THAW: Christians must speak out

A couple of articles in the recent Coeur d’Alene Press have tweaked my memory. A letter to the editor from a student about Christian discrimination in a secular college she attended and a more recent article about an Internet production made by local young Christians who faced discrimination in Idaho schools brought to mind an experience nearly 30 years ago.

My daughter was asked to write a voice of democracy speech by her Payette English teacher. When we discussed what she should write about I suggested that she write about the Christian principles this country was founded upon. When she submitted the speech, her English teacher rejected it based on the fact that you couldn’t discuss religion in public schools. Voice of Democracy is sponsored by a veterans organization.

I was tempted at the time to contact them and see if they agreed but did not. Interestingly, this teacher attended the same church we did but she apparently embraced the NEA’s liberal views above her Christian views. Perhaps she was intimidated by weak-wristed administrators or school board members who were afraid of a court fight.

In response to the recent Internet production someone noted that Christians were able to hold prayer meetings around the flagpole. That is a pretty weak rebuttal. Why not a Christian club or prayer meeting in a school building? What makes a school flagpole less intimidating to administrators? I think it is high time we Christians become less accommodating and more vocal about defending our beliefs. We are being walked on by a vocal minority and allowing it. We need some backbone!

DON PHELAN

Coeur d’Alene