Why is "secular-progressive" a bad thing?

Question

Secular may mean a state without religious influences, but I don't think the idea is to strip the religious rights of others. Typically most people that I meet that could be termed "secular" actively encourage a belief system. In fact, most of these people have never spoken a disdainful word about religion in my presence. The notion seems to be that the system would keep any one religion from gaining control over the rights and practices of other religions.

Now to the other term; "progressive". That doesn't sound all that awful to me. Progress is great! All too often we are promised progress without delivery.

I know some of you espouse a certain religion poised to take over our government, but for one moment try to think in the shoes of a minority faith before you answer.

In response to the ideas of the school issue: Religions can and do operate private schools.

In response to the idea of the "anything goes" society;

Do you really think the effect is that extreme? We do have many laws in place already with respect to public behavior. I'm pretty sure none name religion except to defend its rights.

Answer 1

its not a bad thing.
spain recently has 'gone secular'.
there was a nice article in the chicago suntimes about it and about the fact that their country hasn't fallen apart or turned into a dangerous, unruly state.

Answer 2

It's not.

It's precisely what the Founding Fathers were and intended this country to be. I can inundate this board with direct quotes to support my statement but those hell bent on making this country a Theocracy wouldn't bother reading is so what's the use?

So to answer your question again, NO it's not a bad thing. It's the way things should be. Ones relationship with their creator is their own business and has no place in government. Period.

OK maybe just one quote from Mr. Jefferson:
"Believing... that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their Legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State." --Thomas Jefferson to Dan bury Baptists, 1802. ME 16:281

Answer 3

Oh, great! I just figured out what liberal and conservative are. And I don't even know for sure which one I am. Please, don't confuse us any further.

I do know, however, that government and politics should be secular. No one religion should have more influence than another, or any at all for that matter. Each government official should act according to the will of his constituents, and we need to make them aware of how we stand on critical issues.

I just finished reading Chris Hedges book, AMERICAN FASCISTS. It's about the right wing fundamentalist Christians and their worship of George Bush, who they think will hasten the Rapture and Armageddon for them. By George, I'm afraid he's doing an excellent job at it. I just hope we're still alive when it comes time for the next election.

Poor Bruce, don't you know we already have an anything goes society?

Answer 4

Secular = Not connected with religion; not religious
Progressive = politics advocating social, economic, or political reform; term used to describe a socialist person, program or point of view; the underlying ideology of Liberalism.

When you combine these terms you have the worst of all worlds.

Note: A secular person is not necessarily a progressive but all progressives (socialists) are secular.

Added for mister_jl2003: OK now why don't you tell the nice people the context of that Jefferson Letter. And while your at it you might mention that VA at the time of the Constitution had a State Religion as did many others.

Jefferson was a Deists not an atheists. Read his major opus the DOI for his thoughts on a Creator.

Answer 5

it opens the door to an anything goes society.

Answer 6

More than 1 syllable, to a con that's a sign of evil.

Answer 7

It's not and don't let idiots like Bill O'Lielly define terms for you, guys a freaking blowhard idiot, Use dictionary definations not right wing slander points and you'll be fine

Answer 8

most of them want the hard working people to take care of the one who just want to stay home, make babies and get high, is that fair? some want 5th graders to watch gay porn in school, is that fair?