The Bill of Rights of the American Constitution is a remarkable collection of amendments. I have always found the First Amendment more noteworthy than the Second, for what that is worth. What the First Amendment means, exactly, is an on-going conversation, of course.
The “freedom of religion,” provision has been given various interpretations over time as the SCOTUS has ruled on relevant cases. When I was in grade school, the day began with the pledge of allegiance followed by a devotional read over the PA. Then a SCOTUS ruled that government funded agencies such as schools cannot require religious observances, and the devotional was no more. Time passed, and religion-based objections to a variety of things public and private were given official sanction – you can object to public health measures such as vaccinations on religious grounds; you can refuse to provide a commercial service to someone on the basis of your religious beliefs; you can refuse to pay for an employee’s health insurance services if they cover contraception or anything else that goes counter to your religion, etc.
Sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s, Kirby Hensley founded the Universal Life Church (ULC). I became an ordained minister of the church in 1970. Now, don’t freak out, and just give a moment to explain. The Universal Life Church does not have a sacred text, complex dogma, liturgy, or a prescribed rituals. You can be a Christian, Muslim, atheist (that’s me) or whatever, and be ordained in the ULC. The core tenets of the ULC are simply that we would each seek to do only that which is right, and that we should engage in whatever spiritual practice we choose provided that we do not violate the rights of others. I always found that structure most parsimonious.
I sent in my ordination fee and subsequently received my certificate of ordination. As an ordained minister of the ULC, I can legally perform certain matrimonial and funerary rituals. I hadn’t thought of this bit of my earlier years until I attended a friend’s funeral that was officiated by a minister of the ULC several years ago. It all came back to me, and I mentioned it to Susan who was just a bit surprised.
When I heard yesterday that Michael Flynn was calling for “One American Religion under God,” I could hardly contain my amusement. I wonder how many among those who cry “Freedum!” when they are told that their employment is contingent on vaccination or testing (Yes, I mean you, Aaron Rodgers) or who vehemently oppose Sharia as they insist of a Christian nation would be ready to sign up for Flynn’s national religion. And, I wonder whether Flynn has ever read the First Amendment.
As for me, I’m ready for One Religion Under God. That religion should be the Universal Life Church, of course. I may still have my certificate of ordination around here somewhere. Perhaps it is in a box or folder out in the garage somewhere. If you too want to be an ordained ULC minister, just follow this link. You will find yourself in good company. 🙂