Freedom of religion essential to believers

Easter is a holy holiday to Christians here and all over the world. It is the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some view Easter as a secular holiday much like Christmas. Both are sacred to Christians. Christmas and Easter are not secular holidays in any way, shape or form. Although some holidays may have been pagan holidays at one time, they were taken by Christians as an alternative to pagan worship.

It seems to me we are reverting to the pagan ways. Where children are concerned, part of childhood is Santa and the Easter Bunny along with the Tooth Fairy. These are wonderful childhood fantasies. But in Christian families as children get older they are taught the real meaning of Christmas and Easter — that Christ is the focus.

Each religion has its own holidays and celebrations. No one calls them secular holidays. Their children are told why these are important times and the real meaning of them.

Everyone has the freedom to worship as they wish. People left their old countries because they wanted freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

Freedom is what we always fought for and what is important not to lose. There are many religions and I believe we all pray to a God. Since prayer has been banned from our schools, it seems there is more killing in our schools, on the streets, more gang activity.

As parents we have to teach our children about whatever religion we believe in. We have to teach them when and how to worship by showing them and taking them to our houses of worship. We have to give them something good to believe in. Don’t let those who do not believe in religion dictate what we can and cannot do.

Laurel H. Anderson

Wheeling