Wednesday, July 3, 2002

The letter on America's "Christian heritage" (June 26) was most impressive. Congratulations to the author for boiling the personal religious views of the Founding Fathers down to a few carefully chosen soundbites. Somehow he got right to the bottom of a topic that has eluded many historians which ought to tell us something.

Anyway, since we're soundbiting, here are a few more quotes for readers to consider the next time they hear such pontifications on the "Christian orthodoxy" of these great men.

James Madison, whom the author cites for his endorsement of the 10 Commandments, also said this: "Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had the contrary operation. During almost 15 centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution."

Madison at other times warned against the "danger of silent accumulation and encroachment by ecclesiastical bodies," argued against establishing a chaplaincy in Congress and declared flatly: "The Constitution of the United States forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion."

Thomas Jefferson said: "Our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to our God alone. I inquire after no man's, and trouble none with mine. Nor is it given to us in this life to know whether yours or mine, our friends' or our foes', are exactly the right."

Jefferson admired Jesus as a philosopher but if you ask a docent at Monticello about his religion, they will tell you he was a Deist.

Benjamin Franklin too admired Jesus's teachings but had "some doubts as to his divinity." He chose not to dwell on the question, however, "when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble."

As for Patrick Henry, the author is right. He was a passionate believer that the nation was founded on the gospel of Jesus. So much so that in 1784 he proposed a tax to support Christian sects. It failed, thank God.

I am a regular reader in Fayette County. Last week's lengthy letter purported to convey "the truth" to your readers, but they deserve to hear another perspective.

Name withheld by request

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