pointed out to me by shy_kay

[winterbadger]

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/050627fa_fact

This conjures up a number of reactions. Revulsion, fear, sadness, anger, pity. But most of all it brings me back to thinking about the role of religion in our country and in politics. That really takes some pondering.

Comments

[winterbadger]

Well, I think it's a glimpse into the subculture of "OK, we all agree about the importance of Christian conservatism having a leading role in government and society, but how's the best way to achieve that?"

I don't mind people's views of religion influencing their politics; in fact, I would rather people have an ethical foundation for policy than simply act on self-interest, and religion is the most common ethical foundation in this country. What I object to is people using policy to *impose* their ethical and religious views on others.

But does that really make any sense? Don't I really *want* people to use law and government to impose ethical principles on society, just ethical principles that I beleive in?

I started to write a reply to that, and realized that its somethign I really need to sit and think about, and write out later (on my own time :-)

[peaceful-fox.livejournal.com]

What I object to is people using policy to *impose* their ethical and religious views on others.

Bingo! There's where we agree and I think in agreeing to this we can find a solution that would satisfy the both of us.