Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/author/skip-mission/)
Last month, our introductory column started to re-explore virtues pushed out of our lives. Think of it as re-plowing a field for a new “crop” of thoughts. Per Ben Franklin’s recommendation last month, we’ll start with humility.
I’m introducing my new column, “Think on These Things,” by asking: Have you ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat?” This is not only true physically but also for a person’s character, emotional and spiritual well-being.
It’s good to revisit the freedoms we have and rediscover some seldom discussed “Fun Facts.” We should ponder our history as it goes beyond the indictment of the king and his abuses found in the Declaration.
The 250th Declaration of Independence anniversary warrants a look at the “riddle” of Thomas Jefferson. His resumé as a Founding Father includes being the key writer of the Declaration and the third president. The first amendment’s freedom of religion and the wall of separation between church and state also bear his “mark.”
We may not always acknowledge it, but we survive only through formal and informal education to cope with the challenges of life. Because of cultural skepticism and fear of criticism toward religious education, I’d like to make a case for its importance.
Where is the Golden Rule? Will our nation survive its current political strife?
The First Amendment was enacted to assure the freedom of conscience in speech, religion and assembly without coercion by government. However, we’ve forgotten the moral religious underpinnings of the Amendment, living in a day where all sides are trying to silence the other’s free speech with who can “shout” and “profile” the loudest for their cause.