Faith and Science - Essay Example

We live in a very progressive and scientific world. Very often the battles between matters of faith and matters of science and logic are persistently at odds. This is something that has always existed. Religious intolerances are one of the major factors throughout the history of warfare, racism, and bigotry. In the United States, there has always been an intention to separate government from religious influence, allowing people the freedom to believe whatever religion they so choose.  However, expressing that religion can sometimes be a whole other story. Just this last year, we saw a number of complaints concerning the erecting of Christmas nativity scenes throughout the states. Many people felt that this expression was offensive to others who do not share that ideology. However, most of these displays were located on Church property all the same several were required by the court to disassemble them. We have seen initiatives to remove terms that reference the Christian God out of songs, the pledge of allegiance, and other historical aspects that today might be seen as questionable. It is not only Christians that have been recently maligned, but also, see a lot of opposition to the building of Muslim mosques, especially after the tragic events of 9/11. Yet, almost all faiths are supposed to include the level of tolerance of others. The Bible said, “Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment to him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant?' (Romans 14:1-4, New Revised Standard Version). Yet we all continue to do so on a regular social basis.

The United States preaches freedom of religion and expression, especially when that expression is not disruptive, damaging, or harmful to others, however practicing what they preach sometimes slips through the cracks. What is the point of being able to believe as you wish if you cannot express that in any practical, visual, and symbolic ways; all of which are essential to most religious practices (Gunnar Bentele, Sager & et. al, 2013)? While the United States does have a history of Christian influence, it also has Jewish, Muslim, and Native American influences as well throughout the years. That said there should be a place for all belief systems and for the expression of those religions.