Religion in the Public Sphere

Joseph Loconte (Commentary, Aug. 28) claims that religion in our government is functioning as a “second-class citizen” when it should instead be a “vital partner.” He fears for the morality of laws and programs not formulated in accordance with tenets of religious faith. He questions the moral capability of government leaders who do not inject their personal religious feelings into all aspects of their political acts. And he rejects the very notion of accepting a nonreligious leader.

As a political scholar, Loconte must realize two facts. First, religious thought, great and inspiring as it often is, is largely based on faith. The information used in religious thought is often obscure, interpretive matter. Many religious “facts” are disputed by science. Second, many philosophers and social thinkers reject some of the most basic and profound aspects of religion. A myriad of people in this world think good thoughts and do good things--and they are agnostics or atheists.

DEWEY WASSER

Thousand Oaks

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I don’t question the sincerity of Joseph Lieberman’s religious faith, but we must not forget that for centuries men who fervently proclaimed their dedication to “God and God’s purposes” (Aug. 28) have committed acts of monstrous cruelty against their fellow humans. The slaughter of millions of indigenous Americans and the enslavement of millions of Africans were both done by men professing their love of God. Even today, from Belfast to Bosnia, from Kabul to Kashmir, devout Christians, Muslims and Hindus kill and maim each other and those of other faiths.

On the other hand, in the last century men who denied the existence of God massacred millions in Germany, the Soviet Union, China and Cambodia. Neither the professed love of God nor the denial of God’s existence is a guarantor of compassion or wisdom. The only real measure of the moral worth of a politician is in his or her demonstrated love for humanity.

MARVIN A. GLUCK

Topanga

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Re “Lieberman Mix of Faith, Politics Sets Off Clash,” Aug. 30: As a law-abiding, moral citizen of the U.S. for more than 65 years, I must take umbrage at Lieberman’s assertion that morals without religion are impossible. I consider myself a very moral person, but I do not adhere to any religion, organized or otherwise. As a registered Democrat, I now feel very alienated from my party due to Lieberman’s incendiary statements. Please, candidates, keep your personal religious beliefs out of this campaign.

EDNA M. TOBIAS

Hermosa Beach

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The Democrat Party has needed to take a bath for some time. The stain left on it from the current administration won’t easily wash off. The selection of Lieberman as a vice presidential candidate for Al Gore was reaching for the strongest detergent they could find. Now, with all the religious invocations by the Gore-Lieberman campaign, it appears they are trying to use holy water in a last-ditch effort to cleanse the party. Unfortunately for the Democrats, some stains are permanent--they only fade with time.

KEVIN B. PATTERSON

Fullerton