The Founders and Religious Freedom

               Isaac Salutius (“Government can’t dictate religion,” Yuma Sun, March 27, 2013) is, of course, correct when he points out that the phrase “In God We Trust” first appeared on American coins late in the 19^th century. The United States Mint was an independent agency until that time when it became a part of the US Treasury.  He is wrong, however, in suggesting that those words run afoul of the Founding Fathers’ intent.  The one thing that the founders held in common was the belief that religion was a central component of the life of the republic.

               Thomas Jefferson said, “God who gave us life, gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?” John Hancock: " Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."  John Adams: “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." George Washington: “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor."

               I am not on “a crusade against atheists.” I absolutely respect the people’s right to worship or not worship as they please.  However, atheists do not have the right to limit our religious expression; and, as I previously said, I am confounded by their lack of tolerance.  Our constitution is dedicated to the notion that government “shall not prohibit the free exercise of religion.” We all should feel free to exercise our religious rights at all times and in all places.   

               I hold with Calvin Coolidge who said “Our government rests upon religion. It is from that source that we derive our reverence for truth and justice, for equality and liberality, and for the rights of mankind. There are only two main theories of government in our world. One rests on righteousness and the other on force. One appeals to reason, and the other appeals to the sword. One is exemplified in the republic; the other is represented by despotism.”

               Darrell Scott, who lost his daughter at Columbine, touched our hearts when he said, “What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence.”