Religion not a part of America’s foundation
The full-page ad sponsored by Hobby Lobby in the July 4 edition of the Albuquerque Journal would lead readers to believe that the Founding Fathers strongly supported a religious, and in particular, a Christian foundation for the United States of America.
However, one can find many quotes from the Founding Fathers that strongly argue the opposite point of view, a few of which I have included here:
“If I could conceive that the general government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded, that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.” George Washington, 1789, letter to the United Baptist Chamber of Virginia.
“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.” Thomas Jefferson, 1787, letter to Peter Carr.
“Persecution is not an original feature in any religion; but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law. Take away the law-establishment, and every religion re-assumes its original benignity.” Thomas Paine, 1791, “The Rights of Man.”
“Congress has no power to make any religious establishments.” Roger Sherman, 1789, Congress.
“The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.” Benjamin Franklin, 1758, “Poor Richard’s Almanack.”
“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people build a wall of separation between Church & State.” Thomas Jefferson, 1802, letter to the Danbury Baptists.
“To argue with a man who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” Thomas Paine, 1776, “The American Crisis No. V.”
“Our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry.” Thomas Jefferson, 1779, “A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom.”
The bottom line is that the Constitution was written by men who were dedicated to the concept of religious freedom and who were very concerned about the long history of members of one religious sect using their political power to coerce members of all other religious sects, as well as citizens who were agnostics or atheists.
The more we allow religious beliefs to enter the public space, the less religious freedom we all will have.