[DeltAlum]

JAM wrote: "Our system stemmed from Christian beliefs."

While I agree that the "founders" of our country had Christian beliefs, I think that those beliefs are the reason that they were so careful about the separation of Church and State.

The reason that the Pilgrims left England was to escape religious persecution -- in other words, to be allowed to practice whatever religion they wanted, however they wanted.

Thus, the reason that the decendents of these fair minded people chose to separate religion and government was so that neither they, nor anyone else, would have to worry about the government interceding or interfering in the freedom to practice (or not practice for that matter) any religion.

In other words, The Constitution is not meant to penalize Christianity, but to allow for equality under the law between Christians and practioners of other religions. To ensure the fairness that was not practiced in England. To "Do unto others...etc."

I believe that the Alabama Chief Justice had the monument placed in the courthouse out of strong and commendable Christian beliefs. In doing so, however, consciously or unconsciously, he was attempting to force his personal religious beliefs on anyone who came in contact with the court.

To me, that is a clear violation of the intent of our American forefathers when the framed the Constitution.

Which is a very long way of saying that I believe it is right that the monument was moved. It should never have been put there in the first place.