Reply #15: Sorry, but I don't buy this argument

[Technowitch]

First of all, a great many of the so-called 'founding fathers' were in fact Free Masons (a decidedly non-Christian faith). A number of others were atheists or agnostics.

Secondly, you say that this is a "Judeo-Christian Nation" as if that which happens simply to be a majority is therefore what the thing is. Tyranny of the majority is precisely one of the conditions that the founders of this nation tried to prevent. This is also why the wall between Church and State was built -- to keep ANY majority from trying to impose its beliefs on the rest of us.

I would actually argue that the Jewish influence on government is nowhere near as prevalent as that of the Christian faiths--and lately, it seems to be mostly Methodists and Evangelicals who are calling the shots. You think the Quakers (pacifists) ever would've gone to war with Iraq, for instance, whatever the stated reason?

Just because you outnumber us does not mean that those of us who count ourselves as Buddhists, Shinto, Muslim, Native American, or follow some other deity or faith don't exist. I myself am Wiccan. There are also many atheists and agnostics. Are we not all Americans, too?

Do we not contribute to the culture? Or are we like a dash of salt to the heavy stew that is your particular brand of god-worship? Interesting to have in the mix, but not essential?

Know what part of the problem is? We can't get elected to public office, and so we depend on that critical amendment to our nation's Constitution to protect us. And what we see is people like you saying that this is a Christian nation and as such we are bound to follow your particular brand of deistic ethics and morality.

I know you mean well in this, friend, but you happen to be the 'light side' of the coin. The other side would outlaw our faith, force us and our children to make public declarations for YOUR religion.

Religious faith is and ought to be a private thing, for each individual to decide for him- or herself. EVERY time religion has gotten its claws into the government, it's spelled oppression and sometimes outright genocide for those who deviate from the official established dogma.