To save space I will use points:
Using quotes without the context can go on forever and prove nothing.
If you read the whole Smithsonian article mentioned by Geri you will find that Roger Williams wanted to protect religion from government, not the other way around. He, and later the founding fathers, recognized that for government to have an established religion was dangerous to the church.
The Constitution may be neutral but the Declaration of Independence is not. They believed in a higher authority.
Religion – “Belief in and worship of God or gods” or “specific system of belief, worship, etc., often involving a code of ethics.” I’ve asked before, where does someone who does not acknowledge a higher power get his or her “code of ethics”? So, again Geri, I ask you where did you get yours?
“A religious test for public office is prohibited.” I agree, but as a voter I want to know what “code of ethics” a candidate has and knowing his religion is a very good way to find out.
We all need to be careful that we do not tear down what the founding fathers built by choosing to reinterpret the Constitution rather than amend when absolutely necessary!
Nelda J. Westerlind
Grand Marais
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