Atheists turn the other check as religionists continue their relentless attack on our very humanity. Last week, the Pope identified atheists as history’s greatest villains. Never mind the Inquisition and the first Crusades.

Now, Nit Romney explains that he is broad-minded enough to understand everyone who worships Jesus and that no one who worships Jesus should have any concern about him. Whew, that’s a relief — NOT! Perhaps someone will introduce Romney to an atheist. He’ll be astounded to discover that some atheists are decent people living without a god. It is possible, Nitty.

In fact, his calling secularism a religion reveals how much his own faith circumscribes his world view. This is a common tactic of people one must regard as either benighted or disingenuous — everything is a religion to them, science, secularism and humanism, included.

As for Romney having it both ways — ruled by god but not by religious superiors — I’m not so sure. I understand that the supreme Mormon leader can pronounce any Mormon as unworthy and to be shunned by the community. I believe in such cases, even family members stop acknowledging the ‘unclean.’ Pretty powerful. Is Romney strong enough to stand up to such authority? (Mind you, my understanding of Mormonism comes largely from one episode of South Park. However, that episode balanced its harsh light on the teachings with the observation that Mormons are super-nice people, which is the consensus, now that other religionists have mostly stopped beating them and burning their homes.)

Next time you laugh at a religion (say, Scientology or Christianity) or fear someone with faith (say, a muslim or Buddhist — ha!), remember we are all human beings, all prone to the same ignorance, mistakes and potential, though Romney doesn’t agree. We all need to grow together as one kind. Religion isn’t helping, though it tells you it is. mjh

RealClearPolitics – Articles – Faith In America – The Full Text of Romney’s speech

“It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it’s usually a sound rule to focus on the latter – on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.

“We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong. …

“These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours. …

“And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me.” [mjh: Romney just told the nation he isn’t my friend or ally.]

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/faith_in_america.html (entire speech)