Viewing Symbols of Faith in Public Arena

Re “Display of Scripture May Split Justices,” March 3: I feel that we need to take another look at the concept of the separation of church and state. At the time our great nation was founded, many people came from other countries because of oppression. In some of those countries, for all practical purposes, the church and state were one entity. I feel that our founding fathers’ intent in the separation of church and state was only that neither would rule the other.

That did not mean that the two entities would not influence each other. We have “In God We Trust” on our coins. I feel that the morality of our nation has been upheld by the influence of the church. Without the religious background of many of our founders, would we have had as good a Constitution as we have? How is displaying the Ten Commandments giving religion power to rule the nation? I am also thankful that the U.S. has allowed freedom of religion.

David S. Eicher

Glendale

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Why is it that Christians are so obsessed with being surrounded by images, statues and symbols of faith? Is their belief so weak that they need constant reminders of religion, such as the cross on the county seal (Feb. 28) or the Ten Commandments at courthouses? These Christians should become less obsessed with displaying the Ten Commandments and more concerned with obeying the Ten Commandments. Real faith is in your heart, not on the wall or on the lawn.

Michael Rigney

West Hollywood

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Re your March 3 front-page photo, “Show of Faith”: Pushing for public displays of the Ten Commandments cannot possibly be about faith, as believing in the Ten Commandments requires nothing more -- and nothing less -- than living by their tenets. Anyone who insists on foisting his beliefs on others is a bully and a control freak, not a person of faith. I’d like to propose a new commandment: “Keep your religion out of my life.”

Tama Winograd

Studio City