The Freedom of My Religion

St. Trump delivers his word on “The Freedom of My Religion.” “Blessed are the DOGE, for they shall imprison the earth!”

“Blessed are the DOGE, for they shall imprison the earth!”

Political Power Entwined with Faith Snares the Faithful

The chart below shows some of the Christian upon Christian conflicts from the time of Jesus Christ. These persecutions stemmed from theological disagreements, cultural divides, and the entwining of political power with religion. The Anabaptists faced severe persecution following the inception of the of Reformation, considering their beliefs challenged the State Church by rejecting infant baptism for baptism of believing adults. Both Catholics and Protestants viewed rejection of infant baptism as heretical, undermining centuries of tradition. The Anabaptists also rejected military service, oaths, and government authority, threatening social hierarchy. To maintain control, the authorities resorted to suppression, torture, summary executions, and exile.

Toward a Pluralistic U.S.

The First Amendment and the historic teachings of separatist groups, such as the Anabaptists, believed that fostering a pluralistic society in the U.S. where multiple faiths could coexist without fear of retaliation or exile would protect their own rights to worship free from persecution. For example, the Mormons, following the mob-murder of their founder, Joseph Smith, in Carthage, Illinois, and facing increasing mob violence, sought a new home where they could practice their faith without fear and further persecution. Thus the Mormons, led by Brigham Young, traveled West to form a “Zion” free from persecution.

Today, cross-wearing Christians, descended from the Anabaptists, push for their brand of Church State in the name of Jesus, forgetting their own historical cornerstone teaching of separation of church and state held that no single religious group could dominate government institutions and oppress others. The once-oppressed now become the oppressors. Are we preparing to add “Evangelicals vs. All Other Faiths” to the conflict chart?

Caged Bird

By Maya Angelou

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind   
and floats downstream   
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and   
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   
with a fearful trill   
of things unknown   
but longed for still   
and his tune is heard   
on the distant hill   
for the caged bird   
sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   
with a fearful trill   
of things unknown   
but longed for still   
and his tune is heard   
on the distant hill   
for the caged bird   
sings of freedom.

*Maya Angelou, “Caged Bird” from “Shaker, Why Don’t You Sing?“

A Caged Song

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” were among the nearly 400 volumes were removed from the U.S. Naval Academy, following orders by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the school to get rid of ones that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Caged Bird Still Sings,

Pastor Jim