By Rusty Pugh and Allie Martin
July 8, 2002

(AgapePress) - The leader of a Christian educators' group says the actions of two large teachers' groups would indicate they don't believe America is "one nation, under God."

Dr. Forrest Turpen heads the Christian Educators Association International. He says educators across America were stunned by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling late last month declaring the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional because it contains the phrase "under God." Turpen says the National Education Association and the National Parent Teachers Association remained relatively silent on the issue, which he says would indicate they have no problem with the ruling.

"Apparently they're not in favor of saying to the judges that made the decision that this is ludicrous -- a decision when, as a nation, our foundations obviously come from the great Creator, God," Turpen says. "We are one nation, under God -- so the apparent look would be that [the NEA and PTA] are not in favor of having that in the pledge."

Turpen believes the ruling, which remains on hold, has awakened a "sleeping giant." He says the national outrage is a good indication that the moral foundation of America is still intact -- and that the NEA and PTA are out-of-step with the American public.

The National PTA website, in reaction to the ruling on the Pledge, does include the following official statement: "National PTA believes the pledge to the flag should be recited in schools, however, takes no position on the 'under God' language. National PTA believes the 9th Circuit Court ruling creates an opportunity for renewed education and awareness to the Pledge's cultural importance, political significance, origin and history."

The NEA website, however, does not carry a press release concerning the 9th Circuit Court's ruling on June 26. It does carry a press release denouncing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision the following day in favor of the school voucher program in Cleveland, Ohio.

Judicial Testing?
Meanwhile, a Christian activist in California says last month's ruling on the Pledge indicates it is time to revamp the federal judicial system. Pastor Wiley Drake says that system is seriously flawed.

"In the State of California, as well as in most states, after you get a certain age you have to go take a driving test to make sure you're still capable to drive after you pass 70 or 80 [years of age]," Drake says. "We think these judges are driving around ... out of touch, or in the pocket of the liberals -- and we think they ought to be tested periodically."

Drake says Christians need to be better educated about judicial activism, which he says is prevalent in the nation's federal court system.

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