From a 1943 address by the great Sheen:
There are three points we should like to make in today’s broadcast.
First, it is a sound American principle that democracy cannot function without religion and morality.
Secondly, American democracy is not making provision for religion and morality. Hence, thirdly, the necessity of restoring religious education in order to preserve democracy. First, democracy cannot survive without religion and morality.
The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is at the same time a Declaration of Dependence, for it states that our rights have come to us from God, and therefore are "unalienable." If our rights come to us from God, as, rays come from the sun, does it not follow that only on condition that we preserve our dependence on God will we preserve our independence from tyranny? A negative support is given to this thesis by the totalitarian systems, for it is universally true that where religion is most persecuted, there is man most tyrannized.
This intrinsic connection between democracy and religion is part of the American tradition.
As George Washington the founder of our country said: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness …"
In the year 1928, Calvin Coolidge stated: "Unless our people are thoroughly instructed in the great truths of religion, they are not fitted to understand our institutions, or to provide them with adequate support."
President Roosevelt said in 1940: "... Practical steps should be taken to make available to children and youth through education the resources of religion as an important factor in the democratic way of life and in the development of personal and social integrity."
We have now come to our second point, namely, democracy is not at the present time making provision in education for religion and morality. About the only group modern education really caters to is the group that neither practices nor believes in any religion.
Read the entire address, "The Christian Order and Education", at www.FultonSheen.com. Also, some pithy Sheen quotes about politics and religion can be found here as well.
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