Can the Government Ban Believers From Handling Poisonous Snakes and Drinking Poison During Worship?

Handling poisonous snakes and drinking poison are part of worship in some Christian churches. Are these dangerous religious practices protected by the Constitution? New Testament basis for using snakes and poison Religious snake handling and poison drinking are based on three New Testament passages. Mark 16: 17-18: “And these signs shall follow them that believe: … Continue reading Can the Government Ban Believers From Handling Poisonous Snakes and Drinking Poison During Worship? →

Lord Baltimore: George & Cecil Calvert – “Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 5/5)

The foundation of religious freedom in America was laid over 150 years before the Bill of Rights. The Lords Baltimore were major architects of that foundation. George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore George Calvert (1580-1632) was the first Lord and Baron Baltimore. He was a very successful member of the British cabinet and parliament. But then, … Continue reading Lord Baltimore: George & Cecil Calvert – “Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 5/5) →

Religion in Colonial America: “Early Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 1/5)

Unbelievably, after 400 years, freedom of religion is still controversial in America. In the beginning, religious issues permeated colonial America. Members of various sects immigrated to the New World seeking a safe haven for worship. Some of these religions flourished, some stagnated, some evolved, some fragmented, and some failed. Colonial Denominations Calvinists dominated early Massachusetts. … Continue reading Religion in Colonial America: “Early Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 1/5) →

What Makes America Great (Pt 6/6): The American Dream

Coming to America The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, can succeed through hard work, study, ingenuity, sacrifice, teamwork, and perseverance. In many nations, a person’s birth predetermines their future. Were they born into nobility or royalty or serfdom? Where they born into the upper class or … Continue reading What Makes America Great (Pt 6/6): The American Dream →

What Makes America Great (Pt 5/6): American Political Philosophy and Ideals

The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights have inspired the world. Perhaps the greatest contribution the U.S. has made to humanity is American political philosophy and ideals. A Foundation of a Written Constitution The U.S. government is built on the bedrock foundation - the supreme law of a written constitution. James Madison, the … Continue reading What Makes America Great (Pt 5/6): American Political Philosophy and Ideals →

Enforced Equality and the Tale of Harrison Bergeron

Equality is a noble ideal. “All men are created equal.” No One is Truly Equal In reality, no one is truly equal. No one is exactly the same. We are born with different gifts and talents. We are born with various flaws and handicaps. We are born with different IQ’s. Some people are born into … Continue reading Enforced Equality and the Tale of Harrison Bergeron →

A Slave Steals a Confederate Warship and Sails to Freedom

Robert Smalls was a slave sailor for the Confederacy who became a hero during the Civil War. In April 1861, the Civil War began with the Battle of Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbor. The Union Navy blockaded the harbor with a fleet of ships 10 miles off shore. Smalls was a pilot on the CSS … Continue reading A Slave Steals a Confederate Warship and Sails to Freedom →

What is Socialism?

During the 2020 election campaign, there has been a lot of discussion about socialism. Most of that debate has been uninformed or misinformed. Definition of Socialism Socialism is “the political and economic theory where the means of production, distribution, and exchange, are owned and regulated by the government -- the ‘collective.’” “Socialism is based upon economic … Continue reading What is Socialism? →