Declaration of Religious Independence

On 4 July Americans celebrate the 231st anniversary of their birth as an independent nation, and the creation of a government of, by and for the people. Born of the enlightenment, the American Declaration of Independence embodied many of the principles that are today recognizably humanistic in outlook (even if, at the time it was written, religious imagery was de rigeur), and which would eventually be codified in the US Constitution.

As we reflect on the freedoms we currently (and somewhat tenuously) enjoy, it is worth examining the text of the Declaration of Independence. It is striking that some 231 years later many passages have renewed relevance - especially if one substitutes the word religion for the word government and religious leader for King (or He). In so doing, we have the beginnings of a declaration for a more humanistic society.

That to secure these rights, Religions are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the adherents, — That whenever any Form of Religion becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Religion, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Religions long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Religion, and to provide new Guards for their future security…

To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world…

Religious Leaders have forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till their Assent should be obtained…

Religious Leaders have refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

Religious Leaders have obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

Religious Leaders have made Judges dependent on their Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries…

Religious Leaders have combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation…

A reading of other of the grievances enumerated in the Declaration are equally striking for their relevance to the actions of our Government in its foreign policy, but that is a story for another day.

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