AMERICAN LIFE

Amendment: Separation of atheism and state

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“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. . . . In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness.” – George Washington’s farewell address Imagine that it was not the 9th Circuit, but the United States Supreme Court that made the “under God” decision. Imagine that instead of two nervous circuit judges, it was five brazen Supreme Court Justices declaring the Pledge unconstitutional in some nightmare future years from now – five secular devotees who’d been patiently waiting for a chance to save government from the “ancient superstitions” of its people. And soon more secular decisions come down from the high court: “In God We Trust” is rejected as the national motto. Prayers are forbidden at inaugural ceremonies. And on and on. No second chance. No appeal. The Supreme Court has spoken, and as far as government is concerned, “God is dead.” Yes, you can worship at home or in church, says the … Continue Reading

God, man and talk radio

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People who dismiss talk radio as a niche for conservatives are missing what has been really going on in American society – revival. Ronald Reagan called for revival many times, and now it is happening. Through one great on-air national dialogue, America is returning from mass confusion and meaninglessness to a time when life makes sense again – and when people can talk about it openly. Younger Americans might wonder what the fuss is all about. Haven’t we always been able to exchange ideas freely? Sadly, the answer is no. For much of the last century, traditional views were limited to Judeo-Christian programming, worship services or private dialogue. The basic tenets of traditional culture were not only rejected by the “mainstream,” but people who still adhered to them were themselves rejected. “Separation of church and state” somehow had become separation of church and everything – and especially, separation of church and media. It may be hard to imagine this kind of oppressive atmosphere existing here in a free country, but it did, and as a … Continue Reading

Homeland Defense: A Call To The Churches

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The most perilous attitude Americans could have right now is overconfidence. There is a good reason the Bush administration continues to urge vigilance, despite our success in Afghanistan. “We have to assume,” a senior White House official told the Washington Post in December, “that since there were cells prior to Sept. 11 buried in the United States for some time, there might be others. This is the most dangerous fact for American security right now.” It should be remembered also that even without Afghanistan as a safe haven, al-Qaida cells can still reproduce. “Tens of thousands of foreign extremists have already learned military and terror skills and moved on,” Newsweek recently reported. “Hundreds if not thousands of hard-core militants are still at large, including many who were involved in previous terrorist operations. They know how to raise their own money, even if al-Qaida’s funds are blocked, and they have knowledge that can be passed on to other extremists.” But the real danger lies beyond the mere presence of al-Qaida cells; it’s what those terrorists are … Continue Reading