Rantings of a New Yorker

Earlier this week, the courts affirmed that a prayer banner in Cranston High School West was illegal and had to be removed. The lawsuit was brought by the ALCU and high schooler, Jessica Ahlquist, who also happens to be an atheist.

In his decision Lagueux said, “The purpose of the prayer banner was clearly religious in nature” and he also said, “No amount of debate can make the school Prayer anything other than a prayer, and a Christian one at that.” He went on to state that the presence of the prayer was essentially a governmental endorsement of religion, reiterating his believe that, “The Government must not appear to take sides on issues of religious beliefs.”

Ahlquist‘s main argument in the case has been that a prayer mural present in her school’s auditorium is offensive to non-Christians. Additionally, she claims that it has made her feel ostracized and, thus, she has petitioned fervently for its removal.

Ahlquist felt ostracized by the banner before the lawsuit. Since the judge’s decision, things have gotten worse. While Christians should be rational and accept their defeat in the matter or file an appeal, they have, instead, turned towards the typical despicable behavior we have come to expect from “good, loving” Christians.

The comment section of the local news story has several examples.

I find this girl offensive, maybe they should kick her out of the school……….

one more fruitcake in the absolute minorty rules the majority…
Disband this court, throw the judge to the curb..

My belief: I think the school should have expelled the student (for disturbing the peace or whatever(?) before the problem got to the courts. And, the judge should be disbarred, and removed from the bench. I am thankful for freedom of speech and to believe in what we feel is right, but I don’t think organizations, businesses, etc. should have to change their “rules” because one persons speech or belief.

Apparently, this person has missed the lesson on the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause.

If Jessica is feeling ostracized now, wait until Judgement Day, sweetie, and you will really know what it feels like to be ostracized.

another federal judge who needs to find his self in jail.

Several commenters claimed that this judge was appointed by a bunch of liberal when, in fact, Judge Ronald Lagueux was appointed by Ronald Reagan.

Jessica Ahlquist, You may have your moment in the spotlight of history.. but one day..every one above the earth..on the earth and“ below” the earth will bow and call Jesus/Yeshua Lord…..without exception Jessica…

I hope she get’s her head kicked in by some good old boys……………

Assuming these comments have been slightly sanitized because the newspaper website has a filter, these are some of the things happening on Ahlquist’s twitter account.

These are tweets from Jessica:

My home address was posted in the comments on the projo website. I have little siblings and a sick mother. You cannot be serious.

It’s me you hate. Leave my sister out of this.

This girl is in high school. Do these Christians even realize that anyone who may be mentally unstable could now visit this girl’s house? Is this really the christian love that you preach about?

These screenshots are from Facebook:

This is only a sample of the posts threatening to hurt, maim, and kill Jessica Ahlquist. This is what the typical Christian is like. It isn’t rare. They aren’t in the minority. These comments aren’t fake. It’s even worse considering their vitriol is pointed at a 16 year old. This is not the behavior of rational people. This is what religion does to people.

The good news is that thousands of people have rallied around Ahlquist with positive support, drowning out the hatred from Christians.

It is also not acceptable for Christians to claim that these people are not true Christians or that they don’t represent all Christians. This is not how normal people behave. This is not Christian compassion. Fortunately, the police are taking the matter seriously and are investigating those who have threatened to do harm to Miss Ahlquist.

You can read the 40 page court decision here [pdf].

If you are so inclined, you can support Jessica Ahlquist by donating to a college fund that has been set up for her.