From Deseret News archives:
Ten Commandments: Utah non-Christians say ruling shows respect for all religions
Not that they mind, some said this week when asked to comment on the Supreme Court's ruling that any display containing the commandments must emphasize history, not religion. Neither purpose bothers them particularly, as long as America continues to respect and acknowledge other religions.
While in the wake of the ruling secularists and Christian groups continue to wrangle over the laws that Christians and Jews believe were handed down by God to Moses, non-Christians in Utah say they appreciated the Supreme Court protecting the tradition of separation of church and state to some extent.
As a Hindu and U.S. citizen, Indra Neelameggham of South Jordan said she doesn't take offense with the Ten Commandments being displayed, as long as her freedom to be Hindu and practice her beliefs are acknowledged and respected.
"I really personally don't have any qualms of people displaying the creed of their religion, as long as it doesn't invade the space of anybody else," Neelameggham said.
Of course, there are other non-Christian faiths that also consider the Ten Commandments sacred.
However, Hossain said he also considers the separation of church and state very important in protecting his right to practice his religion without persecution.
"We need to be true to the principle that this country is based on," Hossain said. "If you claim to be a secular nation, and there's a separation of church and state, then displaying the Ten Commandments in a public building, you're not being true to the principle."
Like Neelameggham, Hossain said he praises the U.S. Supreme Court's decision because, compared to other countries despite some criticism the United States has achieved something remarkable.
"America has been a country that has been able to, for the most part, maintain the separation of church and state as a principle," Hossain said. "That's laudable because not a lot of countries have been able to do that."
The Ten Commandments are also significant in the Jewish faith. For some Orthodox Jews, the presence of the Commandments is welcomed.
Comments
- Obama, Soviet's Afghan endgame 1:04 a.m.
- Victims of Bhopal demand cleanup 12:55 a.m.
- Pakistanis kill 15 militants 12:47 a.m.
- SLCC campus briefs 12:24 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 12:22 a.m.
- SUU campus briefs 12:20 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: Buy local this Christmas 12:11 a.m.
- Conflicting advice for wise shopping 12:11 a.m.
- Half-baked nonstrategy will not work 12:11 a.m.
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
- Mitchell said to share LeBaron traits
- Teen girl killed in Kaysville crash
- BCS just keeps dirty laundry on spin
- Utahns growing tired of Bennett
- Woods says he let family down
- MWC awaits bowl destinations
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
- Miles is back, but others still out
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
914 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
483 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
405 - Max Hall issues apology
392 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
358 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
244 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
237 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
184 - Religion in politics is tiresome
154
A comprehensive listing of missionary reunions being held this week.
As the TV cameras Tuesday night scanned the West Point audience during...
My husband was teaching his 6th-grade class in Salt Lake last year when...
What a fun game to watch!! I love seeing the Aggs step up huge on defense. I...
Take of your Rose-colored glasses and watch the game again. Y'all got beat...
Hey guys... what does BYU and Swag have in common??......... They both get...
Way to go AGGIES!! Can't wait till UNLV comes into Provo and punks them again.
From an example of a law abiding citizen, Rodney King ..."U of U and BYU...
First, you must bleed that parched, ugly, awful royal blue, because that's...
I did not know anyone in the accident, I am not from this area; but the...
Yum...I want some now.
don't get me wrong, i have tons of respect for coach sloan and what he's done...
If we could only figure out a use ( like the presto-logs from sawdust ) for...


You can be the first to comment on this story.