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To: P_A_I
"dogma about the divine origin of man." is necessary for democracy. -- Could be, -- but I don't see that as needed in our Republic.

If you are talking about dogma in the sense of a (specific) religious doctrine, I agree. I would indicate that the DOI, as our establishing document is predicated on a non-specific but absolute belief in an eternal creator to which all nature, humans and human institutions are subordinate. If rights are inalienable, they must also be eternal and immutable. The creator that bestows them must then, be likewise. It's inescapable. Take away "Creator," from the DOI and the remainder of the premise on which this nation was founded crumbles.

58 posted on 06/04/2005 2:16:12 PM PDT by Joe 6-pack
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To: Joe 6-pack
There is however a firm basis for the Republic in the rationality that we are all endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty & property, regardless of how they originated.

"dogma about the divine origin of man." is necessary for democracy. -- Could be, -- but I don't see that as needed in our Republic.

If you are talking about dogma in the sense of a (specific) religious doctrine, I agree.

Even in general, such a dogma is not needed imo.

I would indicate that the DOI, as our establishing document is predicated on a non-specific but absolute belief in an eternal creator to which all nature, humans and human institutions are subordinate.

Believe that if you like, but it simply does not say that. - The DOI makes perfect sense if all such references are ignored.

If rights are inalienable, they must also be eternal and immutable. The creator that bestows them must then, be likewise. It's inescapable.

As I said, if that makes sense to you, it's fine with me. But your conclusion is not inescapable, its arguable.

Take away "Creator," from the DOI and the remainder of the premise on which this nation was founded crumbles.

Hardly. That's a hyped up opinion to me, and to millions of others who do not believe as do you.

63 posted on 06/04/2005 2:38:18 PM PDT by P_A_I
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