Monday, December 8, 2008

Individual V. Corporate

Thus, far I've discussed Religion on an individual level only. It is apparent that on a personal level it is nearly impossible to violate the Establishment Clause. Does the same principle apply in a communal setting? For instance, should a nativity scene be displayed on government owned property? Should the Bible be used as a school curriculum? For the answer to this question let's look at what the founding fathers may have said to such questions. After all since they are the ones who founded this great country certainly they must have some enlightening input.

Here are a few things the founding fathers had to say about Religion and our nation.

"Without a humble imitation of the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, we can never hope to be a happy nation." George Washington

"The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.” The US Congress 1782

"I think the Christian religion is a Divine institution; and I pray to God that I may never forget the precepts of His religion or suffer the appearance of an inconsistency in my principle and practice." James Iredell Supreme Court Justice

These are just a few quotes from the men that founded our country. I don't believe George Washington, James Iredell or the US Congress would have had a problem with a nativity on government property, and I think they would certainly have been in favor of teaching the Bible in schools.

This does not mean they wanted to establish a nation wide religion, far from it. They were, however, aware that the principles they founded this country on were extracted from the Bible, and therefore the Bible should not be stricken from the government.

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