Do statesmen hide their disbelief?

Question

Earlier I posted a handful of many anti-theistic quotes from the founding fathers of the US. One interesting thing about those kind of quotes is that they are almost all in private letters between statesmen. When many of these statesmen spoke in public, they were far more enthusiastic about religion.

Could it be that they knew the political fallout from anti-theism (not necessarily atheism), and kept their skepticism to themselves?

Currently not a single member of Congress admits to being an atheist. Is the same thing going on today?

Answer 1

No doubt, Dude.

We're talking about a very astute and intelligent person in a statesman. Statesmen know which way the wind is blowing and they also know how many voters are out here that don't have a clue.

But take a look at what's happened over the course of 200 plus years of democracy in the United States... I'd say that statesmen have managed to use their intellect pretty well to defend against the irrational dictations and desires of the God-based beliefs. That ought to tell us something, eh?

I sure would like to see a statesman come out of the closet though... but there are still some states where the blue laws continue to demand that anyone holding high office may not public claim that he is an atheist.... Amazing, isn't it? My state happens to be one of them - Arkansas.

Good question, thanks

(((( r u randy? ))))
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Answer 2

If I were running for office in this day and age, most of the founding fathers wouldn't have a snowballs chance in hell (lovely phrase you've come up with in this century)

Ditto Abraham Lincoln. (I'm awfully fond of the word "ditto" as well)

Answer 3

My opinion-absolutely and unequivocally, yes.

Answer 4

they will do whatever they need to maintain power

Answer 5

smoke and mirrors.