In Oxendine’s Georgia, God would return to public schools
(THIS IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL POST)
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in northwest Georgia lost a home football game Friday night. At 34-0, the game wasn’t even close.
Aaron Legg, a senior at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, cheers on his school's football team with a verse from the Bible painted on his chest.
But for a lot of those who attended the game, I suspect the numbers on the scoreboard didn’t mean much. What mattered was the opportunity to express the importance of their personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Hundreds of fans joyously displayed that faith in T-shirts bearing Bible verses, in hand-held signs and even in verses scrawled in body paint.
It was, you might say, a righteous exercise of free speech and freedom of religion, both of which are protected by the First Amendment.
Admitedly, that expression took a different form at Fort Oglethorpe than originally envisioned by George Washington or Thomas Jefferson — I doubt either man ever imagined body paint put to such a use. But the spirit of personal expression and freedom in the stands Friday night reflected a lot of what is great about this country, and about faith.
Until last weekend, expressions of Christian faith at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe had been left largely to the team’s cheerleading squad. Every week they would paint a Bible verse on a huge banner, then stretch the banner across the field so the football team could run through it. The verses often reflected a martial spirit appropriate to football.
That practice ended once Catoosa County school officials were challenged about its constitutionality.
Superintendent Denia Reese, who describes herself as a daily Bible reader, recognized the difficulty of defending religious expression by cheerleaders who were performing an official function at a public school event, on public property wearing uniforms that identify them as school representatives.
“Personally, I appreciate this expression of their Christian values,” Reese explained in a statement. “However, as superintendent I have the responsibility of protecting the school district from legal action by groups who do not support their beliefs.”
The outburst of private religious expression at last week’s game came as a form of protest against the ban on government religious expression. But in its exuberance and sincerity, it confirmed the wisdom of our founding fathers in keeping government out of the religion business.
Religion ought to be a personal matter, to be shared among individuals and experienced individually. On the other hand, government involvement and instruction can leach the power from religion just as surely as water leaches salt of its flavor.
Once dragged into the public sphere, religion can also become the plaything of those who use it to pursue more worldly goals.
For example, the Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe story has drawn national media attention, with coverage on Fox News and newspapers such as the Washington Post. So it’s no surprise that it has also drawn the attention of Georgia’s most avid media hound, GOP gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine.
According to his Twitter posts, Oxendine hustled up to Fort Oglethorpe before the game Friday evening to meet with the cheerleaders, even reading them a proclamation of support.
In other tweets on the subject, he has quoted evangelist Pat Robertson to the effect that, “There is no separation of church & state in the Constitution. It is a lie of the Left & we are not going to take it anymore.”
He also quoted Pat Buchanan: “We’re going to bring back God & the Bible & drive the gods of secular humanism right out of the public schools of America.”
Governors and government have no power, and in this country no right, to “bring back God and the Bible.” That is a power reserved to the people, and if left in their hands I’m certain it will be used wisely.
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296 comments Add your comment
jconservative
October 5th, 2009
12:52 pm
A conscious agent of the insurance industry conspiracy does not get my vote.
USinUK
October 5th, 2009
12:55 pm
“There is no separation of church & state in the Constitution”
he may want to read some of the writings of the Constitution’s authors …
such as: “Religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of Government.” & “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries.” (little Jamie Madison)
“Religious institutions that use government power in support of themselves and force their views on persons of other faiths, or of no faith, undermine all our civil rights. Moreover, state support of an established religion tends to make the clergy unresponsive to their own people, and leads to corruption within religion itself. Erecting the “wall of separation between church and state,” therefore, is absolutely essential in a free society.” (Too Tall Thomas Jefferson)
rwd
October 5th, 2009
12:56 pm
Enter your comments here
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
October 5th, 2009
12:58 pm
Or you could pledge allegiance to Obozo.
Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm, Barak Hussein Obama!
Normal
October 5th, 2009
12:59 pm
There will always be God in schools, especially during test time.
Normal
October 5th, 2009
1:00 pm
John Oxidine has just lost my vote…just sayin’
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:04 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it as long as the flat-earthers and unintelligent designers keep up this shiite.
Don’t pray in my school and I won’t think in your church…
ByteMe
October 5th, 2009
1:08 pm
The Ox also claimed the cheerleaders were “patriots”… um… for displaying a banner with Christian bible versus (in violation of the law) that football players would destroy on their way onto the field.
Patriots.
Lord help us
By the way, before the fringe-nuts start freaking out, the person who contacted the superindentant’s office was someone who had taken law classes at (Jerry Falwell’s) Liberty University and wanted to give the superintendant a head’s up that the practice was ripe for becoming a lawsuit and a public spectacle.
stands for decibels
October 5th, 2009
1:08 pm
It is a lie of the Left & we are not going to take it anymore.
Oh really? What are you going to do, Commissioner Pissypants?
USinUK
October 5th, 2009
1:11 pm
dB –
“Commissioner Pissypants”
wasn’t that one of the characters from Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants?
Taxpayer
October 5th, 2009
1:16 pm
Perhaps Georgia deserves that Ox. As for education in this fine state, we have a plan. The first step is to get rid of taxes. Then, the folks will still need to get their children indoctrinated, I mean, educated, and the only place to turn will be all those big empty idols, I mean Churches, just sitting there all week long in between sermons. It just does a Bachmann proud to even think about what could one day become a reality. So, move over Islam because you done met your match. Can someone give me a hallelujah.
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:19 pm
Oxenmind?
Never mind…
But perfect for these Dixie dolts…
jt
October 5th, 2009
1:19 pm
Enter your comments here
This is a newsworthy issue only to people who worship the state.
Capitalistic women are sexy.
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:23 pm
Of course the cracker in running wants no separation of church and state.
He’d be thrilled if they just dispensed with the legal formalities and made Georgia an official theocracy.
With him as Torquemada…
thomas
October 5th, 2009
1:23 pm
So why re football players allowed to wear under eye black with bible versus on them?
The practice of having bible versus written on their person has been going on for longer than the versus on the banner.
If this is such an offensive thing then why no mention when the players were doing the exact same thing?
ByteMe
October 5th, 2009
1:25 pm
thomas: let us know who your surgeon was to get you those eagle eyes that you can see a long bible verse written in eye-black on a player from the stands. I’m truly in awe.
Gale
October 5th, 2009
1:27 pm
I have no interest at all in what an individual player writes on his body to inspire himself to perform at his best. I do have a problem if the coach or another school official, or even his team mates pressure a player to do that or take part in any other activity that is religion based.
Bill White
October 5th, 2009
1:29 pm
If any type of healthcare plan is passed, solid conservative leaders such as your amazing Chip Rogers and John Oxendine will block its implementation in Georgia. This will be unprecedented because many good states will follow that lead. The same will be true of bringing God back into our nation’s schools. We have been on a slippery slope ever since the Lord Almighty was kicked out of public school. Ever since then, there has been a steady rise in abortion, birth control use, disrespect for school leaders, our flag, the U.S. military and this nation.
Next year at this time, we will see the upcoming elections whereby the GOP will take control of just about every seat in Congress. Once they begin their work the following January, we will see a quick impeachment trial take place. Once this administration is removed, we will see a solid leader in someone like the honorable Mike Huckabee. At that point, there will be a coaltion government which will institute a program I will call (and I hope President Huckabee uses this) A Return to Normalcy. We will see a high quality voucher system whereby the ladies of the house can accept a voucher to teach her children at home. This will free up the market for men to return to the marketplace and provide for his family. If the ladies so choose not to participate, they can be influenced to teach in private Christian schools which will also receive vouchers. In turn, the economy will expand 50-fold. President Huckabee will eclipse President Reagan in success because he will follow a more strict adherence to solid Christian-based conservative teachings.
A commitment to family values, market-based health care, low/no taxes, self-reliance, a strong national defense and traditional marriage is what Jesus Christ would have wanted for this nation.
If you haven’t seen, there are all kinds of Take Back America clubs. This is the majority of America, folks!
TnGelding
October 5th, 2009
1:30 pm
Does The student look like the devil to anyone else?
Still winning:
Lakeview Fort-Oglethorpe High School
- Ranked 14th in state for SAT scores
Individual Student Awards
- Steven Harris receives the AP Scholar Award
- Zane Phillips 2nd Place High School Class Welding Competition
Football
- Won 28-7 against Coosa
- Named US 101’s Football team of the week
- Won 28-7 against Gordon Lee
- Won 28-26 against Lafayette
- Won 41-31 against Allatoona
Ox Invokes Pat Buchanan, Threatens To Drive Godless Humanists Out Of Georgia Schools — Peach Pundit
October 5th, 2009
1:34 pm
[...] quoted by Jay Bookman: According to his Twitter posts, Oxendine hustled up to Fort Oglethorpe Friday evening and met with [...]
Normal
October 5th, 2009
1:34 pm
“Burn ‘em, burn ‘em all says I”. “They be witches and satan’s spawn, burn ‘em…” Excerpt from Oxendine’s acceptance speech should he become Governor or Grand Inquistioner….
Gale
October 5th, 2009
1:36 pm
Bill White, the problem is not in the schools. The problem is parents who believe the schools should be teaching morality to their children while they ignore their own responsibility in that area. If you want to point a finger at the cause of low morals in the country, point at parents.
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:36 pm
Normal, for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr8DIg3oHFI
Alas, the poor set upon Christians. After rich white men, they may be the most persecuted group in the history of mankind.
And all the poor things have done nothing is try and spread spread joy and love to the four corners of the earth as dictated by their inerrant Bible.
After reviewing how much cruelty Christians have used to establish their religion, or even force it on others in all parts of the world, is there much wonder why some people like Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) observed, “Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet we have not advanced one inch towards humanity. What has been the effect of coercion?” Or why the Irish author Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) commented, “When I think of all the harm the Bible has done, I despair of ever writing anything to equal it.” Even Mahatma Gandhi wrote in his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth: “I had started disliking Christianity. This was not without any reason. Those days Christian missionaries used to stand in a corner near the High School in Rajkot and used disgraceful words against the Hindus and their Gods/Goddesses. I could not bear this.”>/i>
Normal
October 5th, 2009
1:36 pm
Bill White: High comedy, indeed! HAHAHA!!!
Normal
October 5th, 2009
1:38 pm
AmVet, thanks, but I’ll have to check it out when I get home. Can’t wait, knowin’ your sense of humor…
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:39 pm
Take Back America?
Back to when?
The 1950s?
The 1650s?
The 1350s?
Bosch
October 5th, 2009
1:41 pm
That is the ultimate in taking the Lord’s name in vain. God doesn’t care who wins the football game, and invoking his name to do so is blasphemy.
Taxpayer
October 5th, 2009
1:44 pm
Alas, the poor set upon Christians. After rich white men, they may be the most persecuted group in the history of mankind.
Let ye not forget, dear AmVet, that it is the rich white Christian male that is the persecuted one for simply trying to do God’s will by governing all of mankind on his behalf.
Bosch
October 5th, 2009
1:45 pm
““We’re going to bring back God & the Bible & drive the gods of secular humanism right out of the public schools of America.””
Yeap, that should be the Ox’s campaign slogan.
rukidding
October 5th, 2009
1:46 pm
Be nice if someone who wants to be Governor knows the law.
Then again he had his insurance cronies funnel $120,000 to Alabama PAC’s in an attempt to skirt the campaign contribution laws. He blamed it on the AJC, then decided to give it back.
Ox is a joke. Been a long time since there has been a political figure that panders as much as the Ox
Matilda
October 5th, 2009
1:49 pm
The Lord Almighty was kicked out of public schools? Really? So, there are no weekly meetings of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in public schools? Really? FCA dot org tells a different story, as do the public schools in my little corner of Georgia.
Looks to me like some people just love playing the “victim” card.
AmVet
October 5th, 2009
1:50 pm
I cannot remember the exact details but I recall a tale of how in every village there is someone who lights the light for all to see – the teacher. And someone who extinguishes it – the preacher.
And don’t forget good little pagans, heathens, Jews, Buddhists, Mooslims, and assorted heretics, its nearly time to put the X back in Xmas…
Dunwoody Mike
October 5th, 2009
1:50 pm
Bill White,
You are aware that if your fantasy comes true, and Obama is impeached (and forced out of office), Joe Biden will become POTUS.
Bosch
October 5th, 2009
1:52 pm
Matilda,
Well, haven’t you heard? According to some on this blog, Christians are persecuted more than any other group – or maybe white men, I can’t remember which one is the “mostest.”
Jobu
October 5th, 2009
1:57 pm
Ironic, isn’t it, that the candidate wearing Jesus most conspicuously on his sleeve clearly is the one who is most ethically challenged.
Can I get a “Pat Swindall” from the Congregation? Amen!
thomas
October 5th, 2009
1:59 pm
Byteme,
Thanks for not being able to resist your normal smart@ssness.
But are you saying you have not witnessed them on Tim Tebow for example? Or is Florida not a public university anymore.
Or just about on every team playing HS football in the state of GA. Just watch them as they walk to the field.
May I ask why you are concerned with my vision? Or did you not want to think about why you were not offended by the players having biblical versus displayed on them?
Captain Underpants
October 5th, 2009
2:00 pm
Here in lies the problem. If one lets GOD into schools then should Satan, Allah, Muhammed, Krishna and all the other “religions” not be allowed into schools?
Have to allow them all or allow none.
Nothing against Christianity, however, our society demands fairness ie molly-coddling.
Joey
October 5th, 2009
2:03 pm
Oxendine has chosen a similar route to political oblivion as Ralph Reed. I hope he has a speedy trip.
Taxpayer
October 5th, 2009
2:06 pm
Once the Fellowship of the Holy Fallout has established itself and the Divine Bombs are installed, all will know who has the power and the glory. All hail the Alpha Omega.
David
October 5th, 2009
2:06 pm
That’s why I’m pulling for a different john – John Monds – http://www.VoteMonds.com
getalife
October 5th, 2009
2:06 pm
Speaking of football,
Looks like LSU might win the baseball and football championships with a Sanders like star in both sports.
Tebow still not cleared to play.
thomas
October 5th, 2009
2:06 pm
Gale,
Were the cheerleaders in this issue pressured by any of their coaches or by other members of the cheerleading squad?
If they were not are you not offended or bothered by the cheerleaders sign as well ?
BTW, players as a rule do not put biblical versus or anything else on them to inspire good fortune. Usually it is their way to display a message or use their athletic ability as a platform. From an athlete, don’t be fooled by any other claims.
Scooter
October 5th, 2009
2:11 pm
Well, I don’t know bout all this religious stuff but I had no intention of voting for OX anyway.
jt
October 5th, 2009
2:12 pm
Why be upset about religion in schools. ?
Why not welcome it?
Here is what President Obama was dealing with.
Obama’s step-father seemed like a pretty cool dude.
“About Obama’s time at a public elementary school, 1970-71, variously known as the Sekolah Dasar Nasional Menteng No. 1 or the Basuki school, Barker writes:
When Obama attended 4th grade in 1971, Muslim children spent two hours a week studying Islam, and Christian children spent those two hours learning about the Christian religion.
During a recent visit to this public school, Barker found that
Weekly religious classes are required for all students, whether Muslims, Christians or Hindus, under the government curriculum. A new shiny mosque is in the corner of the courtyard. “The Muslims learn about Islam, prayer and religious activity,” said Hardi Priyono, the vice principal for curriculum. “And for the Christians, during the religious class, they also have a special room teaching Christianity. It’s always been like that.”
About Obama’s step-father, Lolo Soetoro and his religiosity, Barker writes:
In their first neighborhood, Obama occasionally followed his stepfather to the mosque for Friday prayers, a few neighbors said. But Soetoro usually was too busy working, first for the Indonesian army and later for a Western oil company. “Sometimes Lolo went to the mosque to pray, but he rarely socialized with people,” said Fermina Katarina Sinaga, Obama’s 3rd-grade teacher at the Catholic school, who lived near the family. “Rarely, Barry [a nickname for Barack] went to the mosque with Lolo.”
Barker learned from his friends and family that Lolo Soetoro, who died in 1987, was “much more of a free spirit than a devout Muslim” and “hardly the image of a pious Muslim.”
His nephew, Sonny Trisulo, 49, said Soetoro always liked women and alcohol. One of his health problems was a failing liver. “He loved drinking, was a smart and warm person, the naughtiest one in the family,” Trisulo recalled.”
The state isn’t the only diety.
jt
October 5th, 2009
2:13 pm
The above.
http://www.meforum.org/pipes/5354/confirmed-barack-obama-practiced-islam
Tom
October 5th, 2009
2:15 pm
Ahh yes. The Repug/Fundamentalist mind at work again. Those who choose rabid ignorance and childhood fancy over…reality. Criticize them for their patheticity and they leap back at you as if you just jabbed them with a homosexual cattle prod. Then they swoon over the thought that angels… can fly! Yup. It’s 2009 – in Murcuh!
Turd Ferguson
October 5th, 2009
2:17 pm
And how do we fit in the “Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch”.
Normal
October 5th, 2009
2:19 pm
I remember when I played football, our biblical message was “smite them hip and thigh”, and not “turn the other cheek”. And when I switched to defense, I learned it was “better to give than receive”. Worked for me.
N-GA
October 5th, 2009
2:20 pm
Does anyone else see the irony? School cheerleaders creating a huge banner that improperly mixes upper and lower case letters…a true sign of the ignorant. I suspect their teachers never even noticed!
Normal
October 5th, 2009
2:22 pm
jt
October 5th, 2009
2:13 pm
jt, are you really going to hold President Obama responsible for something that happened when he was 6 to 9 years old? That is truly reaching man, and is truly not showing you in a good light. Sad.