(October 13, 2012 at 8:21 pm)Minimalist Wrote:Quote:Jefferson had no part in the drafting of the Constitution because he was not in America at the time if I recall. Furthermore, the 1st Amendment was pushed for by religious groups that just did not want to have a state-dominated religion that would prevent them worshiping as they see fit. It was not about Separation of Church and State, but about the freedom for them to worship as they sought fit.
Um, well...you;re right about Jefferson being on assignment abroad when the constitution was written. Unfortunately for you, James Madison, the man who was instrumental in writing the constitution had this to say.
Quote:Strongly guarded as is the separation between Religion & Govt in the Constitution of the United States the danger of encroachment by Ecclesiastical Bodies, may be illustrated by precedents already furnished in their short history [ttempts where religious bodies had already tried to encroach on the government]. [James Madison, Detached Memoranda, 1820]
So, he knew exactly what he meant.
(Keep your fucking superstitions out of our laws!!!!)
James Madison attempted to put more into it, but got denied by his fellows. One man does not a country make. The only reason for the first ten were because there was great disagreement with the Constitution in the first place.
The 1st Amendment came from the Virgina Declaration of Rights, notably "all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion." Religion to them was probably referred to as just the Christian religion, but still implies nevertheless all religions...I know many who attack Christianity are also attacking all other religions but don't because it would make them look like white supremacists.
Well you do know that Separation of Church and State was first coined by a theologian right? Playing pick or choose are we?
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
