Moderator Jeff Thomas introduced the participants. Rarely have there been a pair further apart on the issue of the night. Resolved: The phrases “one Nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on US currency violate the US Constitution. Newdow has no lack of confidence.
“I want to warn you beforehand that there’s a good chance you’re going to end up agreeing with me.”
He based his arguments on a secularist interpretation of the founding documents and an appeal to fairness – ironically enough, citing scripture.
“What we’re talking about is simple equality. There’s nothing that is anti-Christian. Remember Matthew 7:12, if I’m not mistaken, Sermon on the Mount – Jesus. ‘Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you.’”
Leland countered with recent Supreme Court decisions allowing for religious inclusion, and thought about the possible tyranny of a minority.
“What ends up happening is that the will of the majority is established, all the while protecting the will of the minority.”
Seventy percent of Americans, he said, believe in some sort of God. And removing him from our culture would not be the end of the process.
“Something is going to fill that void," Leland said. "And our question as a nation is to decide what is that moral foundation going to be.”
If we ever have to find out, God help us all – even the atheists.
