Like most of you (I am sure there are some exceptions), I am stuck in my house during these days of self-quarantine as imposed by the government.
And like you, I am finding things to make up for the lack of a work schedule, like cleaning, cooking, walking by myself outside…
But what I would really like to do is to start a new book in April and I am doing a bit of research and ask that you answer a few questions.
My first book, A Christian Nation? An examination of Christian nation theories and proofs, examined those arguments made by Christian nation advocates concerning the documentation of our nation’s history, from the Mayflower Compact to our Constitution, the Pledge of Allegiance and national motto.
My next book will deal with issues concerning the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment. I intend to address issues from the Magna Carta to Thomas Jefferson’s “The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom,” and his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, to today’s arguments concerning the origins of the Constitution and whether it is based on Christian or secular principles.
I would also like to speak to United States laws providing religious organizations certain privileges not afforded to most secular organizations (though this may be a third publishing), including recent Supreme Court cases.
But I need your help.
I am interested in your questions and comments concerning the First Amendment’s separation of church and state, and your proofs that our governing documents were established based on Christian ideologies.
I am also interested in your questions and comments concerning the non-profit laws (§501(3)), SCOTUS cases and religious institutions and businesses.
You can respond below in the comments section or directly to me at InkAndVoice1@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you and your help and responses are most appreciated.
David
I'd suggest reading Andrew Seidel's book "The Founding Myth" 1st, for insight, as well as to be sure you are not being redundant and can keep adding new information. And find some resources to research. ( I know nothing of writing books, just reading them)
The items you mentioned are in his book.
Thanks. I ordered a copy this afternoon.
The only exception explicit in the First Amendment is that words that incites or threatens overt violence is not protected. That's why it is illegal to yell, "Fire" in a darkened theater. This actions presumes panic and a stampede and the consequence of injury and/or death.
But all the Amendments also presume a level of responsibility by any individual. "Reasonable" action is covered, "Unreasonable" action is not.
The Establishment Clause has been reinterpreted by SCOTUS a number of times in the last decade, mostly in favor of the religious-conservatives.
It's amazing to me that it takes not working for people to realize how little of thier lives they actually control, and how empty they are without someone else valuing thier time/efforts.
Good luck on the book, but shoot me over a contract if you're planning on publishing my thoughts/opinions for your profit.
Highly recommend reading the Federalist papers if you haven't already. They had influence in getting the Constitution ratified in the form that it is. To understand something, you've got to have background information and see the thought processes behind it. The anti federalist papers are their own animal. Comparing and contrasting the two is somewhat similar to what we are experiencing now.