Tis the debating season

Christmas! Time again to argue amongst ourselves about the right to freely express our spiritual beliefs in public. Non-theists will pull out the “separation of church and state” box of secular ornaments for their winter solstice tree. That the phrase is not in the Constitution and thus invalid for court consideration is, of course, irrelevant to them.

Christians, however, will pull out manger scenes, advocate Jesus not Santa, and well-wish everyone with “Merry Christmas,” disgruntling the non-theists.

Let’s rethink it this year!

If you insist on the separation concept, consider the idea that the wall is to keep government out of the church and no Johnson Amendment can constitutionally bar churches from their free-speech rights. Also consider the words that are valid: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…”

You can bet your bottom Salvation Army dollar that some illogical thinker out there will try to explain how a public nativity scene or a Merry Christmas sign on a public window is literally identical to Congress passing legislation establishing a Christian denomination as America’s official church.

Sit back with some hot chocolate and enjoy — debating season begins!

Rodd Foss

Spokane