Religion & Law

I just came across this story from my native place in Massachusetts where I shall be visiting my family for Christmas. Yes, Christmas. I don?t mind saying Merry Christmas, or Happy Christmas as is the English custom. It is a sad day when a young individual is sent home and ordered to undergo psychological testing for drawing a picture of the crucifixion. For those unfamiliar with the La Salette shrine, it is a Catholic place of worship and devotion that has drawn many faithful over the decades. During Christmas, the shrine is decorated with lights that accentuate the images of the nativity. There is a large crucifix on a hill where the faithful can pray and/or recite the rosary. I think this particular part of the shrine left an impression on the young artist.

I wonder if he would have been disciplined if he copied for his art class Michelangelo?s Last Judgment or one of the famous depictions of the martyrdom of St. Sebastian?

It is a sad day when a school official believes that a student?s depiction of an important Christian image is analogous to a picture that depicts a student shooting a teacher and classmate and takes disciplinary action on such a misguided belief. What is permitted and what is not in the Massachusetts public schools these days is troubling. (In full disclosure, the mayor?s assistant is my cousin.)

RJA sj