A Nation Under God?: The ACLU and Religion in American PoliticsA Nation Under God? raises the question of why the ACLU relentlessly attacks public expressions of mainstream religious faith. The answer, according to the book's argument, is that the work of the ACLU is informed by a larger political project-modern liberalism-to transform American government and society into an administrative-welfare state. Modern liberalism requires two decisive changes in American politics if it is to be successful: First, the government of limited powers mandated by the Constitution must become a government of unlimited powers and scope. Second, free, self-reliant, and independent citizens must become dependent on and understand themselves as subservient to government. The ACLU's drive to remove religion and morality from the public square advances both goals. Limited, constitutional government rests on the idea that rights come from God; the power of government should be limited commensurate to the limited purpose of legitimate government: to protect our natural, God-given rights. With God removed from the public square, it becomes much easier politically to argue that government is the source of rights, and that every expansion of government power is tantamount to an expansion of rights. Further, self-reliant citizens are not in need of and are unlikely to support large government welfare programs. But self-reliancy is largely a function of self-control and moral responsibility. Immoral and irresponsible citizens are incapable of providing for themselves and their families. Driving God and morality out of the public square serves to break down public morality, which in turn creates classes of citizens who are dependent on government assistance and regulation. Through endless litigation against public expressions of religion and morality and its distorted interpretations of the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses, the ACLU reveals its real agenda and its real allegiance, which is not to the Constitution or Bill of Rights, but to a radical liberal ideology that seeks |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 80
Page 42
... government approval and support of religion was thought to be not only compatible with liberty , but indispensable ... free government , or the blessings of liberty , can be preserved to any people , but by a firm adherence to justice ...
... government approval and support of religion was thought to be not only compatible with liberty , but indispensable ... free government , or the blessings of liberty , can be preserved to any people , but by a firm adherence to justice ...
Page 142
... government , establish justice , insure tranquility , provide for the common ... free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and wor- ship , without ... free government ; do , in order more effectually to define , secure , and ...
... government , establish justice , insure tranquility , provide for the common ... free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and wor- ship , without ... free government ; do , in order more effectually to define , secure , and ...
Page 143
... government . Art . I , Sec . 1 . Although it is the duty of all men frequently to assemble together for the public worship of Almighty God ; and piety and morality , on which the ... free government , insure State Constitutions 143.
... government . Art . I , Sec . 1 . Although it is the duty of all men frequently to assemble together for the public worship of Almighty God ; and piety and morality , on which the ... free government , insure State Constitutions 143.
Contents
The ACLU and Religion in American | 1 |
Religion and Politics in Historical | 11 |
Religion and the Moral Conditions | 25 |
Copyright | |
14 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
A Nation Under God?: The ACLU and Religion in American Politics Thomas L. Krannawitter,Daniel C. Palm No preview available - 2005 |
Common terms and phrases
ACLU ACLU's Amendment American Founding argued authority Baldwin Bill of Rights blessings Christian church citizens civil government Claremont Institute Commerce Clause common Congress Creator decision Declaration of Independence defend dictates divine duty equal ernment establish this Constitution Establishment Clause establishment of religion exercise of religion faith Founders Free Exercise Clause free government free speech freedom grateful to Almighty happiness Harry Jaffa Ibid idea Jaffa Jefferson Justice justify practices inconsistent law of nature legislation Lemon test Leo Strauss Madison magistrates mankind means ment mode of worship modern liberalism moral relativism nation natural rights obey ordain and establish person place of worship political philosophy prayer principles progressive progressivism prohibiting promote protection reason regime religion and morality religious belief religious liberty religious test rights of conscience RLUIPA Roger Nash Baldwin rulers Samuel West sect secure Supreme Court Ten Commandments Thomas tion tyranny violate Virginia virtue