Vail Daily letter: You’ve won the battle
It seems as though columnist Richard Carnes (My View, Tuesday’s Vail Daily) has jumped on yet another opportunity to bash religion when he commented on candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s expression of concern in electing a Muslim as president because of Islamic law’s conflict with our Constitution. Carnes agreed with Dr. Carson, and certainly most Americans would, too. Then Carnes goes on to say no religion should be allowed to influence public policy, and this is a confirmation of the separation between church and state. Nothing controversial yet. But Carnes is a controversial kind of guy, and he has his anti-religious agenda to present, so there’s more to come. He tells us that no religious law is consistent with the Constitution, and that’s where I disagree with him. Most Americans who took a history course know our Constitution was greatly influenced by the Judeo-Christian moral law, and we are the better for it.
Even if we concede his point though, it’s only fair to say that no religion means his religion, too. What exactly is his religion? He doesn’t say, but he has one. We all do. From his comments in this and previous commentaries on the subject, he’s a believer in unbelief, an anti-theist. But there is a godless religion, it’s called secular humanism, and Carnes should give it serious consideration because it’s a great fit for him. Author David Noebel tells us about this religion in his book “Understanding the Times,” a recommended read for Mr. Carnes.
But learning and educating isn’t Carnes’ style. His objective is to mock all religion, offering us snide remarks and sound bites instead of useful information. He wants you to doubt your beliefs. He enjoys the confrontation.
In writing this letter, it’s obvious I’ve taken the bait. But I have to confess, I’ve used him, too. I’ve based one of the fictional characters in my book, “The Cabana Chronicles,” on him and on folks like him. The first book in my series of three books on comparative religions contrasts Christianity with Carnes’ religion of secular humanism.
If we agree with Carnes that no religion should ever be allowed to influence public policy, we should malign the fact that this has already happened in America. Ironically, it’s Carnes’ religion that has accomplished the feat. Yes, America’s state religion has become secular humanism. Its atheistic tenets have gradually permeated public policy for many, many years, and experts believe we’re now living in a post-Christian America. Personally I believe we should be far more concerned about secular humanism’s influence on public policy than the influence of Islamic law. Since most people believe in God, I’ll bet there are many who would agree with me.
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We are indeed engaged in an ideological war, and Carnes should recognize his side has won a battle. He can cease with attacking religion. Or maybe he’s worried the competition might regain the ground it’s lost if he doesn’t keep the heat on. Regardless, we will surely lose the war if we remain uninformed and apathetic.
John Bartholomew