Church and State per Mr. Matthews

Church and stateIn the spirit of Presidents Day, consider the differences between the intentions of our Founding Fathers and those of the religious right regarding the separation of church and state.“Christian values should dominate our government ... Politicians who do not use the Bible to guide their public and private lives do not belong in office.” — Beverly LaHaye, Concerned Women for America“The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.” — President James Madison“As the Government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion ... it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinion shall ever produce an interruption of harmony existing between the two countries.” — 1797 Treaty of Tripoli (approved by President John Adams and ratified by the Senate without objection)The religious right disrespects the intentions of the Founding Fathers when they attempt to undermine the separation of church and state. The wall between church and state has allowed the U.S. to develop a long history of tolerance, diversity, and freedom of religion. We should be proud of, and protect, this legacy.Jonathan Matthews1601 N. Benton Ave.