Court Opinion

ID: 9714332
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 05:35:19.18533+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:25.291387
License: Public Domain

PEDERSON, Justice,
concurring specially-
I agree with Chief Justice Erickstad’s analysis of the constitutional issues which have been raised in these cases, but I wish to add some personal comments. It is disturbing to me when it appears to be necessary for courts to decide how much the State, under the constitution, can interfere with a person’s beliefs. When the Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus, they asked: “Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” Jesus replied: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” St. Matthew, chapter 22, verses 17 and 21, King James Version. There are “things” which are obviously “Caesar’s” and there are “things” which are obviously “God’s.” The basic education of children has been, in recent times, thought to be the State’s responsibility. Not only the courts, but the Legislature, should reexamine the tradition to determine if perhaps the quality of education can be enhanced by allowing and encouraging the Bible Baptist Church, and other similar church groups, to assume a greater, unhampered role in providing basic education for our children. It appears to be uncontested in this case that Bible Baptist Church’s teaching methods produce better results than are produced by the State’s current methods. I would prefer that the Legislature make greater efforts to reduce governmental infringements with religious liberties.