Take Two

I agree with half of [his] statement. We should not “try to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view.” That would be as presumptuous as it would be futile. But I fervently disagree with any assertion that we should amend the Constitution so that it “embodies God’s standard.” Although raised in the context of a debate about the nature of marriage, his remarks on their face raise the specter of more widespread mischief.

First, whose God and which standards? … .

Second, much of what God requires — at least as I, a Baptist minister, understand it — can readily be implemented under the Constitution… .

Third, I believe God wants us to come to faith freely and voluntarily — without compulsion or restriction… .

Finally, and importantly, the amendment would thwart the right of upwards of 30 million American citizens not to be religious… .

So, yes, Rev. Huckabee the preacher is free to try to Christianize American culture; … Huckabee the candidate should not seek an amendment to try to establish a Christian government. Heaven forbid.

~ — J. Brent Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, member of the Supreme Court Bar and an ordained minister