I have several thoughts on this day. The “In Theory” topic on the weekend of Sept. 17, 2009, addressed how school employees faced charges for praying. I did support the view that they needed to abide by the terms of their employment and not pray. But where is our defense against this type of thing? I am not saying it should not exist, but sometimes the freedom-of-speech laws seem to favor speaking against God, not supporting faith and religion.
Things like this will exist in our fallen world. Some may have the call to fight it. I choose to pray for Lindsey and those involved. We cannot immediately change people’s views by debate. I actually believe that in his eyes it is a genuine effort to encourage freedom of expression. Being an ordained minister and psychotherapist, I cannot help but be curious about what may have happened to Lindsey that so radically turned him from the priesthood and faith. I do a great deal of work with people in spiritual crisis and I hear many things that have damaged a person’s people’s faith, so I have a bias here.
I do not believe it is a conscious endeavor by Lindsey to gain 15 minutes of fame by offending the general public. My guess is that it’s genuine. However, I do think something harmed him causing hatred toward God and a blatant cry to go against God publicly. That is why I believe prayer for him and those who he is, sadly, reaching is paramount.
COUNSELOR KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN
La Vie Counseling Center in Pasadena ?
Freedom of expression and the ability to voice any opinion is a cornerstone of American society and is enshrined in our Constitution as an inalienable right of every citizen. Many spiritual belief systems — such as Judaism — also protect the right of free speech and encourage open and healthy dialogue.
