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AM EKICAN
A MAGAZINE OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP
THE STATE SHOULD NEVER BE MADE
A PARTY IN RELIGIOUS DISPUTES
HE origin of man is an exceedingly absorbing study, but
the average man, with a healthy outlook on life, should, figura­
tively speaking, be more interested in erecting the structure
of the future than in being content with sifting the dust of ages
past and gone. The unending conflict between atheism and all
religions can never terminate in victory for any religious belief
through a verdict obtained by the aid of secular laws. The sages
of all the ages have recorded their views. Where the contenders
have been able to involve the temporal state the trail of contro­
versy is spattered with blood. Fortunately the modem world has
for a long time been regarding the matter as a subject of indi­
vidual opinion and belief and not a question affecting the safety
and security of the state or the individual pursuit of happiness.
Hectic public discussion in newspapers and periodicals will not
settle the matter, a.id punitive legislation or enactments restrict­
ing individual freedom of thought and expression are question­
able alternatives tending to establish precedents favoring intoler­
ance and creating means of justification for ruthless attempts
of suppression, means by which a temporary majority may destroy
the inalienable rights of a law-abiding majority.
The true spiritual religion has come down through the ages
in the face of every kind of opposition. It has survived every
form of antagonism, irrespective of the position of the temporary
powers of state. The religious contenders who advocate con­
stant vigilance against union of church and state should be care­
ful lest they themselves become guilty of envolving the state in
a question in which religion is an issue. Fitting creed against
creed and belief against belief is un-American and not in keep-
ing with the doctrine of freedom and religious liberty to which
America has been solemnly dedicated.
JULY, 1925
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PORTLAND? OREGON