A rather eventful week we’ve had, no?
First and foremost, my heart is with the people of France. It would seem they have become the object of affection for the Islamic terrorist factions, and I cannot help but think that has something to do with the stand Charlie Hebdo took. Although France is a foreign country to us and an eccentric ally for sure, I doubt there is one American who did not feel a kinship with those who lost their lives in defiance of the quenching of free speech.
But the madness drew close to home as a Utah judge granted himself the authority to interpret Constitutional law to his liking and ordered a couple to give up their child because they were gay. He seemed to think he knew best and that the child would be better raised by a straight couple.
Do you see a correlation here? Because I sure as hell do.
There is a fundamental flaw that comes with some painful endurance in our society when we have to tolerate a group of people who, under the color of their own divinely-inspired laws, decree things upon us.
They disguise themselves as innocuous and harmless to others as they claim to hold their beliefs among themselves, only trying to welcome others into their fold. But the fact is that they are not actually even practicing their own faiths as decreed by their own holy texts.
You see, the Islamic terrorists are actually practicing the faith that Islam decrees, as there are only two possible outcomes for the infidel: conversion or death.
And the Mormon/Christian version is prevalent here in Utah, and it’s likely that the impetus behind this judge’s ruling is actually consistent with their doctrine as they see themselves as the ones who will restore the Constitution when it is hanging by a thread.
In fact, to take it a step further, the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints are actually practicing the faith in accordance with the revelations of the prophets.
At least the latter of these two examples is trying to revise themselves to be a bit more agreeable with society, but when the law of the land becomes second to the law that is in a judge’s head, we have a serious issue that is not too far removed from tyranny or terrorism.
Listen, I actually abide by the creed of “live and let live.” Religious freedom to me means that I will not interfere with anyone’s right to believe as they wish. I may on occasion try to welcome them into my fold—that is, the one where rational thought takes precedence over emotional compulsion—but I do so with respect.
I do not see the religious abiding that creed, however. They seem to think, each one of them distinctly different from one another yet much the same, that their ethic is divinely inspired and therefore absolute.
This is why a judge who clearly knows the law can in good conscience disavow it. This is why a terrorist who abhors murder in one sense justifies the senseless murder of innocent people: because his god tells him it is right.
Anyone else see a problem here?
See you out there.
Right on, Dallas! Organized superstition — religion — is the most dangerous and destructive force the world has ever been “blessed” with. Greed and patriotism are in the running, but religion wins. Over the ages nothing has succeeded like religion in heaping misery on top of more misery.
Religionists cannot stand the fact that others might believe differently from them, or not believe at all (witness Mormon missionaries selling their church door-to-door). Apparently, those who do not agree with a religious group’s particular brand of goofy superstitions are a threat to what must, in reality, be very weakly held beliefs. The “faithful” seem to be extremely insecure about their faith, and must be surrounded only by like-minded believers lest doubts begin to creep into their indoctrinated minds. No questions, or else!
Really, you make the connection between the Paris massacre and a judge making a single decision in an case he was presiding over. I dont recall mormons every bombing, beheading, the people that don’t join the Mormon church. If you live in Southern Utah you have decided to live here because of the lifestyle, low crime, moral character of the people that live here. I do recall in past history that Mormons are the only group in America that had an extermination order placed against them. I also recall in history that their homes were burned and they were driven across the country. If you don’t like it here then move…. and no I’m not a member of the Mormon Church. Maybe you should write an article on why Jehovah’s witnesses let their kids die because of not believing in blood transfusions. Or maybe a cartoon depicting a Catholic Priest molesting a child Where are those stories? I’m sick of the attack on Mormons and their belief when you choose to live in an area that is predominantly Mormon.
Dear Mr. Bennett, I too do not agree it is appropriate to connect the terrorist incidents in Paris with an activist Utah judge and LDS church edicts regarding same sex marriage, to make a point about religion being problematic. However I do believe in free speech. And the fact you bring up the old mantra – “If you don’t like it – leave” is what I have been hearing any time somebody speaks up in this town, for the last two years. Just ask Tara Dunn. So tired of hearing it. I spent my morning today protesting in the park – I flew an American flag and had a copy of the Constitution on hand along with the Bill of Rights. I haven’t played disc golf on Sunday in St George for over a year. For me, it took courage – and you can laugh at me for saying that… What did you do today? Later, I saw a truck speeding 90 mph on Red Cliffs drive with a confederate flag waving in the wind as I was coming off City Creek trail just before dusk. This is America. Maybe Dallas stepped in it…. but to equate his article with all the evil that the Mormons have encountered a century ago is a little too much. But you have the right in this country to say your opinion…. Just be an AMERICAN about it … please…. Maybe in Syria or Iran you have to leave your home if you don’t like it….. but not in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…. There are skeletons in every closet… Lest we bring up other topics….. The bottom line – there is a lot of space for all of us to comment…. God Bless America…