Children first

By Richard Land - May 2, 2008 - 3 -

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The removal of 462 children from the FLDS polygamist sect’s… ranch in Eldorado, Texas…has raised important questions about separation of church and state and the First Amendment’s “free exercise” protections.

Americans believe fervently in the “unalienable” right to the “free exercise” of religious faith without interference from government. However, we also have a deep-seated interest in protecting children from abuse.

What should Americans make of all this? How do we respect religious freedom while protecting children?

Read the complete column at The Wall Street Journal.

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Further Learning

Learn more about: Family, Abuse, Child Abuse, Citizenship, Religious Liberty,

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1 On May 8th, 2008, at 4:14am, Harry Rockefeller wrote:

The text of the 1st amendment is [Federal] Congress shall make no law ....  In fact, when this amendment was ratified 2/3 of the 13 colonies practiced religious discrimination and this was entirely constitutional.  Rape of a minor is criminal law.  This is not a federal issue either.  What’s changed - legally?  The Texas problem is a Texas and people of Texas issue as it should be according to the Federal Constitution’s 10th amendment.

Now, if the Texas Constitution guarantees religious liberty, then all of Dr. Land’s no-solution questions apply.  You see, there is no such thing as utopian religious liberty.  Someone’s religion always enforces their particular version of this liberty.

2 On May 8th, 2008, at 3:41pm, Dreama wrote:

I understand all the implications here, but protection of children is mandated by God. Careful perusal of the New Testament evidences Christ’s clear commands regarding importance of infants & children to Him.
Protection of children no matter what is vital; “religion” (cult in reality) in this case is a wall to hide behind while carrying out vile, evil, unthinkable acts against children who have not the capacity to protect themselves. By all means protect the law. Protect our children. Would one see a child in the window of a burning building & do nothing because some right might be violated? I say if one breaks our law, esp. against children, then one loses their “rights”. What is the question here, the issue, except lawyers bending the truth for the sake of criminals?
Protect the children by all means; we’re talking about molestation here, plain & simple. Stop the madness.

3 On May 8th, 2008, at 4:02pm, Dreama wrote:

I find this the perfect opportunity to remind our nation, most epsecially our leaders, lawmakers & decision makers of a vital tool which seems all too often forgotten, certainly under utilized. Prayer is powerful! Prayer is vital; for guidance, for truth, for incomparable leadership.
Daniel reminds: 9:13 “As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth”
Jonah was awakened by the captain of the ship, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.”  Jon 1:6
David ran into trouble when he attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant without consulting God & His procedure for proper handling of the ark.
How much trouble would we avoid for our people if our leaders, lawyers, judges….all consulted God in prayer first?

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