How would a secular United States define morals and ethics, and how would this effect politics in the U.S.?

Question

Though the U.S. was founded on traditional Judao-Christian values and beliefs, religion in general appears to be on the wane. As more and more people become disillusioned with "organized religion", there is a greater shift towards secularism.

Since religion has influenced international affairs all over the world for hundreds and even thousands of years, a move towards global secularism would undoubtedly create a tremendous change in law, politics, morals, ethics and even how humans define themselves and their very existence.

So once again, starting with the United States, what impact would all of this have?

Answer 1

I'm not sure where the conflict arises here.  The United States IS a secular democracy founded on Judeo-Christian principles.  The ideas of individualism and self-determination, as well as divine rights, are inherent in our form of government.  They are both necessarily influenced by Judeo-Christianity and inherently secular in their application.

I'd beg to differ with you that religion is on the wane on this country, but let's put that aside.

Why should this change anything?  If our nation is founded on the principles of the Constitution, what are you looking to change?

I guess removing religious observance has been shown to reduce rates of volunteerism and chariable giving in secular democracies.  Indeed, you'll see, for instance, that charitable giving percentages are distinctly higher in states in the US with high rates of religious observance.  And likewise, that the US gives far more to charity than does Australia, which gives far more than Great Britain.  That also corresponds to religious observance.

What does this mean?  Well, as the moral push of religiosity is removed from the individual conscience, you see a more readily acceptance of socialism.   Indeed, communist states attempted to destroy religion entirely because it represented a threat to the supremacy of the state and the collective.

So I guess in your hypothetical nation that moves away from religion, you'll see people expect the government to take care of the work people once did.  You'll see more calls for the government to intervene in terms of social justice.

Answer 2

My question is....

Is John McCain a democrat ,or a republican ?

Answer 3

It was founded on Christian values,not Judeo-Christian,which is an oxymoron.It is a Secular nation based on Humanism...has been for over 40 years.And we already know the impact as our nation is morally decaying at light-speed.http://www.rense.com/general81/extr.htm  http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/200...   http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/inde... http://www.thewatcherfiles.com/noahide_l...   http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com...   http://greatdepression2.org/  http://www.inlibertyandfreedom.com/nwo.h...