Separation of church and state the key to religious freedom
To the editor:
Reading many letters to the editor and following the many presidential debates one hears of the principles of Conservatism. The agenda seems to be primarily a Christian religious theme. The proponents seem to believe that the United States is a Christian country and the laws and practices must follow the precepts of this religious belief. What can’t be achieved at the pulpit would be legislated so all would be forced to follow the proper belief. The abortion issue, birth control are excellent examples of issues discussed. Writers who want to place the 10 Commandments at City Hall also represent this view.
What the proponents forget is that not all Americans follow the Christian approach. This is not new. Settlers coming to this new world ran away from kings in Europe who imposed their religious beliefs. They wanted freedom. The U.S. Constitution in no way declares this a Christian country. The first amendment declared a principle that formed a separation Church and State, a concept denied by these extremists who would have the U.S. turned into a theocracy.
Why are these Conservatives so extreme? The answer is simple. For all the noise and vigor, Christian religion is failing. If enough people believed in their views, the word from the pulpit would be sufficient. Similar to kings of Colonial times these fanatics need the force of government and law to accomplish their goals. If they accomplish their way this country will have a religious police similar to Saudi Arabia to accomplish their ends. The basic pillar of religious freedom will disappear. The average citizen must understand the dangerous nature of this agenda and defeat it at the ballot box. Basic freedoms will be lost to these religious zealots and this United States will no longer be the same.
John E. Traube
Cape Coral