Originally posted by Arlo
Christian principles have been an integral part of the western world's laws since the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as IT'S state religion. Jefferson's ideology of seperation of church and state cannot avoid such ... nor was it ever intended to. His letter to a Baptist congregation was simply to assure them that the government would not impede their religious freedoms.
The *only* way to not impede religious freedoms is to make sure that principles unique to *any* religion are not made a part of the law. Note the use of the word *unique*. I am not saying our laws have nothing to do with Christianity. I am saying that the law should be based on a minimal set of common moral principles, and certainly those have some overlap with Christianity. They also overlap other religions and atheism as well.
What I am trying to get at is this: the claim that America is based on Christianity is illegitimate when it is used to justify the inclusion of uniquely Christian values into the law. Here are some examples of uniquely Christian laws: No sex before marriage, no condoms, no drinking. Note again the use of the word unique.
Furthermore, what makes America different is that they went beyond any particular religion, unlike all the rest of the western governments. Something new happened here, and it was a good thing. If the idea of freedom of religion is Christian, then once again I ask why did it not happen before?
Originally posted by Arlo
It does not require forced coercion of non-believers
I did not say it does. But it does maintain that those who do not believe in this particular faith are damned, does it not?
Originally posted by Arlo
And of course Christianity teaches that it's the right way. So does Judaism, Islam and any other religion. So if that's a major issue someone has with Christians which leads them to dislike Christianity specifically (and perhaps all religion, in general), then they have their own intolerance to live with which thinly conceals it's own unique arrogance.
Hey relax, I don't dislike Christianity specifically, or any other religion. I focused on it because I figured that's what people would know about. But, as I said, it does seem strange to me. It conflicts with what I know about Jesus, who by all accounts in addition to being a great person was also a nice guy. Now, a nice guy doesn't say "believe in me or go to hell". He says "believe in me and you'll be saved".
But I think perhaps some of his followers take that a step further, adding a statement about the rest of the world that was never intended.
Originally posted by Arlo
Our government is still primarily comprised of elected representatives of the people (exception being the Judicial branch which is appointed by elected representatives). Granted, federal government attained greater authority after the Civil War but we still have a government of the people. If government's "whole purpose" is to not let live then it's by mandate of the people. In other words, in spite of special interest groups that choose to interpret the Constitution to fit their specific desires, the majority of the people still has a greater influence (or should) and, as such, will probably let their own desire on any issue brought up by said special interest groups known. Be the SIG Christian, Athiest or anything else.
Absolutely.
