Originally Posted by
sear
Right.
The free exercise clause has been widely applied, not to prevent display of nativity scenes,
but to restrict nativity scenes on municipal (government) property.
you left out a word.
The free exercise clause has been widely applied, not to prevent display of nativity scenes, but to ERRONEOUSLY restrict nativity scenes on municipal (government) property.
that's better.
But ALSO I also think those that are misusing it are a more focused on misinterpreting the "establishment" portion rather than the "free exercise" portion.
It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. The freeman of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents. James Madison
Live as free people, yet without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but live at all times as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16