“This separation is critical to our form of government because in the end, democracy demands that the religiously motivated translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values. It requires that their proposals be subject to argument, and amenable to reason. If I am opposed to abortion for religious reasons but seek to pass a law banning the practice, I cannot simply point to the teachings of my church. I have to explain why abortion violates some principle that is accessible to people of all faiths, including those with no faith at all.” - Barack Obama's speech on faith
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2007-09-07 13:43:10 · 11 answers · asked by par1138 • FCD 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wow. That's remarkably lucid and American for a Presidential candidate. Did he really say that? I may vote for him.
Notice the point: democracy demands that "proposals be subject to argument and amenable to reason". That's exactly right, and an often missed part of democracy. Democracy is NOT simply "majority rules", as that is no better than "might makes right". In a proper democracy, basic rights are not subject to vote, and what makes the majority's will legitimate is not might but the hope that while there will always be dissent, the majority will choose the correct answer, based on reality. If, for example, the Domininists were to succeed in revoking the freedom of religion, that would not only be an illicit attack on basic rights, but also an attack on democracy - even were they the majority.
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Wow, Exodus, I'm sincerely impressed with that magazine you linked to. I hope to hear more from you here, representing the Christian point of view. I think you'd raise the tone of the discussion considerably.
2007-09-07 13:50:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
One, there is no mention of a "separation of church and state" in the Constitution.
Two, the US is a representative Republic, not a democracy.
Three, the abortion issue is not a religious issue. It violates all three of the primary rights granted in the Declaration of Independence; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
For these reasons and more, I would never vote for Barack Obama. He clearly does not understand the Constitution and values this country was founded upon.
2007-09-07 13:53:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mystine G 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well originally this state operated as church and state together and the Constitution never said to separate the two... Do each have their place yes they do , You can't have a united Government without the two in operation together... Ever since the Constitution has been challenged in this area and twisted to mean something is doesn't look at what has happened to it! Passed Presidents would shake their heads if they knew how things were running at the present....
Fred Thompson has a good chance of winning with God on his side! GO FREDDY!
2007-09-07 13:56:20 · answer #3 · answered by blahblah 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
separation of church and state is not in the constitution, it is only an interpretation.
how many faiths do you know that would say that killing babies is acceptible - it is universally wrong. so is euthanasia and capital punishment. there has to be some ethical (not moral) standards that all societies must follow if they want to survive.
with abortion, there has been scientific improvements that show heartbeats and brain function early on, and many premature babies survive at a younger age than babies that are aborted.
Abortion is a way that people can avoid taking personal responsibility for their stupid screw-ups.
(i know there is a very very very very small percent of abortions due to rape or incest or risk of mother's death - if you want those to be legal, i could live with myself to give you that)
2007-09-10 20:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by Ted M 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, he pretty much is -- and interestingly, he is hands down the most religious person running in either party that has even a chance of winning. He has an actual understanding of faith and the Constitution however, many do not.
Kind thoughts,
Reyn
believeinyou24@yahoo.com
2007-09-07 13:49:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
church MUST be separated from state... in the sense that it must NOT be given the right to vote, but it can be left as a permanent membership as an observer.
2007-09-07 13:51:39 · answer #6 · answered by TelecomsTowerGod 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hell of a choice for wisdom. He would stand a better chance if he would just hush.
2007-09-11 19:21:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ron Paul.
2007-09-07 13:47:30 · answer #8 · answered by Patrick 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My church strongly believes in the separation of church and state.
http://www.libertymagazine.org/
GOD bless
2007-09-07 13:59:10 · answer #9 · answered by Exodus 20:1-17 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no, john edwards does too.
2007-09-07 13:47:05 · answer #10 · answered by heather b 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋