But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Although we should avoid calling ourselves a Christian nation, we should not shy away from recognizing that in many ways America has been blessed by God, not in small part because some Christian doctrines have served as foundational American doctrines.
She watched American television and found that Christians did not obey these moral teachings, and that, in fact, they behave much worse than Chinese people. I did not know where to begin in my response.
Under this reasoning, one who is dependent on other people is not entitled to the law’s protection. I love independence, but it should not be the defining characteristic of meaningful human life. Everyone goes through periods of dependence — for most people, childhood, illness, and old age.
I live in a very secular town and for 40 years have been part of America’s very secular legal academy. During that time, I also have been an evangelical and active in evangelical churches. I travel pretty comfortably in both circles, but at times I am puzzled by the reactions of each group to different issues.
Ironically, Judge Barrett’s legal interpretation theories — textualism and originalism — are the theories least likely to bring a judge’s personal beliefs into play in a decision.
