Outrage from both sides of religious liberty debate jeopardizes understanding of freedom

As a retired Army Chaplain (COL) I very much want to comment on Justin Scott’s Feb. 6 letter to the editor responding to an earlier one by Leland Graber. On the one hand, I strongly affirm his commitment to “the authentic spirit of liberty” embedded in our U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment — which both prohibits the establishment of a “state” religion, while simultaneously affirming every individual’s right to freely exercise their own faith (even “unfaith”!).

One of the primary obligations of every military chaplain is to assist his or her commander in their command obligation under the Constitution to protect (subject to temporary military necessity) every service member’s religious free exercise — including protection from harassment and/or unwelcome proselytization.

On the other hand, I absolutely abhor both Mr. Graber’s and Mr. Scott’s confrontive, hostile tone! Often, the way we say things has a great impact on others’ understanding and acceptance of our own point of view. I personally “ache” about those fully patriotic fellow Americans who (unfortunately) embrace Christian nationalism because they totally misunderstand the history and intent behind our founders’ very first Bill of Rights amendment. And I’m appalled at how Mr. Graber’s and Mr. Scott’s tirades might, for some, possibly jeopardize an absolutely essential proper understanding and acceptance of this precious freedom!

Dave Nolte

Coralville