The reason many individuals flocked to America in its founding days was to pursue freedom from religious persecution. Founders worked diligently to protect the rights of the individual, especially in regards to religion - America may never have a national religion nor prevent the advancement of a certain religion. I must say, the country as a whole does have a certain lean toward the Christian faith - we observe Christian holidays on a national level, but not as evidently when it comes to other religions; our president takes the oath on a Bible; and many have linked the Constitution to the Ten Commandments. It is a touchy issue to say the least, so the government tends to stay hands off, but needless to say, this is probably not the most effective approach.
America's way of approaching the diversity of religion in the country is, to an extent, by not dealing with it. Our government emphasizes secularism to prevent themselves from appearing to take sides. By doing so, it can leave the nation rather ignorant to other religions by not exposing its citizens to it. America is a fairly religious country compared to leading nations, and that may appear to be a problem, but it does not have to be. If the country had a plan to fund religions equally, it could lead to an understanding of differing beliefs and issues - a Buddhist could have a shrine in the presence of a cross and chaos would not be raised.
Although America is religious, we do not have a national religion; we do not tell people what they should believe (not to say that people have not been guided). In this case of the cross being present at a war memorial ("Crossing the line," Oct. 19), it is certain that the cross was not intended to create a predicament in the regulations of the Constitution, but rather, commemorate war veterans. The purpose is quite simple, making the rejection of other religious symbols rather disconcerting. They would not have changed the purpose of the memorial.
The American system of approaching religion is flawed. In a nation that is quite religious, and in turn, a nation encompassing many different cultures with varying belief systems, it is quite alarming that the adoption of a "secularized " ideal is being utilized. It is the accord of the government to ensure that all people are protected, but this system leaves people ignorant and fearful of other religions, to the point that certain religions cannot present their figures in the present of others. It should not come down to an issue of what religion is more "worthy" than another, but rather, how can each religion have its own share of equality, regardless of how the country leans.
Larissa Jakubow\nCLAS I
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