|
Listen to article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — With the Christmas and Hannukuh holidays overlapping this year, the similarities between the two holidays are especially evident. Whether it is the miracle of the virgin birth, or the miracle of the virgin oil, the manger and menorah both play a part in helping believers relive the supernatural account of GOD’s people. At least one faith leader believes religious expression surrounding these holidays are at an all-time high in the public forum.
“This is a new season where we are seeing government censorship of religious speech being extinguished,” says Pastor Jerry O’Brien. “If our court system says burning the American flag is Constitutionally-protected speech, then there is no question a nativity scene or menorah display during the holiday season can be protected also,” he says.
In the past, the secularization of culture has tried to crowd out religious speech in public settings; but the tide appears to be changing. In 2019 the Wayne County Pastor sent correspondences to the Governor and over five hundred mayors across forty-four Northern Ohio counties. The letter reminded the officials of the legality of religious expression. Consequently, the North Central part of the state is now seeing a milestone moment when it comes to faith on the square.
Since 2019, the number of religious displays on civic property during the holiday season have more than doubled in the Ohio Heartland of: Richland, Knox, Ashland, Crawford, Huron, and Morrow Counties. In addition, the Ohio Statehouse is one of forty-three state capitals to have privately-sponsored nativity scenes. These local symbols of Judeo-Christian values are helping citizens, and the nation’s capital, to celebrate the real reason for the season.
“This is a new season where we are seeing government censorship of religious speech being extinguished. If the court system says burning the American flag is Constitutionally-protected speech, then there is no question a nativity scene or menorah display during the holiday season can be protected also.”
Pastor Jerry O’Brien
For the first time ever, a nativity scene was on display at the U.S. Capitol this year. Held on the southeastern steps of the Capitol, the display was part of a legal battle that began over a decade ago. Organizers faced repeated threats of arrest for attempting to read the Christmas story from the Bible and to erect a Nativity display near the Capitol Christmas tree. The tide is now turning.
According to the correspondence sent by Pastor O’Brien, “Extremist myths about the Establishment Clause have prompted tragic and unnecessary acts of government censorship of religious speech.”
The letter went on to say, “Public officials across our nation have denied citizens their constitutional rights of religious speech and expression under the guise that it is constitutional. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment merely requires the state to be neutral in its relations with religious believers and non-believers; it does not require the state to be their adversary.” America would be a much different place if there was a level playing field.
According to Pastor O’Brien, he will take a victory anytime he can get one. “This country has had five years of unparalleled distress. Ecclesiastes 3 says there is ‘a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.’ And that includes a time to tear down and now, a time to build.” O’Brien adds, “With the manger and the menorah, I think this troubled world can benefit from more hope and more joy.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Proverbs 1, “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simple-minded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?”
View slideshow of public religious displays across North Central Ohio this year:
Related articles:
