"the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion"
Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11, 1796
Signed by most of the founding fathers.
That is a portion of he Article 11 which should be read in its entirety to form your own conclusions about what it says.
They were not in favor of legislating morality. However, the Constitution was written for a religious society so morals would not have to be legislated.
OP asked for quotes of founders concerning legislating morality. That is a quote of the founders concerning whether religious morality was intended to be legislated by the government. Probably more of a quote concerning the legislation of religious morality rather than what it is typically citerd for.
"the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion"
Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11, 1796
Signed by most of the founding fathers.
That is a portion of he Article 11 which should be read in its entirety to form your own conclusions about what it says.
Im not sure how religious they were
Adams
"The doctrine of the divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for
absurdity."
Im not sure how religious they were
Ah, good discussion so far!
The reason I ask is that I run in some very conservative Christian circles and the guy to get behind right now is Santorum. It has been difficult to express my concerns regarding his political views to these groups without coming across as "secular".
Santorum is pro-life, anti-homosexuality, anti-drug, and pro-family; all ideals with which I align on a moral and religious basis. I do not align with lawmaking regarding these ideals, save the right to life. How to defend this position to those who view (like Santorum) social conservatism as a platform from which to legislate?
I am a young guy still finding his base and appreciate the discussion.