They May Take Our Lives...

The freedom to hold differing religious ideologies is part of what it means to be human. I think we can all agree on that. And at least in theory, maybe we can all agree that humans have an inalienable right to freedom. In fact, It’s not just a right, it’s an endowment of human nature that comes along with simply existing. While the experience of freedom can be challenged and removed, actual freedom is an inherent human possession that can never be taken away. In the theatrical words of William Wallace in the movie, Braveheart, “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!”

So, what happens when our government that is founded on this idea of inalienable freedom tries to legislate the support and preference of one particular religious ideology over others? I’ll tell you what happens. One of the main structural pillars of our American experiment sustains significant damage. One of the most essential and basic understandings of our democratic republic is wounded. This wound is slow to heal and typically festers with infection and complication.

I expect Louisiana’s new law regarding the 10 Commandments will be struck down by federal courts on the grounds that it is very basically unconstitutional. Its unconstitutionality doesn’t even necessarily depend on the fact that it disregards the separation of church and state. It and scores of other similar laws passed over recent years are unconstitutional because they threaten human freedom. And while human freedom can never be taken away, it can sure as hell be oppressed and disregarded by governing structures. Unless freedom is for everyone, it is simply not freedom. A state law mandating only the display of the 10 commandments anywhere is a governmental challenge to freedom for everyone. Whether or not they realize it, it’s even an ideological challenge to the freedom of those who support it. Understanding this requires a degree of objectivity, and we as a nation are dangerously awash in every possible manner of subjectivity known to humankind.

State sponsored religious ideology and the limiting of inalienable freedom are both connected to a political label I’m not quite ready to use yet, but it isn’t hard to find in history. The incalculable toll and aftermath of such political ideologies are not hard to find either. Between now and November, no one really knows what will happen. I’m hoping that freedom for all will emerge above the chaos, but no matter what, I hope you’ll join me in speaking up for the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. To some degree, we rise and fall together, whether or not we are in political agreement. I don’t have much hope in politics these days, but I still have a lot of hope in love beyond all else.