For the last few weeks, students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have been detouring around a street preacher whose stated mission is to save souls, but whose real talent appears to be offending people.
It’s a classic case of how we – over and over again – use religion as a bludgeoning tool rather than an invitation. A dividing line, rather than a ribbon of unity.
The same is true of “free speech,” which sometimes is confused as a ticket for unlimited rudeness and hate.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court – which opens its sessions asking God to save America and the court – heard arguments on a prayer case out of Greece, N.Y., that will have implications on our own public prayers before Hamilton County Commission meetings, among others.
This case is not about ending prayer. Does anyone really think anyone or anything can stop them from praying?