THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 27, 1995 TAG: 9507260012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Voltaire called it ``an artificial religion which encourages every cruelty known to armed warfare - conspiracy, sedition, pillaging, ambuscades and the sacking of towns, robbery and murder.''
His comments were made in the 18th century regarding the means employed by both sides in the struggle between emperors and religious zealots, each seeking the upper hand to advance their own special interests.
A confusion exists today as it did then between obedience to God's laws and government laws. God's laws are always in effect, but they do not negate man's laws. Indeed, the Christian Bible, for one, directs us to obey our civil authorities.
In eight decades, I have found it possible to be faithful to both. I have also seen the consequences of a mixing of religion and state. My experience is that God can be trusted to right the ship of state, providing we remain dedicated to the ideals cited in our Constitution.
EUGENE J. DEAN
Norfolk, July 5, 1995 by CNB