The second view asserts that the American way of life is being compromised by declining moral standards. According to those who advance this view, turmoil in families, acceptance of abortion, legitimation of alternative lifestyles, and the dissemination of inappropriate mass media are symptoms of a deadly ethical malady. Are not those who hold to this latter view, however, simply trying to force their religious views on society at large? Should they not just live and let live? We shall actually consider the merits of this second view and let you decide.
Rights Without Right David Walsh The author distinguishes between legal right and moral right. He also tells how the latter might influence the former.
Trial and Error: The ACLU and Religious Expression George Grant The courts and other elite institutions have long maintained an idea of the church/state relations similar to that of the American Civil Liberties Union. The author questions using the ACLU position as a model.
Culture and the Bible Jerry Solomon Biblical accounts provide models on how Christians should respond to their culture.
Documentation: Christianity and Democracy Institute on Religion and Democracy Do Christians have an interest in liberal democracy? The IRD, a group of evangelicals, Catholics, and oldline Prostestants, answered affirmatively in this document. Written during the Cold War, the statement outlined general principles that are still relevant.
What is Wrong with Society Today? John Stoll Although many show concern and offer remedies for our social problems, few realize their actual cause. What is at the root of the many difficulties that plague our country today? How may these many problems be resolved?
Gettysburg Address This most famous of Lincoln's speeches considers the principles in the Declaration of Independence in light the American Civil War. His fellow speaker on the occasion, classical scholar Edward Everett, remarked that he hoped to have said as much in two hours as the President had in two minutes.
Lincoln's Proclamation: A Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer In April 1863, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution in the midst of the Civil War calling for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. President Lincoln responded with this proclamation. He called on the people of the nation to repent of their transgressions, believing their sins had brought about punishment of war.
Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America Thomas G. West Why should we take the American Founders seriously? Were they not just self-interested members of an all-male establishment? Dr. West points out various errors in evaluating the thought and pracitices of the Founders.
John Paul II on the American Experiment Pope John Paul II The Pontiff calls on America to be consistent with its founding principles.
Legislating Morality? Joseph R. Reisert Modern political thought assures us that morality cannot and should not be legislated. In "Making Men Moral: Civil Liberties and Public Policy" Robert P. George takes the opposing position to the current intellectual trend on this matter. Joseph Reisert provides this review.
Christian Conviction & Democratic Etiquette George Weigel The Christian viewpoint was marginalized from public policy forums for a half century. Evangelicals and Catholics then emerged as notable voices for what became known as the "religious new right." Should Christianity have a voice in matters political?
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