LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY sunfell)

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely in my name." Matt. 5:11

It is this quote which is the source of the 'persecution complex' of many Christian sects, and one of the driving forces behind the Dominionist movement. Their sincere belief that the Establishment Clause also establishes a pattern of persecution of their faith empowers them to battle what they see as forces of darkness. Believing that they are persecuted, and 'blessed', they continue to fight and hack away at the Establishment Clause. When a persecution complex comes with the faith, battling its extreme fringes becomes difficult.

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross -- Sinclair Lewis

I have noticed a growing religious fetishism of American symbols- particularly the flag. This is most noticable on certain religious websites, which are at times indistinguishable from government websites.

This unsubtle blend of religious and govermnent is deliberate, and growing. They each have a place, but should not be mixed.