allegiance. Surely, then, Christianity— School," LIBERTY, March-April, 1964, p. 12.

20 January/February, 1986 n May,1688, King James II of England issued his Declaration of Indulgence for Liberty of Con- science. Henceforth Englishmen were to be granted "free exercise of their religion:'All sub- 0jects of His Royal Majesty were to be permitted unlimited "leave to meet and serve God after their own BY way and manner." GODFREY D. LEHMAN It sounded great! In fact, it sounded almost too good to believe. But the king's "royal will and pleasure" was plainly stated: "From henceforth the execution of . . . all manner of penal laws in matters ecclesiastical"—for example, not attending church or other failure to conform to the established reli- ToVinclicate the gion—were to be "immediately suspended." What more could a good En- glishman ask? A few pene- trating questions. Questions that found answer a few months later in a London court- room. The verdict there not only redefined religious freedom in England but may have saved the nation itself from the violent antimonarchical revolutions subsequently to shake He didn't intend the continent. First, there was the matter of "indulgence." If the king it that way, could on the occasion of his declaration indulge his subjects by granting liberty of conscience, could he not on another but James II's libel suit occasion indict them? Was religious conscience only a commodity to be granted and permitted at the king's "royal may have spared will and pleasure"? Second, since Parliament made laws, what right had the England a "French" king to suspend those laws? And if he did, indeed, have that right, could he not also, at his "royal will and pleasure," Revolution. reinstate them and even add new laws curbing liberty of conscience? Much more was involved in the king's Declaration of Indulgence than at first appeared. Some concluded that the declaration was only a political ploy to usurp parliamentary powers and give James absolute control of the nation. If abused, these powers, called "suspending" (legislating independently of Parliament) and "dispensing" (excusing those who had infringed on parliamentary action), could lead to monarchical absolutism, the same issue that had led to the beheading of his father, Charles I, 39 years earlier. Though Anglicanism was the state religion, James was Roman Catholic. In his Declaration of Indulgence he said he felt compelled to "heartily wish, as it will easily be believed, that all the people of our dominions were members of the

Godfrey D. Lehman, a resident of San Francisco, Califor- nia, has been studying the jury system since he first served as a juror in 1958. He authored What You Need to Know for Jury Duty in 1968 and researches comparative jury law and the historical development of the jury system.

21 LIBERTY Catholic Church." Since succeeding his brother Charles II in king. Justice Allibone was a papist. Justice Holloway had 1685, James had been accused of a long train of abuses and been a serviceable tool of the government; and Justice usurpations, all seen as an attempt to reestablish despotism. Powell, though reputed to be honest, had blotches of venality Early in his reign James had retaliated against the Duke of on his record. To add further pressure, the court would not Monmouth, a Protestant rival for the throne, by having allow the jurors food, drink (not even water), or toilet hundreds of the duke's followers jailed or slaughtered for facilities—nothing until they reached a verdict vindicating crimes as vague as having entertained someone whose distant the king. relative might have uttered an expletive against the king. He Under these conditions the proceedings began. And had stacked the judicial bench with twelve compliant judges, though the attorney general explained that the trial was for before whom he presented the legality of dispensing power. the "public vindication" of the king's honor, the real issue Eleven obliged him. The dissenter was dismissed—a ploy, was the future of religious freedom in England. many Englishmen assumed, to give the appearance of The prosecution's first objective was to prove that the independence. The Declaration of Indulgence, it was widely "humble petition" was written in the archbishop's own hand believed, was an instrument to gain absolute power and to and that the signatures were those of the seven accused. reestablish Roman Catholicism in Britain. Though everyone knew they wrote it, the bishops could not When James ordered that his declaration be read in church be forced to testify against themselves, and it was necessary by every bishop, minister, and congregation leader, most to find third parties who could swear to the signatures. refused. The archbishop of Canterbury, William Sancroft, Numerous witnesses developed vague memories: after consulting with six other leading bishops, wrote a "I do believe the handwriting may be the archbishop's." "humble petition" to the king, expressing a "great "I rather believe it is my Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells adverseness . . . to the distributing and publishing in all their his hand, but truly I do not distinctly know my Lord Bishop churches . . . neither from any want of duty and obedience to of Bath and Wells his hand." your majesty," but because the document would give the One witness, when asked if he had ever seen his bishop king, "dispensing power, as hath been often declared illegal write, responded that he had been "in his chambers several in Parliament." times when he has been writing, but I had more manners than When six of the bishops presented the petition to the king, to look upon what he writ." he declared, "This is a standard of rebellion!" Witness after witness responded much in the same "Rebellion!" some of the bishops proclaimed, falling to manner. Finally the king's clerk, Mr. Blaithwayte, testified their knees before the king. "For God's sake, sir, do not say that he had "been at the king's elbow" during a hearing with so hard a thing of us." the bishops. He claimed that he heard the bishops admit to "This is rebellion," he said. "I shall keep this paper." signing the document. The bishops, sent from the palace, were met in the street "Did every one of the bishops own their names subscribed by throngs of people shouting encouragement and support. to it?" the attorney general asked. On Sunday, May 20, though copies of the declaration had "Yes," Blaithwayte answered. reached every clergyman in London, only four ministers read Now that the question of who wrote it had been answered, it in the church. In those four churches, the congregations the other charge, that of publishing it, had to be proved walked out. too. Twice the king drew up orders threatening to discharge the "Owning their hands," the chief justice was forced to obdurate clergymen, and twice—advised that the people admit, "doesn't amount to publication." would ignore his orders—he withdrew them. James then As the court wrangled through hours of lame testimony gave the seven petitioning bishops a few weeks to capitulate over proof of publication, the spectators shouted approval for to his demands. When they refused, he ordered them jailed. every gain of the defense, and disapproval of all prosecution Their procession to the Tower of London was like a victory witnesses. The chief justice himself had given up and was parade. Thousands knelt and prayed for them. Others, ready to admit that the prosecution, while proving ownership including guards, asked their blessing and drank toasts to and writing of the paper, had not proved publication. This their health. would mean that the jury must acquit. The following week the bishops were indicted for The attorney general then claimed that a witness, a "seditious libel." Having pleaded not guilty, they were "person of very great quality," was on his way to the court. released until the court convened two weeks later. An hour later the great personage arrived, carried ceremo- The king, a poor loser, stacked the jury with jurors likely niously through the hall on a sedan chair. A representative of to convict. He had his clerk select from the freeholders' book the king, he bore the title of lord president. From the stand he the names of men who were his servants or Roman Catholics. testified that two of the accused bishops had approached him Lawyers for the crown made penetrating investigations into and said that they and the other bishops desired to present the the characters of the panelists. One juror, Michael Arnold, "humble petition" to the king, and had then asked about the was brewery master to the king. He bewailed his forced best procedure. Here was proof of publication. service: to acquit, he said, would mean to lose his business At this point defense lawyer Finch resorted to a calculated with the king, to convict would mean to lose it with the risk. The king, he said, had no right to dispense and suspend people. powers implied in the Declaration. The bishops had not tried James also appointed the four presiding judges. Well "to diminish the king's royal authority" but only requested aware of the fate of previous dissident judges, Chief Justice noncompliance because they could not, in conscience, honor Sir Richard Wright was unscrupulously obsequious to the the declaration."

22 January/February, 1986 Finch was appealing to an inherent power in the jury called they would have gladly settled for a portable potty). The "jury nullification," the right to review the legality of a law. court gave them nothing. If the jury agreed that the king did not have the right to these Finch's risk had paid off. If the acquittal had been based on powers, then the bishops could not be convicted of seditious doubt of publication, the victory would have been equivocal. libel, because what they said against the declaration was But when the jury assumed the power of nullification and true. absolved the bishops of seditious libel, they settled an issue It was a difficult defense. By challenging the king's which had kept Parliament and the monarchy embattled for powers to dispense and suspend, the bishops sought to centuries: they showed that the king had no dispensing "diminish" royal authority, and Justice Wright said as or suspending powers. The verdict could have come much. Unexpectedly, however, Justice Powell allied himself only from jurors driven more by conscience than royal with the defense: "If the king hath no such power (as clearly intimidation. he hath not in my judgment), the natural consequence will be News of the acquittal spread throughout the city. One that this petition is no diminution of the king's regal power, historian observed: "There were immediately very loud and not seditious or libelous." acclamations through Westminster-hall, and the words, 'Not Justice Allibone was hostile to the defense: "No man can guilty . . . not guilty' went round with such shouts and huzzas take upon him to write against the actual exercise of the that the king's solicitor moved very earnestly that such as government, unless he have leave from the government, but shouted might be committed. But the shouts were carried he makes a libel, be what he writes true or false. Such a through the cities of Westminster and London, and flew petition is next door to treason." presently to Hounslow-heath, where the soldiers in the camp Justice Holloway was neutral. He did say, however, that echoed them so loud that it startled the king, who was that the petition was a proper means of expressing a grievance day entertained in the earl of Feversham's tent: insomuch that against government. his majesty sent him out to learn what was the matter. The Justice Powell added that he could not see "anything of earl came back and told the king, 'It was nothing but the sedition. " If the king were allowed these powers, "there will soldiers shouting upon the news of the bishops' being be no need of parliament; all the legislation will be in the acquitted.' king." "The king replied, 'And do you call that nothing? But so Justice Wright, wanting to divert the issue, said, "The much the worse for them.' What his majesty meant by these dispensing power is out of the case. The only question, last words he had not much time to interpret; he could only gentlemen, is a question of fact, whether here be a certain shew some indignation that the bishops had escaped legal proof of publication and whether it be libel." Because penalty, and he threatened to deliver them up to the publication, according to Wright, had been proved, and ecclesiastical commissioners." because Wright defined libel as "anything that shall disturb Yet the king had no power to deliver them to the the government or make mischief and stir up the people commission, so he took the only revenge permitted him: He [which happened]." Wright told the jury, "I do take it to be a discharged Justices Powell and Holloway and would have libel." punished them more severely if his reign had allowed it. But The trial, which began at seven in the morning, continued at this point James had already pressed too far. for 14 or 15 hours. Wright granted the jurors a single Indeed, the acquittal led directly to the Glorious Revolu- concession—some wine to abate their thirst from the hot tion. Unlike the bloodshed that would later rack France, summer day. The jurors were then locked up to decide the America, and Russia, this revolution did not involve military case. Most quickly agreed on a verdict. Breweryman Arnold action. James was overthrown, forced to flee England, and wavered before deciding which half of his business he would exiled for life. A constitutional monarchy was established lose. About four in the morning, the court sent in water so under the joint reign of his Protestant daughter Mary, that the jurors could wash; instead, they drank it. princess of Orange, and her husband William, prince of At 10:00 A.M. the jurors returned to the courtroom. Their Orange. These new monarchs were compelled to sign the 27-hour ordeal clearly showed; their soiled garments stank. Declaration of Rights before being permitted succession. They were led to the jury box, and Chief Justice Wright This declaration recapitulated the crimes that had led to the called upon foreman Sir Roger Langley for the verdict. revolution, including the oppression of dissident churches. It "Do you find the defendants or any of them guilty of also guaranteed the right of religious freedom based on the misdemeanors whereof they are impeached, or not individual conscience and reaffirmed the right of trial by guilty?" jury. The Declaration of Rights has been termed one of eight Langley rose, glared defiantly at the justices, and shouted: "Great Charters of Freedom," essential forerunners of the "Not guilty!" American Declaration of Independence and later the Bill of All the jury then joined in a chorus: "Yes. . . . Not Rights. guilty!" The overthrow of James, a revolution, a new government, Spectators in the courtroom and the halls exploded with great strides in religious freedom, all without the more such cheers that it took half an hour before they were quieted. savage upheavals against monarchical rule—because of a Perhaps because of the fervor of the crowd, the court didn't jury verdict? It would, perhaps, be too simplistic to assume hold the jury longer. When the jurors left the Westminster that so complex a historical force as the Glorious Revolution courtroom they were cheered by crowds outside. Noblemen was sparked by one jury's choice of conscience over tem- in their carriages threw money at them, more than poral (indeed some very temporal) considerations. compensating the jurors for their ordeal (though probably Or would it . . . ?

23 LIBERTY

THE YEAR

BY GEORGE VANDE MAN January/February, 1986 Here is the key to a prophetic things which must shortly take place." t Can you see why we need not fear the code that reveals vital book of Revelation? It simply reveals the information about the near Lord Jesus Christ and His blueprint for our future. Our time invested in this book will future of our nation. be richly rewarded. Look at verse 3: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep ome with me to the year 2000. those things which are written in it; for the It's not so far away, you time is near." know. What will life be like in Would you like to claim the special the twenty-first century? blessing reserved for those studying this Picture the place where you book? Then let's get started! In this article Cwill work. Imagine the futuristic vehicle I'll introduce you to Revelation and explain you will own—maybe your personal space the secrets of decoding its symbols. Let's shuttle! And fancy the exotic new food to read verses 5 and 6: tempt your taste buds. Will there be enough "And from Jesus Christ, the faithful to feed us all? witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the Will our cities be centers of commerce ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who and culture or playgrounds of rats and loved us, and washed us from our sins in His gangs? Will we enjoy peace on earth or own blood, and has made us kings and suffer the horrors of doomsday? priests to His God and Father, to Him be We're brimming with curiosity about the glory and dominion forever and ever. future. But even more, we crave security. Amen." We need to know what's ahead for us and Here we see Jesus risen from His death our loved ones. And we can know more for our sins. How comforting to find our than you may think. Saviour in this book famous for its beasts. Whenever my wife, Nellie, and I shop for These verses reveal the same gospel of groceries, we see the colorful tabloids at the salvation so dear to every Christian. checkout counters. Sometimes the super- Jesus offers more than membership in market psychics offer us bold new predic- heaven's royal family to the lost human tions. Often they simply recycle headlines race. He rules the kings of the earth. And from the year before. Many disappointed because He pilots this planet, we're not left readers have learned not to put faith in their at the mercy of governments and terrorists. forecasts. As the song goes, "He's got the whole We get more trustworthy information world in His hands." from the Bible. Knowing the end from the Revelation also proclaims the Lord Jesus beginning, our heavenly Father has Christ as the soon-coming King of glory. t unfolded our future in the prophecies of Look at verse 7, still in the first chapter: Revelation. This last of Scripture's 66 "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and books was recorded about A.D. 96 by the every eye shall see Him, and they also who apostle John while exiled on the remote pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth island of Patmos. will mourn because of Him. Even so, Would you like to discover God's plan Amen." for this planet? Then join me as we explore The second coming of Jesus is the climax Revelation's fascinating forecasts. of all the books of the Bible. Especially Perhaps you've been avoiding Revela- Revelation, which through its prophecies tion. Many Christians recoil in fear from its explains what's in store for us preceding beasts and dragons, hailstorms and earth- Christ's return. quakes. But there's no reason to be afraid. Before we decode the symbols of this I'm reminded of that dark and stormy book, let's learn a lesson from Pearl Harbor. night when Jesus walked on water. Picture Who will ever forget that December day the scene. While gale-force winds roar at when Japanese bombers swooped from the the frightened disciples, the raging Sea of Galilee threatens to swallow them alive. Now a ghostlike figure appears. And it's George Vandeman is the writer, director, moving toward them! Their fear becomes and speaker for the It Is Written television heart-pounding panic. Just when their doom series broadcast from Thousand Oaks, seems sealed, the floating phantom speaks California. with the Master's comforting voice: "It is I; be not afraid." The storm is stilled. * First in a series of studies on the book of Revelation. Based on the book The Rise and Fall What an experience! The object of terror of Antichrist, by George Vandeman. turned out to be Jesus, their friend. So it is when we read the book of Revelation. All t Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this anxiety vanishes with its opening words: article are from The New King James Version. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which Copyright © 1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson, God gave Him to show His servants— Inc., Publishers.

ILLUSTRATION BY KEVIN CHADWICK 25 LIBERTY sky and swept us into World War II? So beasts represent kingdoms, or nations. formed a unit. Sometimes government America was caught by surprise. But it We use the same symbolism. The United controlled the church. Often it was the other didn't have to happen that way. United States is represented by an eagle. Russia, by way around—the church ran the govern- States Intelligence had cracked the Japanese a bear. And so on. Decoding prophecy is ment. But America is different. The First code. Daily we intercepted messages about just a matter of probing the Bible to find Amendment of the Constitution forbids an ominous and imminent offensive in the explanations of the symbols. Congress to establish a religion or to Pacific theater,. Yet incredible as it may Let's return to Revelation 17. Most of the interfere with its free exercise. These seem, nothing much was done to prepare beasts—the nations—of Bible prophecy prohibitions are essential to freedom. Pearl Harbor for the impending attack. emerge from water. What does "water" Let's notice something else about our America was asleep that fateful Sunday represent? Revelation 17:15 explains: New World republic. Revelation 13 morning. "And he said to me, 'The waters which describes its power to lead the whole world. We had cracked the code. But we didn't you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, The United States is the most influential heed the warning. We did learn our lesson. multitudes, nations, and tongues.' " nation on earth. What a responsibility! We utilized information gained from Water means people, multitudes of peo- Sadly, the Bible indicates that America, breaking the code. Six months after Pearl ple. Once again a Bible symbol is echoed in the lamblike nation, will reverse its gentle Harbor came the dramatic turning-point our everyday language. You've heard the manners and behave like a dragon. Some battle of Midway. From secret intelligence expression "a sea of faces." Large crowds unusual and distressing events are soon to received through decoding, American pilots of people are described as an ocean. So occur. I'll explore these in another article. knew the location of the vulnerable Japa- beasts emerging from the sea represent Whatever may be waiting for us between nese carriers. With that crucial information nations arising from an area of crowded now and the year 2000, we don't have to we reversed the enemy offensive and went population. worry about it. Our world may seem out of on to win the war. With one important exception, Revela- control, but it's not. God controls our You can see the lesson for us today. tion's beasts originate among the crowded destiny. He will protect His children and Decoding symbols won't prepare us for the countries of the Old World. The exception fulfill His gracious purpose for our planet. battle ahead unless we put into practice what is introduced in the famous mark-of-the- And the same God who guides this world we discover in God's Word. We could beast chapter, Revelation 13. After reading can bring harmony to your life. No problem become expert Bible scholars, yet suffer a the description of this unique beast in verse of yours is too big for Him to handle. He personal Pearl Harbor for not applying what 11, we can decode its meaning. sustains the stars. And nothing that disturbs we learn about Christ and His truth. "Then I saw another beast coming up out your peace is too small for Him to notice, Now let's discover how to decode pro- of the earth, and he had two horns like a for He organized the tiny atom. phetic symbols. First we must realize that lamb and spoke like a dragon." Are you struggling to save your mar- personal opinions, however interesting they What nation does this beast represent? riage? There's hope and help in Jesus. Have may be, contribute nothing to our study. Let's fit the puzzle together. First, the time finances forsaken you? Are you hounded by Peter the apostle tells us that no Scripture is setting. This new nation is involved in the pain or guilt or loneliness? Take heart; our to be privately interpreted. We only confuse mark-of-the-beast struggle that occurs just Father in heaven loves you dearly. Jesus can ourselves when we bring our own baggage before the coming of Christ. It's obviously a meet your every need. into the study of the Word. How much last-day power, a relatively new nation. But the Saviour won't force Himself on better to follow where God leads. Why does this country arise out of the you. He patiently waits for you to ask Him We learn so much from children! A friend earth rather than the sea? As water repre- into your life. Here's His gracious invitation has a little boy named Stevie who loves to sents an area of many people, so earth in Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the go places with him. Any place at all, it symbolizes a new territory, separated from door and knock. If anyone hears My voice matters not where, just so long as he can be the crowded Old World of Europe and Asia. and opens the door, I will come in to him with Daddy. Whenever Stevie sees his Just as soil contains some water, but not and dine with him, and he with Me." father heading for the door, car keys in much, this nation springs up where there are Jesus enjoys fellowship with us, just as hand, he pleads, "Can I go with you?" some people—a few scattered natives per- we cherish the companionship of our loved Only after they start on their way does he haps. A new country born on a new ones. The story is told of a little city girl who ask, "Daddy, where are we going?" continent would seem likely. visited Grandma. After a wonderful morn- Are we willing to trust our heavenly This nation differs further from already ing riding horses on the farm, the two Father? To forsake the paths of our own established powers. Instead of wearing enjoyed a picnic lunch by the river. Then choosing and go anywhere the Bible leads? crowns on its horns, like other beasts, it has they explored the woods behind the farm- Then we're prepared to decode the prophe- two horns without crowns. So this New house. Following supper, they cuddled for cies of Revelation. World nation is not a kingdom. There's no stories beside the crackling fireplace. All Just how do we mine the treasures of royalty to "crown." A new form of too soon it was time for bed. As Grandma God's Word? By comparing scripture with government is indicated. Could this New tucked the yawning girl under the covers, a scripture. One text unlocks the meaning of World republic be the United States? sudden crash of thunder jolted the house. another. And since all 66 books are related, There are striking indications. Even the "Grandma!" cried the child. "I'm we need to search the whole Bible to description of a beast with horns like a Iamb scared! Can I sleep with you?" understand Revelation. reminds us of the American buffalo. What Of course, Grandma was delighted to Now let's go for a test drive. We hear so do the lamblike horns represent? Christ, of carry the little one to her room. As they much about the beasts of Revelation. What course, is the lamb. What was His idea of snuggled under the blankets, one last does a prophetic beast represent? government? "Render therefore unto Cae- question came. "Grandma, is your face To decode this symbol, we'll visit the sar the things which are Caesar's; and to turned toward me?" Assured that it was, the book of Daniel, the Old Testament com- God the things that are God's" (Matthew little one fell asleep. panion of Revelation that shares many of the 22:21, K.J.V.). Here Jesus calls for clear As the thunders of final crisis roll across same symbols: "Thus he said: 'The fourth distinction between government and the our land, we need not be afraid. The book of beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth.' " church. Revelation assures us Jesus is with lip (chapter 7:23). In the Old World, church and state us. And His face is turned toward us.

26 January/February, 1986 scientific method—observing, hypothesizing, testing— whether their students are kindergartners building with Public blocks or teenagers exploring how a violin makes music. Teachers can easily, unconsciously, cross over, though, from teaching scientific methods and scientific theories to promoting scientism, the belief that scientific methods are Schools the ideal way of expanding human knowledge. Such a belief is a matter of faith and one that clashes with religious beliefs Continued from page 18 in supernatural causes. supporting a newer theory that clay could have more easily Usually schools treat as a fact only something that can be sustained the earliest forms of life. Perhaps there is truth, tested by scientific method, which means that analysis is after all, in the poetry of Job: "Thou has made me as the limited to reductionistic materialism (the doctrine in clay" (Job 10:9). philosophy that matter is the only reality and that everything How should schools approach the creation of the world? can be understood by reducing things to their material Personally, I do not want to see the book of Genesis taught in components). Schools usually recognize as possible causes seventh-grade science classes. Genesis does not present only those factors consistent with material determinism (the scientific theory, so it does not belong in science texts—but doctrine that events are always determined by material neither does any description of evolution as immutable truth. causes). If all teaching is based on these assumptions, Evolution is a theory (actually, a number of theories) resting schools promote belief in one faith (materialism) over all on many facts and accepted by most scientists as the best set other belief systems that seek the spiritual dimension of of explanations yet devised for the evidence available—but reality. still only theory. And, it must be remembered, evolutionary Good scientists know that their methods restrict their study theory has emerged in the context of natural science, which is to things that are repeatable, measurable, independently biased against explanations based on supernatural causes. observable phenomena—and that a reality could exist It is wrong, therefore, for schools to teach that "the earth beyond the reach of scientific knowledge. When schools is 4 billion years old." Many scientists believe that the earth forget the limits of scientific methods and act as if these are is billions of years old, but this belief is not an immutable the only ways to discover truth, not science, but scientism, is truth; and presenting such a belief as fact is highly offensive being taught. to many fundamentalists and others who believe the earth to be much younger. Needed: Some Humility While putting Genesis in geology lessons is wrong, What science teachers need, along with all other schools need not endorse religious beliefs in order to educators, is a little humility in approaching unscientific recognize their existence. There might be less pressure for thought. Those who pray for healing or visit a shaman (many public schools to teach creationism if teachers and texts noted of whom might also go to the doctor) may be in touch with a that while scientists overwhelmingly accept evolutionary reality unknown to medical science. Who are we to say that theories, creationism is widely accepted in the public at large they are wrong? We may call the animism of other cultures and that millions of Protestants (and a majority of American "primitive," but did not the native people of America who Catholics, according to a recent Gallup poll) believe that saw souls in trees and the buffalo manage to live more there has been evolution but that it has had divine guidance. harmoniously with the environment that sustained them than Nor should teachers say, as I must admit having said, we have managed to do? "The ancestors of whales were land mammals who returned Of course, some people will be offended no matter what to the sea. Legs slowly evolved into flippers and fins." teachers do. There will always be a few paranoids who see Perhaps this is what happened long ago (many biologists everything from all-day kindergarten to creative writing as think so), but we have no clear proof that legs evolved into attempts to undermine the morals of the nation. And some whale fins. Indeed, the lack of fossil evidence of "transi- will always want no mention of faith in schools whatsoever tional forms" between land-dwelling mammals and sea- unless their own views are taught. If public schools could dwelling mammals (or between nearly any two species, for approach religion with less fear and with genuine neutrality, that matter) is precisely what causes many well-educated however, probably many fewer would be offended than are people to doubt whether unassisted evolution could have today. Such impartiality would both make teaching more produced the remarkable diversity of life on this planet. accurate and help rebuild public support for public Colin Paterson and other "transformed cladists"—scientists education. who study the verifiable characteristics of each species and how species fit together—are also now calling into question how evolutionists have interpreted the fossils that have been REFERENCES discovered. It would be better science teaching to say instead "Guidelines for Romance." Inteerracial Books for Children Bulletin 12, about whales, "Many scientists believe the ancestors of Nos. 4 and 5 (1981). Hyers, Conrad. "The Fall and Rise of Creationism." The Christian Century whales once lived on land. They think that the legs of land 102 (April 24, 1985): 411-415. mammals slowly changed into the fins of sea mammals." Marsh, Jeffrey. "Evolution and Its Discontents." Commentary. November, Fourth, schools should be careful that in teaching science 1982, pp. 35-41. they do not preach scientism. All schools and almost all Warshaw, Thayer. "Religion." In Spurlock Clark, ed. Education and the teachers have opportunities to encourage students to use the Supreme Court. Nashville: Abingdon, 1974.

27 LIBERTY

The stated goal is to educate the Ethiopians Insofar as Israeli rabbinical leaders are in Hebrew, acculturate them to the realities concerned, there is no consensus on the of twentieth-century Israel, train them for Ethiopian Jewish religious status. Numer- Letters employment, and then send them out to jobs ous rabbis accept Ethiopian Jews without throughout the country. The children and any reservation; others feel that some young people particularly have made great admixture may have occurred over the strides in their studies, and many of the centuries. I do not recall any statement of "The Professor Who Lost His Job" trained young people have shown a particu- rabbinical leaders asserting that the entire As a former student of Jerry Bergman's I lar aptitude for work in aircraft and other Ethiopian Jewish community may be illegit- know that creationism was never mentioned high tech industries. imate. in his class. I did not know he was a To state that "no 'milk and honey' awaits The last paragraph in your article—"And creationist until long after the class was them—no golden opportunities or accep- so trials continue for the Falashas—victims over. It seems to me that universities should tance. Just a wealth of religious prejudice" of persecution in Ethiopia because of their be more concerned about the students' is to misunderstand the concern of the two religion, and victims of bigotry in Israel perception of instructors. After all, it is the chief rabbis of Israel totally. A concern, because of their culture"—I find extremely students whom the professor is supposed to incidentally, which is not at all shared by the offensive. The Ethiopian Jews are not be serving, in the classroom at least. It is my great majority of Israelis. The unidentified victims of bigotry in Israel because of their perception, and the opinion of those stu- and unnamed "Israeli rabbinical leaders culture. Their culture, their love for Israel, dents whom I talked to, that Dr. Bergman is [who] assert that the entire Ethiopian Jewish is what brought them there, and they have a very creative, well-read, interesting, and community may be illegitimate" are cer- gained widespread acceptance, joy, and compassionate professor. I was continually tainly not the aforementioned chief rabbis. gratitude on the part of the Israeli popula- amazed that he seemed to know so much The "conversion" mentioned in the tion. about so many areas. Dr. Bergman was an article is a symbolic one, consisting of a Finally, please do not refer to Ethiopian excellent discussion facilitator, encourag- brief immersion in a ritual bath. No more Jews as "Falashas." They themselves ing class participation and involvement. than that, and as of this writing, even that resent the term, which is derogatory and is Thus, for whatever reason Dr. Bergman position has been softened by the chief never used by them, but is employed by the was terminated, in my perception it cer- rabbis to that of a case-by-case basis when Ethiopian authorities as a means of desig- tainly had nothing to do with his teaching marriage is contemplated. nating them as outsiders. They are anything performance or student relations. While I agree that the need for even this but outsiders in Israel. It is ironic that professors are highly ritual conversion is the subject of legitimate RABBI MARTIN S. HALPERN threatened by a person's individual reli- debate and personally do not agree with that Silver Spring, Maryland gious belief. Probably many of my profes- rabbinical position, the conclusion that this sors had beliefs that I and many other means religious prejudice and nonaccep- students disagreed with. Certainly one's tance is unsupportable. own personal beliefs, especially religious While acknowledging that there are "Mandate to Discipline" beliefs, should not be used as a criterion to certain to be future problems, as there have This article from Don Baker's book omits evaluate job performance. been with every new wave of immigration, two circumstances that are certainly not DIANNE STEINKE all the Israelis that I spoke to were pleased to uncommon. The first is when a member's Montpelier, Ohio have this new ingredient to the "salad" that sin involves legal and/or moral matters is the vibrant democracy of modern Israel. outside the church. For example, the Exiles in Ethiopia: They Want to IRWIN HARRIS, Attorney principal of a church-supported, state- Phoenix, Arizona approved school falsifies records on the Go Home length of the required school year. In such a I write as one who has visited Israel three case, the church must at some point times in the past five years, and who, in May Ethiopian Exiles: They Are Home acknowledge the matter and apologize to of this year, spent time in an Ethiopian the appropriate authorities (and others if absorption center in Ashkelon. The Israeli Government has done every- they are in any way involved). These newest immigrants are living in thing humanly possible to make Ethiopian The second is when a member reaches the apartments in the midst of a neighborhood Jews feel at home and has largely suc- conclusion that the Craft of Wicce, or of Caucasian Israelis. The Israeli Govern- ceeded. They are not obligated to provide a whatever the "church" name may be, is not ment, with the support of the people of land of "milk and honey" for them. The "his supreme court on earth." The member Israel, has undertaken a major job of state of Israel suffers from severe economic made an affirmative decision when he acculturation of a people who have in days crises, and I doubt very much if there is any joined the church. Later revelations may moved forward centuries in time. Despite other nation in the world who would have convince him the decision was in error or no continuing economic woes, the government provided so much help for so many people longer valid. I ignored the advice of more has made a substantial commitment of given the circumstances under which the than one Protestant group to join another money and personnel to accomplish this. state exists. group commonly regarded as a sect. Twenty

28 January/February, 1986

years later I again followed my conscience writer, Don Baker, does not disclose much As a priestess of a West Coast coven I when I withdrew. Neither decision was concern for the accused's opportunity to be have long wondered when the predicament made lightly, quickly, or without consider- heard—to present his/her witnesses and of followers of the old religion would find able pain. contentions. It may never have occurred to its way onto your pages. I 4am quite pleased Finally, I am somewhat amused that him that the persons in authority who decide that it finally did. articles oh church discipline deal almost to make an accusation may be in error, or However, I'd like to point out that all exclusively with adultery. Although I claim worse yet, may be making the charge in bad covens do not meet naked (we'd rather call no authority to rate the sins, I should think faith. it "skyclad"), and those that do meet this idolatry a greater one. It may be that Power corrupts, and history has shown way do not always do so. Because of divisiveness and deceitfulness are more that even power in religious accusers outdoor hazards such as park police, poison grievous also. Apparently the statement sometimes corrupts. Further, the best of oak, bumblebees, and bad weather, it would "Sex is a greater sin than gluttony" is people, with the highest of motives, can be be a little silly. We tend to be rather widely held among church members. mistaken. Only a fair chance to face one's practical people, as befits those who hold, LEONARD H. PONDER accusers, cross-examine, and present one's as you so accurately state, "that there is no Candler, North Carolina own witnesses will assure a just decision. separation between the spiritual and the May you continue your courageous secular." It might also be well to point out "How To Do It" Guide Curiously printing of analysis of controversial reli- that those "daggers" frequently have never gious issues, despite continuing cannon fire been sharpened! We view them as symbols Lacking to the right and to the left. Your publication of the mind, of reason, of the power of This article does discuss kinds of "disci- is of great value. choice. The athame is not used to cut pline" (euphemism for punishment by GLEN D. WOODMANSEE, Attorney anything except cakes or breads used in our means of social and organizational ostra- Irvine, California ceremonies, and some covens don't even cism), but the article is primarily a "how to use it for that. do it" guide for church authorities, with MARGARET KORWEN-DePONZI handy chapter and verse to justify each step "By the Power Invested in Me" San Francisco, California taken, as follows: If the powers that be are allowed to pick 1. Receive an accusation of wrongdoing and choose which churches they want to by a member. honor with the legal right to perform "Parochiaid '85: The Revolution 2. Without contacting the accused, reach marriages, then maybe next year they'll a final decision in your mind that the decide that since the area population is That Wasn't" accusation is valid and true. largely Protestant, no Catholic should be When will our society realize that the 3. Then notify the accused of the charge. granted this privilege. philosophy governing public education is 4. If he denies the charge, obtain addi- Pretty soon they'd have to define reli- not neutral and that public education, which tional proof of wrongdoing and improve gions. If the church believes in Jesus Christ also deals with values, wisdom, and truth, is your terminology to meet legal require- the Saviour, then they're "in." If not, an inescapably religious activity? Secular- ments as to specificity. they'd better quickly join another church ism is a worldview, a place to stand, a 5. If the accused persists in his obstinate that does. Are they following the Ten religion. denial or attempts self-justification, have Commandments, the Bible; do they have When will you begin to defend the additional authorities join in the condem- enough members; is their religion one that is religious rights of parents to have their nation, ultimately before the entire church generally tolerated by other religions? Sat- children educated according to their own body. urday churchgoers will condemn Sunday or conscience, without the financial penalties 6. Impose the punishment (banishing, Monday churchgoers. Wednesday won't that prevent low- and middle-income fami- condemnation on behalf of the Lord, et even be considered! The possibilities are lies from such an alternative? At times I cetera). endless. become angry when I consider my payment What is curiously lacking in the article is I think we have to remember the "spirit" of $5,600 in tuition this year for my three any reference to a fair hearing of allega- of the law here and worry more about children, which amounts to 25 percent of tions. From the time of the initial charge, whether all religions could be in danger of my income. the member is presumed guilty, period. Any losing their rights. I am not interested in And I weep for those dozens of parents in effort to prove innocence is obstinate witchcraft, but they have just as many rights my community who so desperately desire an opposition. And the opposition is not as I do, whether or not I agree with them. education for their children that coincides directed at the authorities who are making I am impressed with LIBERTY, that it with their values, but who have been the charge; it is directed at the Lord. would print articles of this nature. I felt it excluded because they cannot afford it. Fortunately, the religious institutions that was done tastefully and I hope people won't Where is the justice? have survived for centuries have some miss the point of the article simply because A voucher system will bring us closer to structure for fair hearings of accused it deals with witchcraft. that ideal! members, although a particular group may GAYLE CHRISTOPHER RON POLINDER, Executive Director or may not follow such safeguards. But the Grand Rapids, Michigan Concerned Christian Citizens

29 LIBERTY

[I too have financed three children vival. This is why Americans wisely have I don't know whether I would have the through parochial schools and two cost chosen to live under God. fortitude to withstand the "slings and me more than $5,000 a year for ONE VIRGIL A. KRAFT arrows" to which you are subjected. Thank room and board at a boarding academy Palm Springs, California you for your willingness to provide an open cost me more than $5,000 a year for ONE forum for all. child. Tuition, room and board, phone RICHARD E. WEAVER, County Judge calls, and two trips home totaled, last Grand Island, Nebraska year, around $14,500—close to 50 per- Monomania cent of my income. Please remove me from your mailing list. I thank the Lord for a country that your monomania about separation of church Serious Religious Liberty respects my right to finance an education and state has so perverted your judgment in apart from the public school system and choice of articles that you have climbed into The Seventh-day Adventist Church offers me opportunity to earn the money bed with the secular humanists and the left deserves the thanks of all Americans for to do so. wing of the American political spectrum. publishing LIBERTY. Whether or not one My son and daughter were married in CHRISTIAN E. JENSEN, M.D. agrees with everything printed in LIBERTY, a church by a minister. They could have Denton, Maryland the magazine focuses attention on our most been married by a justice of the peace. precious freedom and the challenges to it. If Their choice cost considerably more than every religious body in America took that provided by government. But I did "Second Thoughts on the Pledge of religious liberty as seriously as the not demand, in the name of "justice," a Seventh-day Adventist Church, the threat Allegiance" government subsidy to finance their posed by the self-styled "moral majori- choice of a religious element in their Mr. Gibble has contributed a very tarians," older sectarian special interests, weddings. Neither do I call it "justice" to thought-provoking article. As a matter of and their allies in public office would be far demand that government subsidize a interest, pious Jews who feel they have a less grave. parent's free choice to add a religious decided loyalty to this land of the free ED DOERR, Executive Director element to his child's schooling. I hold nevertheless often recite the "pledge" with Americans for Religious Liberty with Thomas Jefferson: "To compel a a subtle change in punctuation. Whereas the man to furnish contributions of money standard version has it as " . . with one for the propagation of opinions which he nation under God, indivisible . . .," their disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."— modified version, uttered somewhat Ed.] silently, has it as ". . . with one nation under God indivisible . . ." In this manner they pledge the same allegiance with their Maintain an Ordered Society emphasis on "one God indivisible," Choose Your Banner Moving • thereby asserting their undying belief in the Every person and every nation must unqualified unity of one God. Please notify us 4 weeks in advance. choose the banner under which life is lived. May the blessings of the God of all

It is either the banner of atheistic license, humanity continue to grace your good work Name relativistic and whimsical accommodation, as you continue your work for true religious or superhuman law. freedom for all people. Address (new, if for change of address) To maintain an ordered society, there RABBI ROBERT CHERNOFF must be a stable, unchanging standard of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania morals and laws for the achievement of a City State Zip fruitful, meaningful, successful life. This is not a multiverse, but a universe. To subscribe to LIBERTY check rate below Lack of Bias Appreciated There are set patterns of preference in every and fill in your name and address above. Payment must accompany order. aspect of life—physics, chemistry, biology, I do not know how my name was added to ill 1 year $6.75 sociology, mental and physical health. This your circulation list, but that is not impor- superhuman set of preferences obviously tant. I want you to know I appreciate the Mail to: represents the will of the universe including continuing reminders in each issue of the LIBERTY subscriptions, 55 West Oak Ridge the power back of it, or God. type of neutrality required of me as a judge. Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Those persons and societies who choose As a longtime Baptist I am committed to ATTACH LABEL HERE for address to live under chaotic human whims do not the concept of separation of church and change or inquiry. If moving, hit new ad- survive. Only those persons and societies state. However, your articles from Catholi- dress above. Note: your subscription ex- who choose to live under the inflexible rule cism to Buddhism, to Bahais to the Craft of piration date (issue, year) is given at upper right of label. Example: 0382L1 would end of cosmic law or preferenes are blessed with Wicce force me to review continually the with third (May-June) issue of 1982. health, wholesome construction, and sur- full meaning of the concept of separation.

30

January/February, 1986

The Editor's Desk

What's the Answer, we sent our plea off to 1 Snoopy Place. There was still hope. If we could find the Charlie Brown? Santa Rosa, California. strip Wheeler referred to in his article . . . Three weeks later we phoned. Yes, we There were, after all, only 35 years of Ah, the tribulations of getting apt art! were told, our letter had undoubtedly strips to research. (Hey, Charlie, Lucy Consider Gerald Wheeler's article "Com- arrived. In fact, the two secretaries who hasn't grown much in 35 years, but she's pulsion," on page 8. What would you use were struggling with the 500-letter-a-week sure changed her hairdo! And while you're with the following subhead? "When load during the strip's thirty-fifth anniver- at it, draw a picture of an editor trying to comic-strip character Charlie Brown asks sary would, also undoubtedly, find our research 35 years of Peanuts strips during Lucy why he should do something she letter any week now. deadline week!) wants, she replies that she has five reasons, It did, of course, occur to us to draw So what's the solution? I'm sure Harry and shoves her fist in his face. Is Lucy's way Lucy's fist. But Lucy's fist, along with the and Jeff will come up with something. And God's way?" rest of her torso, tootsies, and toes is that's what I'm trying to do now with this Right. Lucy with feisty fist extended. It copyrighted. Was she also copylefted? column. How do you expect an editor to get took no stroke of genius for our layout and Couldn't we extend her left hand instead of his column in on time when he's busy design people, Harry Knox and Jeff Dever, her right? Couldn't we put a wart on her researching cartoon strips? (Well, how do to come to that conclusion also. They knew index finger and plead that we had really you, Charlie Brown? And don't tell us to that Lucy's creator, cartoonist Charles drawn only a near relative? ask Lucy. We couldn't even get a fist out of Schulz, occasionally does an assignment for We decided not to try. Copyright suits her!)—R.R.H. editors who are on God's side. Confidently, and settlements can be so trying.

FEATURES STAFF

Shelly As Told to Janet Leigh 3 B. B. Beach—Chairman, Editorial Board Roland R. Hegstad—Editor The Origin of Sunday Clifford Goldstein 4 Gordon Engen, N. 0. Matthews, Gary M. Ross, Mitchell A. Coming to Grips With Blue Laws Alan Dershowitz 7 Tyner—Associate Editors

Compulsion Gerald Wheeler 8 Loleta S. Thomas—Editorial Associate Harry Knox and Associates— Free Speech Versus Equal Access _J. R. Joelson 10 Layout and Design Wallace 0. Coe, Neal C. Views of the Wall Roland R. Hegstad 13 Wilson—Consulting Editors Halle Crowson, Doug Devnich, Lee U.S. Department of Religious Affairs Judy Mann 14 Kretz, Arthur Lickey, Fernon Retzer, John Stevens, Vernon Alger, W. V. Public Schools and Religious Diversity_ Thomas W. Goodhue 16 Wiist—Correspondents

Misleading Answers Roland R. Hegstad 19 Doug Anderson—Vice President for Marketing To Vindicate the King Godfrey D. Lehman 21 Tom Kapusta—Marketing Representative The Year 2000 George Vandeman 24 Mitchell A. Tyner—Legal Adviser

DEPARTMENT Letters 28 The Editor's Desk 31

LIBERTY is a publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the International Religious Liberty Association. Dedicated to the preservation of religious freedom through quiet diplomacy, the association advocates no political or economic theories. President, Neal C. Wilson; secretary general, B. B. Beach. LIBERTY correspondence only: 6840 Eastern Avenue NW.. Washington, D.C. 20012. Address corrections only: LIBERTY, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. LIBERTY is published and copyrighted 1986 by the Review and Herald Publishing Association.

31 I I

I I 1,000

The Judges are Looking for: intolerance or furthering religious FIRST PRI freedom. Articles about people. Crises of con- Other awards: second prize, science, constitutional issues, yes, but $750; third prize, $500; fourth Specifications only as they impact on people. Writing prize, $300; fifth through Two thousand to 2,500 words, typed, style is not as important as interest, tenth prize, $250. Authors of double-spaced on 81/2 x 11 paper. Com- relevancy, clarity, veracity. other manuscripts accepted plementing photographs (black-and- Subject Areas for publication will receive an white or color) submitted with your Articles should deal with religious honorarium of $200. article may be purchased additionally. liberty issues of current national and Full documentation (footnotes and international import. (But don't neglect bibliography) should be included if the implications of a neighborhood amendments. (Or how to diffuse that applicable. Unpublished manuscripts feud over religious differences.) Your neighborhood or family controversy only. Include biographical sketch. submission should ask or answer the arising out of differing beliefs.) Need Assistance? question: How is religious freedom 2. Narratives illuminating some aspect Give us your idea in one paragraph. Tell being oppressed, threatened, protected, of religious freedom such as the Chris- or advanced in this event? us how you plan to develop it. We may tian's responsibility to God and the save you valuable time developing an LIBERTY has special interest in: state, or freedom of our religious idea we are not interested in. We also heritage. 1. The preventive medicine of religious welcome phone inquiries at (202-722- liberty—how to resolve crises before 3. Civil rights issues as they relate to 6691). they begin. You may explore Sunday religious liberty. You may discuss laws, restrictive licensing ordinances, freedom of speech and press, majority church-state relationships, or religious versus minority rights, or court cases bearing on religious freedom. 4. Articles that show application of a Biblical ethic or story in meeting z 0 z LIBERTY Magazine Co . 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W. o DOW APRII1,1986 Washington, D.C. 20012 n 0 z