Is it wrong for people to bring their religion to bear in the voting booth? Should politics and religion be completely separate? Ask George Washington
Much has been written about the role of religion in public life. Some say that religion has no place in politics or public policy. Others say that our laws should be completely subordinate to religious creed. Is there a middle ground?
Well, according to George Washington, religion and morality are fundamentally intertwined - and this is as it should be. Consider Washington's words in his Farewell Address:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness -- these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them...And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
Would any of my readers care to challenge the wisdom of the Father of our Country?
