|
IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION? THE EDITOR OF THE HUMANIST MAGAZINE SPEAKS OUT IN FAVOR OF SECULAR GOVERNMENT Article VI of the US Constitution states: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." But is this true? In America today, politicians from all parties are actively courting religious voters and it seems impossible that a non-believer could ever be elected to public office. A politically active Christian Fundamentalist movement has been gaining power and is now pushing for religious reforms across our nation. These reforms include, promoting the "de facto" establishment of their beliefs as the established religion of our nation, appointing judges who will enforce their interpretation of biblical law, and of course, promoting their version of Christianity in our public schools. Fred Edwords, editor of The Humanist magazine, believes that for America to work, we need a secular government and that there is a value in approaching controversial proposals such as gay marriage and the right to die in a secular manner. Questions for the Guest * Is America really a "Christian nation" as the fundamentalists suggest? * Does the First Amendment really separate church and state? * Does "freedom of religion" include "freedom from religion?" * Is the emerging theocratic movement really a threat to America's democracy? * Isn't secular just another way to say atheist? * What is the Humanist viewpoint on issues like gay marriage, prayer in the schools," and the teaching of evolution. About the Guest: Fred Edwords is a leading voice for Humanism in the United States and abroad; Edwords is recognized as an outstanding lecturer and debater on human rights and Humanist philosophical issues, covering topics from civil liberties to the creation-evolution debate. He appears occasionally on TV and radio in the United States and has done many media appearances in Canada and India. He has also been interviewed extensively by newspapers and has written for several publications. Mr. Edwords, a resident of Washington DC, is visiting Florida to participate in the American Humanist Association's national conference being held in Tampa May 11 - 14th. About the Humanist: The Humanist applies Humanism - a naturalistic and democratic outlook informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion - to broad areas of social and personal concern. With a distinguished cadre of feature writers covering everything from science and religion to politics and popular culture, and with a wide-ranging list of stellar contributors, the Humanist continues to challenge its readers with insightful ethical critique and commentary on the central issues of our time. The Humanist was founded in 1941.
|