TF, the differences between those points of view show exactly why I am grateful that NZ is still a secular state.
Now I know that you will not agree with that principle. In NZ (at the moment) it still holds; I believe to the benefit of our society.
At least, in NZ, the criticism levelled (very rightly in my view) by Mataconis that "...Not only are the non-observant or the non-believing outside that community but so, presumably, are believers of non “Judeo-Christian” faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism, which together comprise nearly 2 billion inhabiants of the planet... " is ameliorated somewhat.
Probligo,
You've been reading my articles long enough to know what my stance is on this; but for the record and one more time, America was founded by men who believed that our Creator ( the same God referred to in the Bible, the Judeo Christian God as you put it), had a hand in setting up every aspect of the United States of America. We are unique among all the nations of the world.
Being an American used to include this understanding and, unfortunately, a large portion of our population has been led astray. America is on the brink of a terrible chasm and it appears to have made a decision to abandon her religious foundation, and I fear, abandon God and all the blessings which He alone can only bestow on a righteous people willing to follow his commandments. There is no room for leadership who do not understand these concepts or who are intent to willfully abandon these lofty principles in order to gain support from the non-believers.
And that, TF, is exactly why I enjoy coming to your place. THere is a cultural difference between us that can - as in this case - lead to interesting conversation without rancour.
TF, I understand that your nation was - as the position is stated these days - "founded in God".
"The formation and creation" of every nation is in that respect unique. Each has its own history. NZ was founded on a Treaty between Britain and the First Nation of Aotearoa, the Maori.
But what you are saying, and the hint dropped by Mataconis, is that an American who is a Bhuddist can forget about becoming President of his nation?
Probligo,
On that I would hope you are correct. While I believe in being tolerant of other's beliefs, let each follow the dictates of their heart and mind, I also believe that to lead the US it would be prerequisite to be a Christian, not just by membership in a Christian denomination; but as pertain to character and actions. I do not imply that perfection is part of that equation, only that progression toward that end is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in scripture. If that is part of the character of our leaders then the business of performing the duties associated with government will take care of itself.
Commenting by HaloScan
