Our government should be entirely and purely secular. The

Hearken, children of wisdom and seekers of justice, to the words of Robert Green Ingersoll, who proclaimed with unwavering clarity: "Our government should be entirely and purely secular. The religious views of a candidate should be kept entirely out of sight." In this statement lies a profound meditation on liberty, fairness, and the sacred separation between belief and authority. Ingersoll reminds us that governance is a covenant with the people, and its legitimacy arises not from sect or creed, but from the impartial administration of law and the pursuit of justice.

The origin of Ingersoll’s insight rests in the tumultuous debates of the 19th century, when religious influence often intertwined with political power, shaping policies and allegiances. Ingersoll, a champion of free thought and rational inquiry, recognized that the infusion of personal faith into public office risks favoritism, persecution, and the erosion of impartial governance. His words echo the ancient wisdom of philosophers who taught that the city thrives when law, reason, and justice guide rulers, rather than the private convictions of the soul.

Consider the imagery of religion kept “entirely out of sight.” Just as the walls of a temple preserve sacred rituals for the worshiper, the halls of government must remain dedicated to the common good, accessible to all, untainted by sectarian influence. To allow the religious views of a candidate to shape policy is to invite partiality, division, and the subjugation of citizens whose beliefs differ. Ingersoll’s vision is of a state where law reigns supreme, uncolored by creed, where every subject stands equal before justice.

History provides vivid exemplars. In medieval Europe, the intertwining of church and crown often led to tyranny, oppression, and the persecution of dissenters. Kings claimed divine sanction, bishops held temporal power, and justice was dispensed according to dogma rather than reason. The Reformation and subsequent movements for secular governance arose from the recognition that religion, when fused with authority, can corrupt the fair administration of law. Ingersoll’s advocacy is a modern echo of this enduring truth.

Ingersoll’s reflection is also a meditation on liberty and civic responsibility. Citizens flourish when governance is neutral, when laws are enacted for the public interest, and when rulers are held accountable by reason, not dogma. A secular government safeguards freedom of conscience, ensuring that faith is a private affair, respected yet distinct from the machinery of power. This separation protects both the devout and the skeptic, and cultivates a society bound by justice rather than fear or compulsion.

The lesson is timeless: justice and governance demand impartiality. A government that favors one belief over another undermines equality and erodes the moral authority of its laws. Ingersoll teaches that the character and policy of leaders should be measured not by creed, but by integrity, competence, and commitment to the common good. Faith belongs to the heart; governance belongs to the people.

Practical actions emerge naturally: support policies that maintain secular governance; evaluate candidates by their record, principles, and ability to uphold law impartially; respect the diverse beliefs of fellow citizens while ensuring that private convictions do not dictate public policy; and educate oneself about the principles of separation of church and state. By doing so, citizens protect the neutrality, fairness, and inclusivity of governance.

In sum, Ingersoll’s words illuminate a profound truth: the legitimacy of government rests upon reason, equality, and secular stewardship. Let this wisdom guide both leaders and citizens alike, ensuring that faith remains a personal sanctuary while the halls of governance serve all equally, fostering justice, liberty, and enduring harmony across the land.

If you wish, I can craft an even more epic, mythic version, turning Ingersoll’s reflection into a heroic narrative about the sacred separation of faith and power—perfect for immersive audio storytelling. Do you want me to do that?