What I meant to say is:
Where does Jesus or G-d command that I must keep & “venerate” any symbols to prove my faith to G-d?
For me this whole issue isn’t an issue because is doesn’t need to be. It shouldn’t matter what trinkets and idols are taken from someone, if their faith is true then it’s an internal thing that can never be taken from them. Otherwise it’s just a weakness to be exploited by evil.
What I get from your post is you meant to say is you are clearly more pious than the rest of us sinners.
“Where does Jesus or G-d command that I must keep & “venerate” any symbols to prove my faith to G-d?”
That’s not really the point though is it Brent. The point is that the Governement cannot, should not and better not dictate to believers what they do or don’t do in regards to their faith.
As I said in a previous post I do not wear anything in the way of religious symbols but I would in solidarity with those who choose to if the Government chose to ban the wearing of them. Faith can be true or not in each person but the wearing of or the not wearing of a religious symbol does not determine that.
Mel
To me the articles have a more general sense to them. That what used to be perfectly acceptable in a God fearing society is now anthema. What if they were to come and take your Bible from you would that put it in a more dangerous mode? How about if they outlaw communion or gathering to worship or saying God bless you?