gwrench_2000
March 20, 2004, 03:42 PM
This thread is with respect to the article titled "Liberty and Justice For All" by Denise Herman.
First of all I would like to mention that I am Indian. Being from an ex-colonised country which probably has the most diversity of religions I am writing this letter with a different prespective.
From my viewpoint the "America" I respect and admire is a "free" and secular country which is appropiately symbolised by that great American icon, the statue of liberty.
I greatly disturbs me that this freedom might be lost by connecting state with religion. America is a very young country (compared to India) but has come a long way from slavery and the like in a relatively short time because of the strong desire of Americans for freedom. If religion were tied to the state then it would become like any other extremist state, minorities would feel threathened. History in other parts of the world has shown us that when religion is tied to state, it is usually abused and twisted for vested political interests somewhere down the line and what we could probably have is a new type of crusades?
In my country various religions have co-existed for many years peacefully, but slowly the politicians start using religion for acheiving their own goals and as usual (state-religion) problems start arising. Most religions and even atheists belive in a code of conduct (morals) which requires us to love (not kill) other religions and beliefs. With intolerence we plant the seeds of extremism, war and chaos.
First of all I would like to mention that I am Indian. Being from an ex-colonised country which probably has the most diversity of religions I am writing this letter with a different prespective.
From my viewpoint the "America" I respect and admire is a "free" and secular country which is appropiately symbolised by that great American icon, the statue of liberty.
I greatly disturbs me that this freedom might be lost by connecting state with religion. America is a very young country (compared to India) but has come a long way from slavery and the like in a relatively short time because of the strong desire of Americans for freedom. If religion were tied to the state then it would become like any other extremist state, minorities would feel threathened. History in other parts of the world has shown us that when religion is tied to state, it is usually abused and twisted for vested political interests somewhere down the line and what we could probably have is a new type of crusades?
In my country various religions have co-existed for many years peacefully, but slowly the politicians start using religion for acheiving their own goals and as usual (state-religion) problems start arising. Most religions and even atheists belive in a code of conduct (morals) which requires us to love (not kill) other religions and beliefs. With intolerence we plant the seeds of extremism, war and chaos.