Religion in Government

Religion is the most dangerous energy source known to humankind. The moment a person (or government or religion or organization) is convinced that God is either ordering or sanctioning a cause or project, anything goes. The history, worldwide, of religion-fueled hate, killing, and oppression is staggering. Eugene PetersonAt the age of 40 George W. Bush a once lost christian had an epiphany, he found God. Switching from being an alleged Christian to his wifes Methodism.Post 9/11 Bush took action, he found a 'mission.' A mission to 'rid the world of evil'
Now, America is the new 'Rome.' It is not uncommon to hear of the 'American Empire' or of 'Bush's Regime'Bush has become a 'Crusader' and often during many speeches asks 'God to bless our troops' and 'God to bless America.'Although I do not believe in God, I can understand what role he plays in society among believers. However, when a nation is involved in Governmental actions, should God be apart of it? Should we as a Society, involve God in the political actions carried out?Bush has made numerous references to his belief that he could not be president if he did not believe in a 'divine plan that supersedes all human plans.' Also statings post 9/11 that he was 'chosen by the grace of God to lead at that moment.'Is this right? Should we allow a man of his stature or of any status among the Governmental/Political process to base his action on religious beliefs? Perhaps he is starting wars because he believes God is guiding him. His actions may also be fogged in a time when we need his mind to be pristine and sincere.I have been using Bush as an example because he is an easy target, my post is mainly asking the question 'Should religion be allowed/tolerated in the Governmental and Political process?'

It is possible that it was the Supreme Court, but very unlikely. The facts are that George W. Bush 'won' the election, and during a time of war his approval ratings topped off at around 74%. Which is impressive considering the fact he was sending thousands of our soldiers to fight a war that may not have been our war to fight. However, this topic is not discussing George W. Bush's presidential motives/actions. It is questioning whether or not religion should be allowed in the Governmental/Political society?This message has been edited by JCPalmer, 05-28-2004 09:58 PM

Perhaps, but it is those religious people who bring religion into government, when is the last time you can recall a president running a campaign stating he was atheist? Very true, it is pointless to only vote due to religious affiliations. True, however, do you believe we should atleast try? Do you believe it is right to take the words 'under God' out of The Pledge to the Flag? Although a small change, it will bring forth a chain reaction of religious disputes. Once the tides shift, there would be no stopping it. You do raise a good point about the majority rules, which makes any changes in these areas improbable, unless we decide to vote for a politician who is an athiest as our next president. Which makes me wonder have there ever been any politicians that high in the ranks that have said they were athiest?This message has been edited by JCPalmer, 05-29-2004 04:07 PM - Mistake made, referred to the words 'under God' as being in the National Anthem This message has been edited by JCPalmer, 05-29-2004 04:10 PM

This nation was founded in the name of freedom. God did not grant any right to the freedom of our nation, he 'came along for the ride.' If he did, well then I would not be an atheist, because that would have been proof that he was real.
As a side note, whose God is it founded for now? There seems to be so many in our nation. In fact, whose to say it was founded, although I'am not positive of the religion of the Native Americans, I believe they had different Gods as well. I can only assume you mean, because of God I was given the chance to not believe in him. Granting me the freedom of thought? Well, I do not believe in a God, so there was no one to grant me this freedom. Funny how without God, humans would never have fought in all those 'crusades.' I never stated a problem in God, I was stating a problem within religious beliefs and the Government. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'am not too familiar with the Governmental and Political Process of God, does he have any? Is his word relevant and or should it be relevant in a time of war? I don't ever remember him negotiating a peaceful process to solve World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom... the list goes on... and on... Or perhaps as you stated he intended this nation which was founded in his name to allow slavery for so many years? So until he as intervened, which, well looks unlikely to me, I believe is word should not be taken into consideration on how to govern our nation.(Note - I in no way intended this topic to question the 'word of God' I would appreciate it if you would reply based on previous questions, but if you must correct me, or comment feel free. Also by intervened I mean physically, I know many say God has intervened spiritually.)

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This message has been edited by JCPalmer, 05-28-2004 11:36 PM

Well actually America was first founded by a man who goes by the name of Amerigo Vespucci. He was a Genoan Merchant and discovered the Americas around well due to controversial reasons its perhaps a little bit before Columbus or a little bit after.
America again was founded by a man named Christopher Columbus in 1492. However, he was not intentionally looking for America he was looking for a new route to the Asian Indies. He also claimed the land under the flag of Castile for Spain.
However, the first 'founders were the Native Americans who settled in America around 11,000 years ago. refer to Guns, Germs, and Steel the Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond. Im sure there are more sources, I just find this one to be valid due to its extensive research and citings. Also as stated in a previous reply

ahh, thank you schrafinator. I did not notice my mistake. I will fix that.

No that is fact. If its not written down, it'ts not fact. Also they may have had 'God in their hearts' but the point of comming to the Americas was for freedom of many different things.riVeRrat as for your research, I'm not so sure if I buy a website with information where the copyright/work cited is followed by links to more Angelfire links (free personal web servers) and this 'Return to Bro. Terry's Home Page!' Check out wikipedia, and then get back to me. Meaning no disrespect, I have followed your opinion on this topic and have felt it has been very accurate and resourceful, however, I would have imagined you would have figured the meaning of my post. The point I was trying to convey was it does not matter who found America, and what they said, the cold hard facts are in the Constitution. more to add I'm in a hurry so I leave this as is. I will add more in a few hours.