Thanks to immigration, America’s religious makeup has changed. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus are much more common than they once were. In 20 or 30 years, it’s possible these groups will attain numerical dominance in a town here or there.
Many Christians will applaud today’s Supreme Court decision allowing a town council in Greece, N.Y. to begin its meetings with an invocation by a “chaplain of the month,” even if the invited clergy choose to proclaim “the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.” It’s nice to have the government publicly endorse your faith. But if it can champion Christianity today, why not Islam tomorrow?
If Christians attending the local city council meeting had to sit through a prayer to Allah or Vishnu, they would most likely feel excluded and offended. But somehow they think non-Christians should have to put up with the equivalent without complaint or recourse.
Five Supreme Court justices members agree, with three of the four dissents coming from justices who know something about religious discrimination, being Jewish. The fourth, Sonia Sotomayor, apparently does not belong to a church.
This is one case where being in the majority can blind one to the perspective of the minority. Christians may someday find out how it feels to be on the other side. Then they will remember what Jesus said about doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. But it may be too late.