Cal Thomas on Religious Right

I have never agreed with Cal Thomas on anything until “Let’s Keep the Religious Right Unresurrected” (Column Right, Nov. 12). He advocates what the religious right should have done in the first place: Use its own churches, private schools and other institutions to produce a positive example of morality for the rest of society, instead of cramming its views down everyone’s throat.

Our country was formed by people who fled tyrants with heavy-handed moral agendas. Protestants, Catholics, Jews, and other faiths came here to escape some king’s idea of a “universal standard of righteousness.” The First Amendment was written to prevent the state from abusing power by regulating morality. As a result, we have created a society that, at least in theory, tolerates the viewpoints and lifestyles of others. To recognize this is not “post-Christian”; it is truly American.

The government has no business imposing morality on its citizens. It is up to our churches and our families to provide the moral guidance and strength this nation needs. Up to now, I’ve been among those who have been repulsed by the religious right. If they can lead this nation back to its churches and synagogues and create a standard of morality that includes compassion and acceptance, I, along with millions of Americans, will follow.

MATTHEW STERN

Laguna Niguel