Citing rise of ‘Christian nationalism,’ Secular Democrats unveil sweeping recommendations for Biden

[B/W Photodude]

Elections have consequences:

Citing rise of ‘Christian nationalism,’ Secular Democrats unveil sweeping recommendations for Biden

The 28-page document, crafted by the Secular Democrats of America PAC, is being presented to the incoming administration by Democratic Representatives Jamie Raskin and Jared Huffman — both co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus.

The SDA’s agenda offers a wide range of policy recommendations to push back against the so-called “Christian nationalist movement,” which the the group describes as an “extraordinarily well-funded and well-organized” phenomenon whose “extreme and sectarian agenda (was) on constant display under the Trump-Pence administration.”

This groups is even using the Seventh-day Adventist initials!

The group offered several recommendations to help “reframe” concepts of patriotism in ways that are more inclusive. Among them were encouraging politicians to avoid terms like “God and country”; promoting non-theistic and humanistic chaplains in the military; including nonreligious representatives at interfaith gatherings; and suggesting the use of the country’s onetime unofficial motto “E Pluribus Unum” — Latin for “out of many, one” — instead of the motto adopted in 1956, “In God We Trust,” which the the group argues excludes nontheists and polytheists.

https://religionnews.com/2020/11/30/secular-democrats-unveil-sweeping-recommendations-for-biden-administration/

[NOTE:  It should be understood that the term "SDA" references  the Secular Democrats of America Political Action Committee.  It does not reference the Seventh-day Adventist Church--Gregory Matthews.]

[Gregory Matthews]

I have followed up on the link that Photodude provided.  It was interesting, as Photodude does make interesting and challenging comments.

Frankly, I agree with some of the stated objectives of the Secular Democrats.  

*  I believe that there are some things that should  be taught by religious organizations and not promoted by civil government.

*  I believe that some in the U.S. promote civil government becoming involved in issues that properly belong to religious organizations.

*  Religious scholars today accept the fact that a religion can exist that does not have a God in the traditional understanding.   This concept has been established into law for many decades.  One example of this in that a long time ago the Courts ruled that the conscientious objector statutes related to military service can not require that a person believe in a traditional God.

*   There must be a balance between one's right to practice their religious beliefs and protections against discrimination.  In the past, many people based their discrimination against providing services to African Americans upon their religious beliefs.  I can remember walking into a bus station and seeing drinking fountains and bathrooms identified for "White" people and for "Colored" people.    Commercial discrimination still exists today and must be eliminated.

*  Organizations that accept public funds to operate may rightfully be required to abide by the rules of civil government.