Did our Founders intend for Americans to have freedom of religion, or had they intended to provide freedom from religion?
One side of America demands for a secularization of all things public, whereas, a new push for “Compassionate Conservatism” calls for faith-based action. Is there a happy medium? If we allow for religion to have a working influence in our society, do we risk discriminating against non-believers? But if we altogether do away with faith-based programs, do we discriminate against believers?
Here, I wish to explore each side of the "wall between church and state"- even the wall itself. Born into a Catholic family, I understand the “faithful”’s standpoint. And, as a true Lockeian , I appreciate the sacredness of the government.
**Because I have lost faith in Catholicism, please forgive any bias that I may exhibit. Since I have attended a Catholic-based school since Kindergarten, I feel I have a grip on the Church’s standpoint enough to avoid any discrepancies. Please, this issue concerns all citizens- contribute your own opinion.
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Any action based on faith alone, without basis in higher moral values, should stay out of public rulings. The moral CODES laid down in the Bible or any other holy book cannot apply. Their moral standards could though because they are a system for deciding what is right and wrong instead of a code telling what is right and wrong. It can be kind of a tough distinction though. Basically no specific idea or passage from the bible should be the basis of law. A definite damage or risk must be demonstrated.
Charities whose primary purpose is ministry or conversion also shouldn't receive gov't funds. If the organization is focused on rendering aid though, like the Red Cross, then money could be given. We are not protected from religion, all religions should be on equal footing.
Res ipsa loquitur.
Memento mori, mahalo.
The Founders were not stupid people. I suppose it is more "of religion" than "from religion." Like the Holy Scriptures (Torah, Bible, Quran), the Constitution was meant as a sort of "book of laws".
They mention "our divine Creator" and "moral principles" in the terms of Christianity because that was their norm. They were aware, though, that other religions would come along. Of course, the Jews that migrated along with the Pilgrims are never mentioned, but they did exist. Thomas Jefferson used the Quran as a reference in infuencing the Declaration of Independence.
They were aware that religion is a powerful thing.