The purpose of Our Conscience weblog is to facilitate a greater discussion and understanding of church and state separation in our community and in others. Underlying this is the value that each individual should be allowed to follow the dictates of his or her own conscience without influence, coercion, or direction from the State when it comes to matters of religion.

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Joseph Perkins and Multiple Establishments

Our Conscience

In Joseph Perkins' recent column "Tyranny of the nonbelievers" he makes the case that atheists are "waging an unholy war against God" by seeking the removal of religious symbols being displayed on government property. Notice the implication that only atheists are concerned about the government promoting religious viewpoints. Does anyone wonder if Mr. Perkins would be willing to pay for a large Darwin fish at his city hall or state capital? Would he find it an acceptable use of his tax dollars and government property for the government to construct a giant Koran at the local public park?

This is the problem with multiple endorsements. The government can't possibly endorse all religious views so it had better remain neutral and leave the promotion of religious viewpoints to the people, where it belongs.

Contact Joseph here: Joseph.Perkins@UnionTrib.com

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