America should not be a theocracy

This is in response to a letter called "church/state split late gift of courts" by D.O. Goodman (Oct. 11).

If there is atrocity here, it's the fear of debate over the separation of church and state, or the assertion from the right that this country not only should be a Christian theocracy, but that it was from the very beginning.

Goodman points out that separation is not to be found in the constitution, but then neither is "God." Separation is found in the very first amendment to the constitution, item one in the bill of rights. The bill of rights represents the founding fathers' understanding and intention that the constitution was not meant to be holy scripture, complete and inviolate, but a living document, open to interpretation and revision.

The founders were intelligent enough to know they did not write scripture and could not predict the future. What a shame those who continually misquote and misrepresent them don't share that humility.

It is repugnant to claim that "good" people can only be "made" through Goodman's religious beliefs. The idea that belief in a Christian or Jewish God is the only reason anyone is good is a juvenile view of both religion and morality. And what was taught in public schools two and a quarter centuries ago should hardly be the yardstick we hold up to public education in the 21st century, should it?

For the record:

1. Christians have no corner on the market of morality.

2. Atheists are NOT Satanists.

3. James Madison was fervently in favor of the wall of separation.

4. You just called the establishment clause of the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution communism.

Steve Clevenger St. Charles