Pagan worship at Air Force Academy
A few years back, when I was in the US Congress, I took the Army to task for permitting the practice of Wicca on its bases, including at Ft. Hood in Texas. After speaking with a number of officers and military leaders, and meeting with several former military who adhere to the practice of Wicca, I was convinced that a belief in or practice of witchcraft, was not necessarily incompatible with the good order and discipline essential to a military lifestyle. However, one might legitimately wonder just how far such tolerance should extend.
The US Air Force, at no less a prestigious location than the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, has taken the notion of religious tolerance to a new level, in creating an outdoor worship area for pagans. The site, apparently sacred to pagans, consists of an inner and an outer circle of large stones. I’m sorry, but this truly is hilarious. Don’t get me wrong, if someone “has little or no religion and delights in sensual pleasures and material goods,” which is the definition of a “pagan,” then I say live and let live.
But I have to tell you, if I were in the Air Force and was being commanded by an officer who practices hedonism as a religion (another part of the definition of “pagan”), and who dances around a circle of stones in the woods carrying a lighted candle, I would be more than a little worried about following him into battle.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
330 comments Add your comment
Glenn
February 17th, 2010
12:23 pm
If he was able to pass the screening , make it through bootcamp , & work his way up to an officers position one would have to assume he’s qualified . As far as following him into battle I wouldn’t be very concerned since its the air force . Maybe you should be concerned the next time you get on a commercial airliner .
Jeff
February 17th, 2010
12:31 pm
@ DRB: Let me address your points as you raise them.
“I first heard of this a few weeks ago from someone actually IN the military. His concern was exactly as you say, and it seems that the grest majority of those he has contact with in the military agree. Based on that, I am inclined to think that this effort may be undermining our best military efforts and I don’t think that the military is a good place for division, not for the military itself, and not for the individuals within it.”
As a former member of the military, an adherent to a non-Christian religion and a defense contractor, let me say that making such an assumption based on a discussion you had with someone who is “in the military” is a ignorant as Mr. Barr’s decision to use a partial definition to justify his argument. If such were the case then the military command would not allow such activities on post. The only people I know who get truly upset about this are civilians who hold to Christian beliefs.
“These young men and women signed up as a part of a military entity of “One Nation Under God” and I believe it reasonable that they should expect that special interests NOT under God, would be discouraged, or at the least not encouraged.”
I most certainly did not sign up for a military entity of “One Nation Under God”. Just because Eisenhower can convince Congress to add that little piece of jingoism to the pledge in the 1950’s does not make it a national policy. Even were that the case, whose God? The God of the Abrahamic faiths? The Kami of Shinto? The Asgard of the Astaru? The Bodhisattva of Buddhism? The Deva of Hindi? Members of those religions can be found in the military today serving their country. Are you telling me that we should violate the Constitution by denying some of them their faith in order to raise one God above the others?
Joseph
February 17th, 2010
12:33 pm
This joker doesn’t have the balls to respond to the comments. HA!
Woodrow
February 17th, 2010
12:37 pm
Oh yeah. On a side note, the other houses of worship(on base) were paid for with tax dollars. Why not this one? Who get to decide who is worthy? Bob Barr?
John K
February 17th, 2010
12:42 pm
I wonder how many of the authorized grave markers at Arlington National Cemetery are “Bob Barr Approved?”
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/funeral_information/authorized_emblems.html
David L. Oringderff, PhD
February 17th, 2010
12:44 pm
That was 1999, Mr. Barr. And you TRIED to take the Army to task for supporing religious pluralism (which is a mandate for the military chaplaincies). In your ignorance our our faith and practices, all you did was stir up a sensational flurry of bigotry and hatred. I find it hilarious that you claim to be a Libertarian. And the fact that you are a consultant on civil rights for the ACLU has influenced me to drop my support for that organization. Just an historical oberservation: Our Fort Hood Open Circle (SWC) is still alive and thriving. Who is occupying your former seat in Congress right now?
BSI
February 17th, 2010
12:47 pm
I’d like to think this story is nothing more than a poor attempt at comment-baiting, but sadly, it would seem this “Barr” person is serious…. And so here’s further proof that there is NO resemblance any longer between the USA I read about in school and the one populated by these hate-spewing nightmare people. Fine, take away the Wiccan circles but then please remove and/or destroy any religious items, including those dedicated to that bearded white man that SEEMS so popular in this country.
Darth Snowshoe
February 17th, 2010
12:47 pm
The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, “Is it true that you’re a witch?”
Don't Eat People
February 17th, 2010
12:54 pm
Bob I agree. I also heard about how the Air Force build a whole worship area for another weird religiion. These weirdos take alcoholic beverages, pray and make motions over the beverages, and then believe the benerages are turned into blood. Then they drink the blood! That’s right, their whole twisted religious ceremony involves intentionally drinking what they believe is blood. Then they take crackers, pray a bit, and *poof* they believe they turn them into human flesh. Then they eat that too! Can you imagine? Can’t they tell it’s still alcohol and crackers? And why do they need to bring alcohol into their religion, just to get an extra high I suppose, or maybe their magic doesn’t work on water? I think the Air Force called the worship area a “church”. Weird.
Aquagirl
February 17th, 2010
12:55 pm
Mr. Barr is pretty pompous. Apparently the cadets can spare time to break the record for most air guitar players.
“Apparently, the people over at Guinness World Records take the playing of imaginary instruments quite seriously, or so found the Air Force Academy Athletics department as they planned their most recent and rather wacky promotion: Rock for the Cure, an attempt to break the world record for largest air guitar ensemble during half time of the Air Force Women’s Basketball game against New Mexico on Saturday”
http://www.gazette.com/entertainment/air-94261-world-force.html
MiHi
February 17th, 2010
1:09 pm
So, you like it when people make torture porn videos of pets being tied down and trampled to death (we still haven’t forgotten how you supported the “Crush Video” industry when you were still in office, Bob), but find offense at someone who’s practicing a religion even older than Christianity?
You have a very peculiar set of values there, Mister Barr.
Loonesta
February 17th, 2010
1:12 pm
Isn’t war all about human sacrifices? Whether we’re dealing with goblins and ghosties or just your typical Christian soldiers trudging onwards, the military is all about the killing of other people. And the Christians are far more insufferable.
Kathryn
February 17th, 2010
1:17 pm
Mr. Barr, who are you kidding? I served with honor and even a small amount of distinction in our military decades ago, when I had to hide my religious preferences because of idiots like you. Oh, I was allowed to die for my country, but not to admit I was a Pagan. Sworn enemies of God??? Where are you getting your information? If you would do a little reading instead of spewing your vicious nonsense, you might not sound quite so abysmally ignorant. I doubt if you would know any form of spirituality if it bit you on the – well, on whatever you’re using for a butt these days. Libertarians are about freedom for everyone, including freedom of religion. If you aren’t one, don’t call yourself one.
Grasshopper
February 17th, 2010
1:17 pm
I just want to set the record straight on two things here.
First: The Air Force Academy is not funding this construction. The project is being undertaken by a Wiccan Airman, who has already had to tear down one circle that he built because it had gone through the appropriate approvals process. This new circle has gone through the appropriate approvals process for its location, and is being entirely funded by private citizens.
Second: God is God, in whatever form you believe that to be. For Christians, a triune god is a requirement (though there is no mention of this in the Old Testament – thank you, second College of Cardinals c. 1400s) For some Wiccans, God is a dualistic force (the Goddess/God), for satanists (yes, I mean satanists, not luciferains) – they are their own god, for luciferians – God is Satan. But whatever name you give to it, or pattern of approach you use to understand the divine, it is incumbent upon you as an individual to make your own choices. No one can tell you what to believe or how to practice those beliefs.
And finally, in passing: God doesn’t care whether you believe in Her or not. Just as I don’t care whether or not you agree with me.
Grasshopper
Bob Barr doesn’t like freedom of religion « FemBot
February 17th, 2010
1:18 pm
[...] 17, 2010 Well, gee, and here I was thinking he was some kind of libertarian, or something. I guess Wicca doesn’t count? “The US Air Force, at no less a [...]
Malvond
February 17th, 2010
1:20 pm
This article is almost too dumb to be offensive. Any valid opinions he might have (not that I really saw any) are null and void because of his obivously and severely limited understanding —and arguably his unwillingness to understand— a broader meaning of “pagan” and of the Wiccan religion.
Barnaby C
February 17th, 2010
1:20 pm
I would rather be led into battle by a pagan than a fundamentalist like General William G. Boykin who sees the War on Terror in apocalyptic terms.
Jay
February 17th, 2010
1:23 pm
From Bru:
“I don´t have any issues with pagans in the armed forces. But I don´t see why any body that´s not pagan has to pay for their house (ring) of worship.”
Who do you think pays for the academy (christian) chapel? As a taxpayer, I do, and I’m Buddhist. Is somebody going to reimburse me? Of course not.
Bob Barr very concerned about witches — seriously « Some Country for Old Men
February 17th, 2010
1:23 pm
[...] Former Republican House member and Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr apparently writes a blog at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His latest subject: witches! At the Air Force Academy! A few years [...]
Alternative Sources
February 17th, 2010
1:23 pm
I always marvel at the performance of an atheist in the arena of his written words. The temerity of his doubt, gnawing away at the wooden cross like mutant termites immune from pesticides, ant-eaters and those chimpanzees that fashion tools out of sticks and plunge them into termite nests and have a nice lunch.
Monkeys don’t have souls. Atheists don’t have souls. Monkey see, monkey do. See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.
Hear, Hear! A barrel of monkeys typing on a million typewriters for a million years could produce the gospels, you know.
So enjoy your moment of self aggrandizing theology. We’re all impressed! Some of us are converted. Some are praying for your soul.
Me? I’m grinnin’, and knittin’ a shawl, and every now and then I cry out, “Guillotine!”.
No wait, that was for Marie Antoinette. never mind. If the truth be told, at 59, I’m considering renouncing my catholicism and joining the pagans. I wonder if any of the pagans who join hands and dance around the circle of stones naked have an older sister for me? Um, sir? Um, Tell your sister that I like long walks on the beach, chick-movies, and world peace. (I’ve got beads too. So hush hush. I owe you one bro.)
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 17th, 2010
1:30 pm
So R they burning live sheep on stone altars waaay out there in Colorado?
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 17th, 2010
1:31 pm
Mmmmm Mmmmm roast mutton, food of the Gods. Pass the mint jelly please.
Salt & Light
February 17th, 2010
1:31 pm
To all who responded to my posts … thank you.
Enjoy any paper currency you spend today …….. “In God We Trust”.
I didn’t ask you to believe in the Trinity………I just stated I did. It’s between you and God.
For those who were a little to flippant (not toward me but God) please remember “God is not mocked.”
I wish you well …………………………..
Jeffrey Paul Zacher
February 17th, 2010
1:38 pm
I would die to defend there beliefs as much as I would whatever yours are…the Bill of Rights, and this was the first thing written in response to the Constitution, clearly states “Congress shall make no law respecting an Establishment of Religion” So I assume that whoever wrote that believed that whatever religious belief or practice one held in private was of no public concern.
I’ve never been in the military, but I would hope in a life or death situation the private affairs of my CO would be the last thing on my mind. I mean if all I could think about in such a situation were things about my CO’s personal life then I would have a defect as a solder.
Bob
February 17th, 2010
1:40 pm
LINO? Don’t tread on me, Bob!
Advocates for Liberty
February 17th, 2010
1:47 pm
Why do we always miss the forest for the trees. The actual question should be why a tax funded university should be catering to ANYONE’S faith. There are surely several places of worship near the Air Force Academy. While I do not share the spiritual views of pagans, I respect their right to worship what and how they choose. However, I do not think that special considerations or meeting places should be created for ANY faith–Christian, Jew, Muslim, Pagan, etc.
No one is making these students attend the Air Force Academy. If your faith clashes with the lack of worship accommodations, choose to go somewhere else for a college education and career.
Libertarian philosophy does not align with forced acceptance of any faith or lifestyle. Nor does it align with the condemnation of a faith or lifestyle. Live and let live also means that you don’t give favor.
Grasshopper
February 17th, 2010
1:52 pm
Advocates for Liberty:> Are you suggesting that the Air Force Academy tear down their Christian Chapel?
I’m all for equal treatment for everyone, but I think that suppression of all faiths is just as bad as suppression of any one faith.
Nick C.
February 17th, 2010
1:52 pm
Shame on you, Bob. There is no room for this sort of bigotry in my view of Liberty. The “Barr 2008″ sticker will come off my car, and if you ever get the nod from the LP again, that will be the last time I renew my membership at either the state or federal level. This isn’t the sort of principle I want espoused by my Party of Principle.
Woodrow is Right
February 17th, 2010
2:11 pm
I believe the tab for the multi-faith chapel at the USAFA was roughly $4 million (and that’s 1964 dollars). The bottom line is, far more people have died in the name of (choose one) god than have been saved.
Stef
February 17th, 2010
2:33 pm
Mr. Barr:
I am a pagan priest. I’m rather disappointed by your characterization of the Neo-Pagan religion. It is sad that you feel the best way to judge a religion is by looking in the dictionary and choosing the third or fourth definition of the most general term describing it.
The term “pagan” is derived from paganus, a Latin term meaning “country dweller”. It refereed to the fact that people in the country tended to keep the old ways longer than than the more sophisticated members of society who adopted monotheism. It’s sort of a synonym for “hick” used this way; ironic since, in Western society, that negative connotation has been transferred to Protestant Christians.
It is also sad that connotation equally misrepresents both pagans and Christians, not just in the validity of their religious practice, but in the thought with which they approach that practice.
Pagans are not necessarily hedonists, though I’ve known a few who are. Very few have “little or no religion” but have strong, deep seated beliefs concerning the nature of the gods and of ethics and of how we should treat one another. Certainly, some self professed pagans match the description you present. Lumping all pagans into that category, however, is akin to lumping all Muslims into the small pool of suicide bombers; it looks good in the headlines, but is a fallacious bit of slander, nothing more.
If you believe that I and my fellow pagans are nothing more than a few chuckle heads who like to party and pass it off as a faith, I fail to see what setting up a couple of circles of stones in any way is an gross over-accommodation. If you see us as members of a valid, First Amendment protected religion, I understand your objection even less. In any case, I would encourage you, should you have to sum up the beliefs of a group of faithful worshipers in a few words, that you look at the first accepted definition or perhaps even ask one of those worshipers how they would define their own faith.
Peace.
Chris
February 17th, 2010
2:51 pm
Well if they are willing to serve in the military then they can worship whoever they want!
Byron Mathison Kerr
February 17th, 2010
2:51 pm
Oh, please! Why so many thick skulls when it comes to the military?! The main concern one soldier can legitimately have about fighting alongside another soldier is if that soldier is an EFFECTIVE soldier. Surely, sexual orientation, race, gender, nationality, etc., and especially religion matters little if that other soldier can save your @$$!
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 17th, 2010
3:01 pm
Mr. Bar: A VooDoo priest is even now waking zombies to follow you through all your days….booowaaaahhhhh, sleep tight with the night lite on….What is under the bet….
Joseph
February 17th, 2010
3:06 pm
I knew the libertarian schtick wouldn’t last too long; you’re just too much of a Christian conservative ideologue, wanting to tell other people what Gods they can and cannot worship, based on nothing more than your own personal bigotry and prejudice.
RobW
February 17th, 2010
3:20 pm
Well, this wouldn’t be the first time Bob Barr went on a witch hunt.
I find it interesting that someone who’s never actually followed anyone into battle would have such strong opinions about who he’d “follow into battle”. Typical armchair warrior.
Tim McDonald
February 17th, 2010
3:21 pm
Huh what?! Pagan=Hedonism? Only if you’re using the term in a slanderous, ethnocentric tone. The etymology is a rural civilian connected to the gods of pre-christianized Roman. Pickup a etymological dictionary at your local bookstore or library before heading onto the Internet with the big boys and girls.
I also fail to see what is any more hilarious about a nature-based religion worshiping outdoors, than a death-cult (Christianity) singing and praying to the effigy of a dead guy on a cross indoors. Let us know Mr. Barr.
jim
February 17th, 2010
3:21 pm
So building multi-million dollar chapels to monotheism is OK, but put a couple thousand into a place for nature worship is wrong…..
The more I hear from fundamentalists, the happier I am I became a witch.
We promote self healing and care for others, not hatred because someone is different. Sure it takes a little getting used to, real freedom is not easy to understand when you are used to repression.
It takes a lot to say “Do what you wish, as long as it does not harm to others, or yourself.” We learn very early to want to control others. This article and some of the reactions are a perfect example.
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 17th, 2010
3:30 pm
Ra is out today, shining brightly in the blue sky….All bow before the glory of Ra.
Kimberly
February 17th, 2010
3:41 pm
@drb and to others who do not know the “One Nation Under God” history.
In 1955, with President Eisenhower’s support, Congress added the words “In God We Trust” on all paper money. In 1956 it made the same four words the nation’s official motto, replacing “E Pluribus Unum.” Legislators introduced Constitutional amendments to state that Americans obeyed “the authority and law of Jesus Christ.”
The efforts to bring God into the state reached their peak during the so-called “religious revival” of the 1950s.
Rev. George M. Docherty, the pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington gave a sermon that Eisenhower attended. Docherty urged the inclusion of “under God” in the pledge to denote what he felt was special about the United States.
The legislative history of the 1954 act stated that the hope was to “acknowledge the dependence of our people and our Government upon … the Creator … [and] deny the atheistic and materialistic concept of communism.” In signing the bill on June 14, 1954, Flag Day, Eisenhower delighted in the fact that from then on, “millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town … the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.”
—-
Therefore, our Founding Fathers, although very devout men, were advocates of freedom for all religions – a principle and a guaranteed right sadly forgotten in our modern time.
chronkite
February 17th, 2010
3:43 pm
Hey, Mr. Barr, which is more insane?
Dancing around some rocks or sending a bunch of young guys to their deaths for whatever trumped up purpose your politician bosses decided was “worth it”?
I wonder how many people have gone to their deaths because their commander held crazy beliefs that were in the norm, like, oh, I dunno…Christianity…
Is it safe to say it’s in the billions?
Seems to me that rock-dancing is just pissing in a hurricane at that point.
The Tar and Feathers Party
February 17th, 2010
3:50 pm
Eisenhower got credit for stuff he never did, like defeating the Germans. Ivan did the dirty work, and Ike took the credit. If Ike had face the top 2/3rds of Hitler’s armies, rather than the weakest 1/3rd, he would have wet his panties.
Laura Roberts
February 17th, 2010
3:51 pm
You know this little article is full of misinformation and an biased opinion. Regardless of this mans’ opinion we are guaranteed freedom of religion as stated by the Consistitution. My greatgrand father, grandfather, father, my self and now my Pagan Army SSGT with four combat tours under his belt serve and fight to protect this mans right to post ignorant statements, as we also fight/fought for our rights to practice our religious beliefs as we see fit as long as they harm none.
So, Mr Bar, when spouting your opinion, kindly do some research and get the facts straight so you don’t sound so misinformed. Bigotry is bad enought without being ignorant of the FACTS.
Blessed Be,
Laura
Pagan USAF Vet
Tim McDonald
February 17th, 2010
4:01 pm
@Laura Roberts – Amen sister!
Ok, now enough rewarding this guy with some attention. Time to move onto other articles with merit in providing contributions.
Bob Barr and the military pagans « Nanobots Will Enslave Us All
February 17th, 2010
4:01 pm
[...] Libertarian Presidential loser Bob Barr wrote in the Atlantic Journal Constitution a hilarious piece of commentary about how he is shocked SHOCKED I TELL YOU that the military still allows pagans to serve openly in [...]
Alternative Sources
February 17th, 2010
4:04 pm
Pagans are a motorcycle club, man, and if they find out you pansies are dissin’ them on this blog, (which I’ve already made that phone call, pals), then woe is thee.
Go into hiding. Stop commenting here. You may get through this. But don’t tempt fate by commenting anymore. that goes for all the repudlickan pudwits on this blog.
I’m only trying to save your lives. Don’t blame me for the Pagan’s evil doings, man. Not my baggage.
I’ll try to hold them off 4U.
Distemper Flea
NY TIMES BIG DAVID PATERSON STORY NOT REALLY BIG, ABOUT DAVID PATERSON » MEANINGFUL DISTRACTION
February 17th, 2010
4:07 pm
[...] tide you over till then, check out this article on the pagan witches and warlocks running the US military. [...]
The Wild Hunt » The Kids Are Alright and other Pagan News of Note
February 17th, 2010
4:08 pm
[...] politician-turned-pundit Bob Barr thinks about the Air Force Academy building a Pagan worship area, wonder no longer! “A few years back, when I was in the US Congress, I took the Army to task for permitting [...]
Brandon Longcrier
February 17th, 2010
4:14 pm
I just wanted to thank all the Pagans and non-Pagans who support us here at the USAF Academy. Freedom of Religion is a great thing to have here in the United States of America…even if former Congressmen don’t believe in it.
Obtaining the Stone Circle was a great victory and we can’t wait to dance around our circle of stones in the woods carrying lighted candles.
Many Blessings to you All,
Brandon Longcrier -
Phoenix Blue
February 17th, 2010
4:27 pm
I had been Pagan for about four years when I joined the Air Force in 1999, just as then-Congressman Bob Barr went on his ill-educated rant about the Fort Hood Open Circle.
I’m *still* in the Air Force … and stationed at the Air Force Academy, no less. He’s no longer in Congress. I guess that makes my gods more powerful than his, huh?
oldfart
February 17th, 2010
4:30 pm
Christian nation? From the founding fathers themselves:
It always helps to look at the words of those who were the actual founders and creators of this nation two hundred and twenty six years ago. Witness the truth of the matter.
I have examined all the known superstitions of the Word, and I do not find in our particular superstition of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike, founded on fables and mythology. Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make one half the world fools and the other half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the world …
The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind … to filch wealth and power to themselves. [They], in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.
Thomas Jefferson
The Christian god can easily be pictured as virtually the same god as the many ancient gods of past civilizations. The Christian god is a three headed monster; cruel, vengeful and capricious. If one wishes to know more of this raging, three headed beast-like god, one only needs to look at the caliber of people who say they serve him. They are always of two classes; fools and hypocrites. To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson
Accustom a people to believe that priests and clergy can forgive sins … and you will have sins in abundance. I would not dare to dishonor my Creator’s name by [attaching] it to this filthy book [the Bible].
Thomas Paine
For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate error so long as reason is free to combat it.
Thomas Jefferson
It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God.
Thomas Jefferson
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson
Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the Word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.
Thomas Paine
I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish Church, by the Roman Church, by the Greek Church, by the Turkish Church, by the Protestant Church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church.
Thomas Paine
My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
Thomas Paine
Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religions.
George Washington
Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society.
George Washington, letter to Edward Newenham, October 20, 1792; from George Seldes, ed., The Great Quotations, Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1983, p. 726]
There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.
George Washington, address to Congress, 8 January, 1790
Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause.
George Washington, letter to Sir Edward Newenham, June 22, 1792
…the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction.
George Washington, 1789, responding to clergy complaints that the Constitution lacked mention of Jesus Christ, from The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious Correctness, Isacc Kramnick and R. Laurence Moore W.W. Norton and Company 101-102
If they are good workmen, they may be from Asia, Africa or Europe; they may be Mahometans, Jews, Christians of any sect, or they may be Atheists….
George Washington, to Tench Tighman, March 24, 1784, when asked what type of workman to get for Mount Vernon, from The Washington papers edited by Saul Padover
To give opinions unsupported by reasons might appear dogmatical.
George Washington, to Alexander Spotswood, November 22, 1798, from The Washington papers edited by Saul Padover
…I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution. George Washington, to United Baptists Churches of Virginia, May, 1789 from The Washington papers edited by Saul Padover
As the contempt of the religion of a country by ridiculing any of its ceremonies, or affronting its ministers or votaries, has ever been deeply resented, you are to be particularly careful to restrain every officer from such imprudence and folly, and to punish every instance of it. On the other hand, as far as lies in your power, you are to protect and support the free exercise of religion of the country, and the undisturbed enjoyment of the rights of conscience in religious matters, with your utmost influence and authority.
George Washington, to Benedict Arnold, September 14, 1775 from The Washington papers edited by Saul Padover
—-from http://www.anotherperspective.org