THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 6, 1997 TAG: 9701040012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 40 lines
In her Dec. 19 letter, ``Freedom of religion is what matters,'' Rose A. Vasler says: ``Despite what anyone says, this is a nation founded on the Christian faith.'' Oh?
Some men who had a big hand in the history of this country would vehemently disagree with her. Allow just a few quotes.
Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private schools, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the Church and State forever separate.
- Ulysses S. Grant
During almost 15 centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? Superstition, bigotry, and persecution'' - James Madison
There is no such source and cause of strife, quarrel, fights, malignant opposition, persecution, and war, and all evil in the state, as religion. Let religion once enter into our civil affairs, our government would soon be destroyed. Let it enter our common schools, they would be destroyed.
- Supreme Court of Wisconsin, Weiss vs. District Board, March 18, 1890
And, finally, from Jesus Christ himself:
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.
- Matthew 6:5-6
So you tell me, how can any nation be founded on Christianity when the founder of Christianity opposed public display of worship?
Obviously, I personally am opposed to the mixing of religion and state. But I don't have to argue against it. The founding fathers did it for me.
ERIC C. SCHROEDER
Jarratt, Dec. 26, 1996