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I must admit to some ambivalence when discussing issues like the Indiana Civil Liberties Union's lawsuit to bar the use of Jesus' name from prayers uttered on behalf of business conducted in the Statehouse. I usually try to be sensitive to other's beliefs and as such can sympathize with people of other faiths attending a legislative session and being somewhat put off by a prayer dedicated to a deity they don't believe in. I know I certainly would be uncomfortable being led in prayer by a Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim, and would oppose a Wiccan, New Age adherent or Native American animist doing so; as I honestly believe they are not equal paths to the same God, or worse - possibly demon influenced.

Admittedly, Christianity has enjoyed a certain universal acceptance for much of American history – although that position of preference appears to be waning – convincing some to believe this as nothing more than an opportunity to put us in our place. As a result, it appears to be open season on Christianity while everyone and everything else is handled with sensitivity and tolerance.

I have no problem with being respectful and tolerant of views other than my own, although I don't agree with today's definition of tolerance; which properly defined is civil acknowledgement of disagreement. It entails allowing you to be who you are, believing what you want, expressing how you feel – as long as you allow me the same opportunity and refrain from doing either of us harm. It does not mean I must agree with your opinions and embrace your lifestyle, nor does it mean I must view every idea concerning government, social issues and religion as having equal value and thus refrain from expressing an opposing opinion.

Sometimes I am tempted to just throw my hands up and say, 'Enough is enough!' Let's just not let anyone say anything remotely controversial in public in an attempt to keep the peace. But that's exactly what the other side wants. If they can silence us, they've won the culture war; because in spite of their protests against our proselytizing others to our beliefs and value system – they preach, teach and coerce people to their point of view as much as possible. Besides which, that is in large point our purpose in being here. We are instructed on a number of levels to go – teach – preach – convince others of the supremacy of Christ; yet always doing all things in love.

The Indianapolis Star published a number of people's responses to various issues, including this one in their opinion page of June 5,2005. One section, called the Expresso, looked to their own staff for short yet concise comments. I was surprised and encouraged by their editorial page editor's response and would like to share it with you here.

It's difficult to express adequately to people on the other side of the nation's cultural divide how deeply offensive the Indiana Civil Liberties Union's lawsuit to ban the name Jesus Christ from Statehouse prayers is to many of us who claim the description of Christian. Societal elites continually lecture us about the importance of tolerance and cultural diversity. Yet, they make no effort to show tolerance to or understand the culture of evangelical Christians. Instead, conservative Christians are constantly subjected to ridicule and insults.

When they defend themselves by organizing public policy groups or exercising their right to vote for the political candidates of their choice, they are told by the elites that they are a danger to democracy and are guilty of imposing their values on others. Yet, in this instance, it is the ICLU that is asking the federal courts to censor individuals' prayers. Whose values are being imposed on whom?

Do some conservative Christians say and do things they shouldn't? Of course. Name one religion, culture or class of people that doesn't have the ill-mannered or the extremist in its midst? But in America today, conservative Christians are the one group that it's safe for the news media, the entertainment industry and others to ridicule and defame with impunity. And that is bigotry.

The ICLU lawsuit feeds into that bigotry. Worse, it asks the federal courts to trample the constitutional rights of individuals. No one should be ordered to set aside his or her faith as the cost of participating in a free and democratic government. – Tim Swarens

People in high profile, public occupations often hide their identities or censor themselves in an attempt to limit controversy or critical feedback. Mr. Swarens should be congratulated and encouraged in his stand to be a well-spoken, bold advocate of both faith and tolerance.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The Second Sin