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| Re: No, It's the Liberal Secularists (8069) | |||
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Re: No, It's the Liberal Secularists |
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Posted by Stephen Bauman on Fri Dec 24 22:59:54 2004, in response to Re: No, It's the Liberal Secularists, posted by Train Dude on Fri Dec 24 21:19:04 2004. Might I infer from your lack of a direct response that you no longer view James Madison as one of the "christian" founders of this country? I cannot find a single positive sentiment for religion in that statement. Can you?And so, the section of the constitution that says that the government shall not establish a (state) religion. That's a far stretch to banning a Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. The Madison wrote that statement in 1785. It is a reasonable assumption that it expressed his view on religion at the time of the writing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights less than 5 years later. How did Madison view the courts' interpretation of the Establishment clause? The following was written in 1822: "Every new and successful example therefore of a perfect separation between ecclesiastical and civil matters is of importance........religion and government will exist in greater purity, without (rather) than with the aid of government" As for Christmas trees They were unknown in colonial America. They were introduced into England by Prince Albert and found their way into the US. They are not of religious origin and their display has not been ruled unconstitutional. The question is whether or not religious symbols, specifically nativity scenes, can be displayed on public property. The courts have ruled that such scenes are religious and should not be placed on public property. They can still be displayed and are displayed on private property. One interesting side note. The main branch of the Flushing Post Office has had a display for at least 30 years. It consists of signs in many languages wishing people seasons greetings. The signs in french and russian originally stated "happy new year"; they now state "merry christmas". The sign in hebrew has remained "happy holiday". |
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