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Bob Barr on Religion and Public Life

The United States is one of the most religious developed nations in the world. While the United States is built on principles of religious freedom, it is also built on the principle of "separation of church and state," which has been cited by the Supreme Court of 25 times. But where is this separation drawn, and where does do the principles of religious freedom and secular government conflict?

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Bob Barr opposes the separation of church and state

"Of course, advocates of a radically secular society conveniently forget the fact that it is impossible to establish a moral, ethical and effective government without a belief in God. Without some bedrock guiding principles, human behavior is simply shaped entirely by the circumstances of the moment, without clear or lasting concepts of right and wrong, or the order that comes only through such a system. The end result is that human social behavior in the absence of religious belief inevitably becomes less controlled and more harmful to others; which is, come to think of it, what we see happening in the world today."

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U.S. Rep. Bob Barr wrote to military officials urging them to block future Wiccan events. Barr introduced legislation to ban Wicca in the military and even threatened to hold congressional hearings on the matter.

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Bob Barr is neutral on government funded faith-based initiatives to deal with social problems

Email response from Barr campaign October 28, 2008: "Congressman Barr is opposed to any federal funds going to charities."

"One of the reasons welfare reform has been so successful is that private charities, including those that are faith-based have continued and expanded their role in helping the most vulnerable Americans. We need to encourage that success by opening the door to more charitable involvement for Americans. The best way to do that is by expanding the number of institutions that can -- and do -- help the most needy in our society. This legislation [HR 7 'Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Bill'] accomplishes the important goal of ensuring the federal government cannot discriminate against faith-based organizations in competition for federal dollars to carry out social programs. At the same time, the legislation we passed today protects against federal funds being used for sectarian religious purposes."

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Bob Barr is neutral on the ability of faith-based organizations to hire employees based on faith

Email response from Barr campaign October 28, 2008: "Congressman Barr is opposed to any federal funds going to charities."

Bob Barr strongly supports displaying the 10 Commandments on public monuments

Voted YES to a measure allowing the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools and other government buildings.

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