We frequently read proclamations that the United States is a Christian nation.  Although most US citizens may be Christians, the country is a secular nation.  Christian activists would like to dominate the conversation on numerous topics, ranging from reproductive freedom to education and civil rights.  We cannot allow one group to dominate the process by which we make decisions that affect everyone.

There are dozens of major religions and many more minor ones, but they cannot all be correct when they hold opposing views.  We must not return to the days when church officials dictated the rules of government.  Galileo was correct and the Church was wrong.  Do we want to endlessly repeat the mistakes of the past? Many find it easier to embrace the teachings of their chosen religion uncritically than to attempt a personal understanding of the issues through their own research and consideration.  A functional democracy requires that citizens think for themselves.  It requires a wide range of unfettered media providing free access to ideas.  And it requires healthy skepticism of the conventional wisdom if we want to progress as a society.