American Jesus

Mr. Rossing strikes out again on 4/17 in “Jesus Idol.” Though one should sound the alarm bells anytime a public event or entertainment appears to be co-opted for nefarious or degrading purposes, one wonders what must be the threat of overthrow he sees in the reported “Jesusification” of “American Idol.” While I would debate the contributions to liberty from Mr. Rossing’s personal preference, “the gay stripper,” the reverse is entirely undebatable. I recall no beneficial libertine values of our founders which can be identified as contributing to our freedoms. They did have one particular discussion involving a pernicious vice. It was debated fiercely, pro and con, and finally allowed to continue another day. Sadly many souls were lost over this debate, which was concluded only after a war in which our foundling nation narrowly escaped destruction, our not-so-civil civil war. The vice? Slavery! Our founders clearly stated their wise understanding that liberty springs, deliberately and directly, from the specific religion of the cross and none other. They painstakingly investigated all current and historical governments along with the major influences from every social quarter before deciding on a republic. In this there is room for all to state their case, but room must be volunteered for Christ as for other perspectives. The situation is not one of squelching others, but of a private party freely doing as they will with their program. This is one shining example of the freedom of expression. A foolish decision to extinguish it is as harmful to all other views as it is to those who may be prevented from hearing of Christ. Let the individual make up his or her own mind without interference, and “turn the dial” if you wish. If one voice can be silenced, so may they all. Our nation was never intended to be “religion-free,” but it is certain that entertainment was to enjoy free reign of expression such that society should never be ill-affected. Christianity isn’t the virus, but other efforts may well be open for discussion. Clearly sir, you fight against the founders’ stated desires and purpose.