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The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida
Meeting No. 16 - August 20, 2002
Chapters Bookstore, Orlando, Florida
THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
A STATE RELIGION FOR AMERICA? - PART 1
Why not a theocracy? Why shouldn’t the United States have a State religion?
- Why was Thomas Jefferson so strongly in favor of “a wall” between government and organized
religion?
- Why is every government in the Middle East, save Israel, a theocracy? (or, is Israel a defacto theocracy?)
- What are the advantages / disadvantages to this form of government?
- Why shouldn’t people of like spiritual beliefs live together in their own state?
- Maryland can be for Catholics, New York for Jews, Texas for Baptists, Pennsylvania for Quakers, California for atheists, etc.
- This would most certainly conflict in state government. Then, state schools can have whatever prayer they choose without any threat of protest or lawsuit.
- Why is pluralism so important in a country’s development? (Or, is it?). In an individual’s development? (Or, is it?).
- It is certainly uncomfortable to have one’s belief system challenged. Why not find a way to minimize the opportunities for this situation that undoubtedly leads to a lowering of personal self-esteem and/or stress caused by confrontation - and, further, why not make this goal part of government’s responsibility?
- Or, is this the real secret to America’s success – forcing these confrontations, instead of avoiding them?
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