I think there was a diary or 2 about this, but not enough... The Secular Coalition has a piece on this... Plus, I wanted add how a Christian feels about this (these issues tend to fall on Christian v. secular lines, with no inclusion of people of faith on the "freethinking" side). Below is what I had to say to my congresswoman regarding H. Res. 888.
In re: H.Res. 888.
I am a Christian and proud American, and as such I am deeply concerned about the efforts in congress to push a religious agenda that is unhealthy to both our democracy and to our religious freedom. Moreover, it may have the unintended consequence of further dividing our nation at a time when we can ill-afford further social strain. This resolution will likely alienate secular Americans and cause a political, social and national divide between Christians and secular Americans. This really is the antithesis of Jesus' message, calling Christians to be "...fishers of men." It is the duty of Christians to reach out to their fellow man and share the word of God. To communicate and come together in a culture of understanding. But movements by "government" to push a religious message will be harmful to that. Having a world view thrust on people only creates resentment in ways that I feel the LORD does want.
Furthermore, this really does re-write history in many ways. Many founding fathers were Christians, but many others were not. The most central figures in framing our democracy were indeed Diests. On top of that, the U.S. Consitution and our rights as citizens are based on Enlightened Thinking, out of the Age of Enlightment. It is from this "thinking" and world view that a nation was created where religious freedom is protected. Conversely, history has shown us accross the centuries that religious nationalism is an un-democratic and often oppressive force.
To close, the most prominant religious voices in the U.S. today DO NOT speak for me when they express their particular belief system. I am a Lutheran member of the ECLA community, and I can say that the doctrine of many evangelical Christians, who insert themselves into social politics, is something that I have great reservations about. I do not want to see a particular doctrine gain prevelance within or nation's identity, such that other Christian doctrines become marginalized. It happenned in England when Catholics were forbidden to hold public office altogether. This is not a legacy that we want for our country.
Best Regards,
Rich Santoro