I would like to respond to John Gropper’s letter to the editor in the Herald, 12/13/07. Specifically, I would like to address Gropper’s assertion that questioning political candidates about their religious beliefs is "in direct contradiction to the sixth article of our Constitution," as well as his belief that the candidates should refuse such advances, "stating that such a question is in violation of the letter and spirit of our Constitution."

To rebut this, as well as a common belief that our constitution somehow advocates "the separation of Church and State" and "the United States was not established as a Christian Nation," as is so often stated in similar letters to the editor, I would point out the following:

The first line of the First Charter of Virginia 1606 begins, "I James, by the grace of God…"

The first line of the Mayflower Compact 1620 begins, "In the name of God, amen."

The first line of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut 1639 begins, "For as much as it has pleased the Almighty God…"

In 1641’s Massachusetts Body of Liberties the authority of Christianity and the churches is mentioned in the first paragraph.

In 1644’s Arbitrary Government Described, God is mentioned in the second sentence.

In 1776’s Declaration of Independence, written primarily by founding father Thomas Jefferson, God is mentioned in the first and last sentences.

In 1777’s Articles of Confederation God is mentioned several times.

In the 1781’s Articles of Capitulation, Yorktown, the French allies of the United States are referred to as, "…the auxiliary Troops of his Most Christian Majesty in America."

The first line of the Treaty With Great Britain 1783 begins, "In the name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity."

The only reference to religion in our Constitution is in the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"

This decree was a direct response to the history of American settlement up to that time, which was largely motivated by religious intolerance in England, embodied in that government’s decree that the Church of England was the only acceptable religion. The early settlers of America were driven from their homeland at the threat of life and limb. The First Amendment should not be construed otherwise, and words from Washington’s First Inaugural Address 1789 verifies this: "…it would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a government instituted by themselves…no people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States."

In Washington’s Farewell Address 1796 he solidifies his beliefs: "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion, and Morality are indispensable supports."

This documentation should invalidate Mr. Gropper’s assertions that merely questioning a candidate’s religious beliefs is "against the letter and spirit of our constitution," or that it is "in direct contradiction to the sixth article of our constitution."

Indeed, the strength of the First Amendment is what has enabled our country to move beyond its inception as a Christian nation to the tolerant, inclusive nation that the United States is today. It is unnecessary to rewrite the inception of our country to fit with today’s realities. And it is perfectly OK to ask, though I would argue there are more important questions, a candidate’s stance on religion. For myself— I could care less.

As for Mr. Gropper’s assertion that "There is no difference between the fanatical mullahs of Islam and the fundamentalists of the US," well, I would begin by pointing out that the mullahs in Iran advocate the destruction of the state of Israel. I will not finish; there are not enough hours in the day.

Don Reddick

Stockbridge