Just as I suspected, Egnor's blog provides even more hilarity.
Here he claims:
'Separation of church and state' is not in the Constitution and is not Constitutional Law.
Well, the words "separation of church and state" are not in the US Constitution, but neither are the words "right to a fair trial". Yet I doubt Egnor would make the same claim about the right to a fair trial.
It is a clear falsehood to imply that the concept of separation of church and state is not in the Constitution. Of course it is - right there in the First Amendment - and no reputable lawyer claims otherwise. It is just plain weird how someone can proclaim his religion with such pride, and yet violate its tenets so casually.
I really wonder why becoming unhinged about evolution means you also become unhinged about global warming, separation of church and state, etc.
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Jeffrey Shallit
Recurrent thoughts about mathematics, science, politics, music, religion, and
Recurrent thoughts about mathematics, science, politics, music, religion, and
Recurrent thoughts about mathematics, science, politics, music, religion, and
Recurrent thoughts about ....
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Jeffrey Shallit
American mathematician, professor of computer science at a major Canadian university, & skeptic.
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7 comments:
I'd also mention this, in article VI of the Constitution:
"no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
The common argument from the right is that the establishment clause only prevents the creation of an official state church. Otherwise, religious laws are permissible. Apparently, you can set up a religious state, as long as you don't call it a church and give it a name.
'Separation of church and state' is not in the Constitution...'
My usual response is to point out that the word "trinity" is not in the Bible, and that the concept of "trinity" was only fraudulently added centuries after the time of Christ.
Another thing not in the US Constitution is authorization to establish a separate air force. The Constitution specifically mentions the power to raise armies and navies but nary a word about air forces. Therefore, by a strict interpretation of the Constitution, the US Air Force is unconstitutional!
I really wonder why becoming unhinged about evolution means you also become unhinged about global warming, separation of church and state, etc.
I don't think it's causal; rather it's that all those issues are part of a larger ideological agenda arising out of conservative religious authoritarianism.
Eamon Knight, wouldn't you say that both sides become unhinged at times?
Careful with your comparisons, Jeff. Thousands of prisoners of the US government, who have the misfortune of being incarcerated pursuant to the "War on Terror", have no right to a fair trial, and are being held indefinitely with no charges.
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