Hearts and Minds

            The topic of discussion for this Freedom Friday is the simple fact that religious freedom is under attack. We have Muslims pouring into our nation and declaring that the United States is a “Muslim nation.” We have the LGBT faction fighting Christian business owners. We have atheists trying to take “under God” out of the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” off our money.

            Recently Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke at an event sponsored by Advocati Christi, an organization of Catholic lawyers and judges. He reminded his listeners of his dissent in the case where the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal. In his dissent he predicted that opposition to the decision would be used to “vilify those who disagree, and treat them as bigots.” In other words, those who oppose same-sex marriage are vilified and treated as bigots. He said, “We are seeing this coming to pass…. [With a reference to a famous song by Bob Dylan), You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.   A wind is picking up that is hostile to those with traditional moral beliefs.

            After stating that religious freedom has been recognized in Congress and courts, Judge Alito said, “We are likely to see pitched battles in courts and Congress, state legislatures and town halls. But the most important fight is for the hearts and minds of our fellow Americans. It is up to all of us to evangelize our fellow Americans about the issue of religious freedom.”

            What do you think of Justice Alito’s statement? Do you agree that religious freedom is being attacked? Are you concerned at all about losing this freedom? What are you doing to “evangelize [your] fellow Americans” about freedom of religion? Where is your heart and mind on the topic of religion?