The New York Times has reported that chaplains working for the federal Bureau of Prisons have been directed by the agency to clear library book shelves of all books, tapes, CDs, and videos that are not on a government approved list. Thousands of books, many donated by churches, have been discarded.
In the past, prison chaplains have reviewed materials, but federal authorities now want all federal libraries to be uniform, with only government-approved spiritual reading.
"at the American birthplace of Jamestown, Va., are being prevented from explaining Christian history and are under orders to refer to items such as the Ten Commandments and Lord's Prayer only as "religious" in nature. That according to California pastor and researcher Todd DuBord who says he was stunned on a recent tour of the historic town when "our guide responded to our inquiry by saying that she was 'unable to speak about the plaques. We are only allowed to say they are religious plaques.'"
DuBord is also challenging the purging of all religious references at Williamsburg, the U. S. Supreme Court, and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate.
But take heart, it's almost 2008, and talk about religious faith, faith-based initiatives, Judeo-Christian values, and the right of parents to seek out schools consistent with their faith and family values will soon be "in season" -- that is, until November 4, 2008.
