Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: lionti@ecs.umass.edu Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Church and State Message-ID: Date: 25 Sep 90 07:51:00 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Lines: 39 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu [There has been some discussion about whether it is appropriate for Christians to pass laws based on Christian principles. It was said at some point that democracy is simply majority rule, and if we are in the majority, compromise and consensus are not needed. I responded that even where there is a clear majority, democracy includes protecting the rights of minorites. That's why limits such as the Bill of Rights exist. --clh] I think that this whole argument hinges on this statement!!! The US system of Government is set up as a democracy (loosely) *WITH CHECKS TO PROTECT THE MINORITY BUILT IN !!!* Therefore, everyone's right, in fact duty, is to agitate, vote, etc. for what they believe will make this the best country for the people, AND LET THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT ASSURE THAT THE RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY DON'T GET TRAMPLED. When it is found that the Government is not adequetely protecting those rights, the Government should be changed! The people shouldn't meekly go around not doing, voting, etc. as they see is right just for fear of trampling others rights, the Government is supposed to protect those rights! People always seem to argue (both here and elsewhere) that "we shouldn't do this or that, or vote for this or that, because that would go against such and such Amendment, etc." It's not the people who are voting's job to decide that, it is already covered within the structure of the Govt. So if you want or don't want abortion rights, if you want or don't want homosexual rights, if you want or don't want prayer in the schools, then you have a right AND A DUTY to push as hard as you feel necessary to get those things instituted! If this offends someone with the opposite opinion, then they can do the same. If the majority would be trampling on the rights of the minority, then the minority can seek redress from the Govt. through appeals to the constitution via the courts. SO PUSH FOR WHAT *YOU* BELIEVE IN, and let the chips fall (and be sorted by the Government). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric C McClure lionti@umaecs.bitnet Standard Disclaimer