| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Discourser" |
| Date: |
24 Jul 2004 12:50:19 AM |
| Object: |
SEPARATE RELIGION FROM THE GOVERNMENT |
SEPARATE RELIGION FROM THE GOVERNMENT
America is a secular nation -- not a religious nation. It is indeed puzzling
why some religious supremists demand that the US government assert their
religion on all American citizens, and impose their sectarian beliefs and
practices on dissenting minorities. These religious supremists get so
emotionally worked up and exercised every time the word "God" is challenged
in the courts by disserters. The motto "In God We Trust" on the US currency
and "Under God" in the Pledge and religious symbols placed on government
lands and buildings have trivilized the sacredness of monotheistic religious
beliefs. Are the beliefs of religious supremists so weak and vulnerable that
they need the government to force their beliefs on everyone?
Some conservative christians advocate for religious intrusion in the
government with their particular sectarian beliefs and practices. Moreover,
some conservative christians have stated that their belief in a
monotheistic "God" forms the only basis for moral authority and moral
clarity and seek forced conformity with their beliefs and practices. America
is a nation founded on freedom of religion and freedom from religion. The
"cultural war" is just as desperate as the war on terror with religious
fanatics forcing their religious beliefs and practices on silent dissenters.
Some conservative christian tele-evangelists make hysterical pleas for
religious intrusion in government, that when their "God" is no longer
present in our public life, then their "God" is no longer protecting us.
The American people do not need a theocracy ruled by an insecure group of
religious supremists who seek to force their religion on everyone. The
"separation of church and state" is a time-honored American tradition. There
is no place for sectarian religious practices codified in our government,
but rather it is a private matter of individual conscience.
_________________________________________
Here are the laws maintaining secular government:
"ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE":
The 1st Amendment to the Bill of Rights provides for the "Establishment
Clause." Religious establishment is prohibited. Freedom of speech, of the
press, and right to petition are certain individual protected rights under
the US Constitution. "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."
-- WEBLINK: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment01/
"NO RELIGIOUS TEST CLAUSE":
The "No Religious Test" clause in the US Constitution prohibits religion as
a qualification for public office and also prohibits taking a religious
oath. Article 6, Paragraph 3 [No Religious Test] of the US Constitution is
referred to as the "No Religious Test Clause." The "No Religious Test
Clause" states that federal and state elected officials are not required to
swear an oath in God; nor be required to hold one's hand on the Bible while
taking an oath; nor be required to solemnly swear a belief in God(s) or in a
particular religion.
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the
several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of
the United States and of the several States, shall be bound, by Oath or
Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever
be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the
United States."
-- WEBLINK: http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm
"NO PREFERENCE CLAUSE":
Article 1, Section 4 of the California State Constitution is subtitled
"Liberty of Conscience." California state, municipal and special units of
government are instructed by this "No Preference Clause" from discriminating
or preferring one religion over another.
"Free exercise and enjoyment of religion without discrimination or
preference are guaranteed. This liberty of conscience does not excuse acts
that are licentious or inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State.
The Legislature shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
A person is not incompetent to be a witness or juror because of his or her
opinions on religious beliefs."
-- WEBLINK: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.const/.article_1
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| User: "johac" |
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| Title: Re: SEPARATE RELIGION FROM THE GOVERNMENT |
24 Jul 2004 02:40:58 AM |
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In article <vMmMc.61895$Oi5.11256@okepread07>,
"Discourser" <discourser@cox.net> wrote:
SEPARATE RELIGION FROM THE GOVERNMENT
America is a secular nation -- not a religious nation. It is indeed puzzling
why some religious supremists demand that the US government assert their
religion on all American citizens, and impose their sectarian beliefs and
practices on dissenting minorities. These religious supremists get so
emotionally worked up and exercised every time the word "God" is challenged
in the courts by disserters. The motto "In God We Trust" on the US currency
and "Under God" in the Pledge and religious symbols placed on government
lands and buildings have trivilized the sacredness of monotheistic religious
beliefs. Are the beliefs of religious supremists so weak and vulnerable that
they need the government to force their beliefs on everyone?
Some conservative christians advocate for religious intrusion in the
government with their particular sectarian beliefs and practices. Moreover,
some conservative christians have stated that their belief in a
monotheistic "God" forms the only basis for moral authority and moral
clarity and seek forced conformity with their beliefs and practices. America
is a nation founded on freedom of religion and freedom from religion. The
"cultural war" is just as desperate as the war on terror with religious
fanatics forcing their religious beliefs and practices on silent dissenters.
Some conservative christian tele-evangelists make hysterical pleas for
religious intrusion in government, that when their "God" is no longer
present in our public life, then their "God" is no longer protecting us.
Is their god so vain and childish, that if we ignore it for a moment,
it will throw a tantrum and go away and sulk and not play with us
anymore? Some god that they worship.
The American people do not need a theocracy ruled by an insecure group of
religious supremists who seek to force their religion on everyone. The
"separation of church and state" is a time-honored American tradition. There
is no place for sectarian religious practices codified in our government,
but rather it is a private matter of individual conscience.
Great post even if you are 'preaching to the choir' here.
--
John Hachmann aa #1782
-The ability to change one's mind, ideas, and opinions when confronted with
new facts is the sign of the rational and intelligent. The inability to do
so is the hallmark of the dimwitted and the fanatic. This applies not only
to science and philosophy, but also to politics.-
.
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