To the editor:

Because we are a nation of people accountable to one another, when conscience seems to have gone awry, it is the duty of others to point it out. Throughout our history, people have freely shared their faith in the political arena, whether Christian or those with a lack of belief. At one time, this led to posting words from the Bible in courthouses, schools and other public places. We used to say “The Pledge” in the ’70s and sing songs of faith in Lawrence public school choirs (mid-1980s, not 1940s).

Now that these kind acts of sharing are either admonished or abolished, where have we gone? Well, now we confiscate guns instead of knives and carry out bodies instead of punitive punishment for pranks. So I ask, are we better off without prayer and the Ten Commandments?

Separation, which started with a letter from Thomas Jefferson to The Danbury Baptist Association, intended noninterference, not exclusion. When the commandments were removed, the U.S. Supreme Court explained something like “children might learn them, meditate upon them and follow them and that would be unconstitutional.”

People are still imprisoned and murdered for their devotion in this world, and I am thankful to God I was born in a country that still contains a judicial and political system that protects self-expression, even though I am offended by much of it myself. Of, by and for the people includes people of all faiths, and yes, even a lack of faith. Offended perhaps? Explore the reasons behind your offense. Is it a guilty conscience placed in your heart by God, the Savior?

Kevin Stewart, Lawrence