But Jesus Doesn't Meet the Dress Code!

Have you ever had someone argue with you and he keeps rephrasing his argument because he cannot fathom that you disagree? He figures he’s just not saying it right. And if he can just put it in the right words, you’ll get it and jump on board.
That’s kind of how some of our legislators are in Texas. One in particular, Warren Chisum, a Republican from Pampa (also known as “Ol’ Stick Up His Ass” around here) is well known for his, um, “commitment” to his issues.

One of those issues is the Bible. See W.C. thinks the children of Texas would be in a much better place if they could study the Bible on a daily basis. In school. Public school. The school that taxpayers of ALL faiths are paying for.

Mr. Chisum, WE GET IT! We just don’t agree. This is exactly what our founding fathers were talking about when they declared a separation of church and state. They came to these shores to escape an endorsed state religion. And they wove that philosophy into the very fabric of our society.

Chisum insists that the class wouldn’t be about proselytizing, but would focus on “the history and literature of the Bible.” Uh huh. Isn’t that what Sunday School is for?

Can you imagine what state of apoplexy Mr. Chisum would go into if someone tried to make his kids study the Torah or the Koran in public schools? (I for one, would pay to watch him turn that many shades of red). Hell, he’d probably explode if they tried make them read a Catholic Bible.

Now comes the curve ball. Given the current glut of strife in the world, and the unbelievable amount of conflict carried out in the name of “God,” I actually think it might be time to start teaching religion in schools—ALL religions. Their histories, their similarities, their differences. Teaching our poor little ass-backward thinkers to appreciate that there are others who believe differently and that their beliefs aren’t “wrong.” Or that someone else’s beliefs should not impact one’s own faith. And that maybe, just maybe, faith isn’t something to fight over.

Of course, then you wouldn’t be able to scare them into voting for people like Warren Chisum or George W. Bush.