Re-Post (2/13): De Tocqueville - Observance of Divine Laws...

In observing the winds of change in American society, it is hard to overlook the absence of what used to be a cornerstone of our great nation.  Over 170 years ago Alexis de Tocqueville wrote the following in his historical treatise "Democracy in America":

"...in America, religion is the road to knowledge, and the observance of the divine laws leads man to civil freedom.

"I have said enough to put the character of Anglo-American civilization in its true light. It is the result (and this should be constantly present to the mind) of two distinct elements, which in other places have been in frequent hostility, but which in America have been admirably incorporated and combined with one another.  I allude to the spirit of Religion and the spirit of Liberty."

Reflecting on where we are as a nation today, it is sad to observe that over time we seem to have degenerated from a state which de Tocqueville admired to one where religion and liberty seem to be in open conflict - or rather, both simultaneously oppressed to some degree or another, but under the cloak of civil freedom.  It is truly a contradiction of the greatest proportions to promote policies which proclaim strengthened civil liberties and which at the same time hinder religious followers and institutions from following the dictates of their conscience.
Let me be clear: I am not proposing to establish a state religion wherein theology is forced down the throats of our citizens.  I believe in the freedom of expression.  I believe in the freedom of choice, even if that choice is contrary to my own.  But I also believe that the values most religions teach are positive, and that those values help build stronger individuals, stronger families, and thus a stronger society.
We would be wise to remember de Tocqueville's note that "the observance of the divine laws leads man to civil freedom."  A couple of days ago I would have wondered how that is, but I recently heard an insightful explanation on the subject that I'll share here.  There is a notion put forth by some that religions suppress people by requiring strict obedience to certain standards.  However, at the core of many religious tenets are the notions of service, compassion, respect, love, selflessness, and treating others as you would like to be treated.  If all people were to be of such high character, would we not be a freer people?  Would we not be more willing and able to trust one another, and rely upon one another?  Gone would be the days when we must lock up all of our property for fear of theft.  Gone would be the days when we suspect all strangers (and some "friends" as well) of deceit and ill motives.  Gone would be the days when we are forced to rely upon government to enforce standards of high moral conduct.  Instead, we would experience a type of freedom that today we can currently only dream of.