Sensational stories about the application of Sharia (Islamic) law are easy to find. The vast majority of the stories aren't really about Sharia but about abuse of Islamic law. Every time I read one of those stories, I am glad the Sharia isn't being enforced in the United States.

But that isn't being anti-Muslim. I don't want any religious law, of whatever origin, to be enforced in the United States. Our great nation is composed of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Confucians, Taoists and people who follow dozens of other religions.

All of those religions and their followers contribute to the rich religious culture of our country and make it stronger for its diversity. People are entitled to follow the dictates of their religions, unless those dictates infringe on the rights of others.

If you ever wonder what the separation of church and state is really about, that's it in a nutshell. A government that protects the practice of all religions, not just one at the expense of others. A government that empowers its citizens to follow their own consciences.
But there are candidates for President of the United States who don't believe in separation of church and state. Who want the Christian equivalent of the Sharia. And they have a good idea who should be the Christian Imans (c-imans) to enforce it.

Remember, Jesus said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Not casting the first stone means enabling your neighbor to follow their religion just as you want to follow yours. I hope we are a Christian enough nation to not become stone throwers. Practicing Christianity is the empowering of others, even others we disagree with, not oppressing them.

Patrick Durusau is a Covington resident.