· If religion is not public policy to be discussed, then why do we ask candidates about their religious beliefs and affiliations?
· How diverse is our nation and is that a good thing?
· Are all terrorists Muslims? Should we be afraid of all Muslims?
· Is America
All of the remaining questions center around religion; diversity, of course, can refer to many other discriminating differences such as ethnicity, race, gender, appearance, beliefs other than religion, etc.
As stated in earlier posts I believe religion must be kept separate from government decision making other than the constitutional provision to guarantee freedom of religion. That means our federal and state governments shall not create a national religion requiring citizens to be religious or believe in any particular religious creed. This also means that religious freedom is to exist among believers without interference from government other than the usual public safety and health protections.
That’s it in my book. As a nation we do not require a religion to exist, or to create one by law, but we do allow them to exist. It is a peaceful co-existence based on the constitution of the land. Along our historical path we have grown in our respect for religious beliefs and religious tolerance.
This also means we respect those people who do not believe in a religious creed. We respect differences among our citizens. We respect our common humanity.
Our respect includes the care, nurture and human service embodied by most religions. Those positive characteristics, however, do not reside solely with people with religious convictions. Non-believers exhibit these same qualities. Organized religions do accomplish a lot of good based on their religious convictions and values and we all benefit. Living their lives in conjunction with their creeds also exhibits for the rest of society a set of values which may or may not attract new believers. That persuasive power is acceptable on its own. It does not need to embed belief systems into the law of the land. Examples of these to avoid are: abortion prohibition, the whole gay/straight set of issues (marriage, adoption, lifestyles, discrimination, etc.), public versus parochial education, public education curriculum development, public prayer, etc.
The basic premise behind my position: I should not restrict anyone from living their life according to their religious beliefs; on the other hand, those same religious beliefs should not require me to live my life different from my beliefs.
We should all be able to get along with one another. Sometimes this is uncomfortable, but that is the price we pay for a multi-cultural, non-discriminatory culture. You live your life your way and allow me to live my life my way.
Candidates for public office should not be required to share their personal religious beliefs with the public. Those are private matters. If the candidate has a record of pressing personal views as a moral standard that should be included in our nation’s legal standards, then the basis of candidacy has been enlarged to include motivational issues which may be involved in religious belief. However, the constitution should be the arbiter in these instances. It doesn’t matter if a Catholic, Jew, Mormon or Muslim is running for office. Or an atheist. What matters is whether the law of the land will be changed on a basis that is against the constitutional standard. Courts will decide the issue as needed based on their constitutional discipline.
Our nation was built on diversity of opinion, religious belief, and educational background. We were formed in the dream of freedom. We gave hope to bright futures for each who labored for their dream. Our nation was not created in order to impose a belief system on others but rather to avoid such imposition as experienced elsewhere.
Our nation was founded in a common belief of God. Many of those founding fathers were of Christian heritage. But they painstakingly avoided labeling America
In that context the non-believer (atheist) and believers in other religious traditions are welcome in America
Real religious differences exist. Some are of tribal origins and remain so. Some are 7000 years old or older and were given first breath in the Orient. Western Civilization has its roots in the Middle East where Judaism, Islam and Christianity came to be; these share common beliefs in a universal God, history, biblical sources and life rituals. Differences do exist among Islam, Judaism and Christianity, but there are many connecting traditions that help us understand each other.
Each is rooted in a loving God, redemption of sins, and building peace among mankind.
Political manipulations globally have skewed perceptions of the great religions. That does not change, however, the root of the religions themselves. Muslims are not inherently terrorists any more than Christians are ‘turners of their cheeks’ and accept punishment from their oppressors without fighting back.
I think it is high time we ignore public leaders who spew the opposite views. They are narrow minded manipulators seeking votes, power and money for themselves. We should insist our leaders focus on solving problems which will lead us to a future of opportunity and peace.
December 12, 2011
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