Bill of Rights through the Red Word (My Understanding and Interpretation)

(Amendment I)

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”  

Freedom of worship is safeguarded, but Christ reminds us that love is the heart of faith. It does not matter the lable of worship, as long as it is love and empathy in you're heart and in your actions.


(Amendment II)

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” 

To me:
The right to arms is tempered by Christ’s call to peace. Citizen are to be trained to bear Arms and follow regulations set forth by the constitution, and those who swore an oath to up hold it and to the people it protects.


(Amendment III)
 
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”  

Christ enters by invitation, not force... echoing the sanctity of the home.


(Amendment IV)

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  

Justice requires respect for dignity and privacy.


(Amendment V)

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  

True justice flows from Christ’s truth and life.


(Amendment VI)
  
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Judge not, that you be not judged.”  

Trials must be fair, remembering Christ’s warning against hypocrisy.


(Amendment VII)
 
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”  

Judgment must be humble, recognizing our shared imperfection.


(Amendment VIII)
  
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  

Mercy is the measure of justice.


(Amendment IX)

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  

Rights are expansive, reflecting Christ’s gift of abundant life.


(Amendment X)
  
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.  

Christ’s Words in Red:  
“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”  

Earthly authority is limited; ultimate sovereignty belongs to God.

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