I don't get a strong religious vibe from everything the founding fathers wrote. I expect that some of them were deeply religious, some of them went to church because their wife made them, and others ordered their slaves to build golf courses for future Sunday enjoyment.
But they did agree that 'freedom of religion' was a good idea, and I think that was a smart move. For starters, it attracted many people who were charmed by the idea of not dying for their religious preferences. And frankly, we needed the dudes. There was a lot to do.
There was another benefit. The founders probably looked around the world and noted how many countries had been at war with each other since forever because of religious differences. We already had a war. Also, choosing one religion might limit potential alliances. Bad move, that.
So we separated church from state, and I think it's a fantastic idea. There's a whole lot of legally do-able stuff churches don't want people to do. I'm not even talking about the hot-button issues such as divorce, abortion or being gay. I'm thinking of foods, beverages, card games, science-learning, and book-reading.
Before the athiests hurry to my door to sign me up, I'll mention that I'm already taken. If we pick a national religion, mine would win. I just don't think we should. There's too much religion in the government as it is. We don't want this to happen next Christmas:
Daughter - "Why are we having Christmas here instead of going to Grandma's?"
Mommy -- "She's in jail, remember? She taught 'Evolution' to her grade school students."
Daughter - "Oh, yeah. Well, is Aunt Prudence coming?"
Mommy -- "Nope. After Uncle Al broke her jaw, she had to leave the country to divorce him."
Daughter - "This is bogus. Why don't we just go out for Chinese?"
Mommy -- "They aren't allowed to open on Christmas. It's a national holiday."
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