"Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens." Daniel Webster 1782 - 1852
True?
Atheists (different from apathetic agnostics), arrive at their beliefs not by dictum and blind-folded fear, but through the homage of reason. That commitment to truth distinguishes atheists not merely as good citizens, but as better citizens.
If blind obedience is the criterion of good citizenship, then Christians may be citizens as good as members of any other faith. But were such goodness too abundant, the U.S. might never have been founded. This fact alone challenges the merit of Webster's assertion. In fact, atheism's fidelity to truth over dogma exemplifies the independence of spirit prerequisite to our nation's founding, and the innovation that sustains its prosperity. Citizens that are blindly obedient may be more convenient for the countrymen governing them. But the People's purpose is not to convenience government. Government is the People's servant, not master.
True?
Atheists (different from apathetic agnostics), arrive at their beliefs not by dictum and blind-folded fear, but through the homage of reason. That commitment to truth distinguishes atheists not merely as good citizens, but as better citizens.
If blind obedience is the criterion of good citizenship, then Christians may be citizens as good as members of any other faith. But were such goodness too abundant, the U.S. might never have been founded. This fact alone challenges the merit of Webster's assertion. In fact, atheism's fidelity to truth over dogma exemplifies the independence of spirit prerequisite to our nation's founding, and the innovation that sustains its prosperity. Citizens that are blindly obedient may be more convenient for the countrymen governing them. But the People's purpose is not to convenience government. Government is the People's servant, not master.