James is right about Madison opposing chaplains. I discuss the issue at some length in my book. He feared that chaplains would be selected from majority religions and paid for with general tax dollars. He also opposed having a religion department at the University of Virginia. He preferred a wonderful solution -- let all religions have property near the university where they could establish "institutes" (his term) that would have regular access to the university. In today's world where chaplains have been drawn from most faiths, I am not sure how he would stand on the issue -- remember, establishment meant non-preference and equality for all religions. Remember, as well, that his history was one of bloodshed, imprisonment, and persecution of minority religions when one religion was given special preference by the government. His view actually squares very nicely with the 134th section (I wrote an article on this for the BYU Law Review).
James HarveyJuly 3, 2019
Except he leaves out the fact that Madison opposed installing chaplains in both the military and in Congress
Jo AnnJuly 2, 2019
This was so interesting to read. Thank you for this timely information.
Justin MastersJuly 2, 2019
Thank you for posting a wonderful essay and tribute to James Madison that outlines the upbringing and guiding influence that shaped the law to which we most dearly hold fast to.
And thank you for outlining John Witherspoon's influence as well.
Both men among many who prepared this land for freedoms that are a guiding light for the world today.
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Rodney SmithJuly 5, 2019
James is right about Madison opposing chaplains. I discuss the issue at some length in my book. He feared that chaplains would be selected from majority religions and paid for with general tax dollars. He also opposed having a religion department at the University of Virginia. He preferred a wonderful solution -- let all religions have property near the university where they could establish "institutes" (his term) that would have regular access to the university. In today's world where chaplains have been drawn from most faiths, I am not sure how he would stand on the issue -- remember, establishment meant non-preference and equality for all religions. Remember, as well, that his history was one of bloodshed, imprisonment, and persecution of minority religions when one religion was given special preference by the government. His view actually squares very nicely with the 134th section (I wrote an article on this for the BYU Law Review).
James HarveyJuly 3, 2019
Except he leaves out the fact that Madison opposed installing chaplains in both the military and in Congress
Jo AnnJuly 2, 2019
This was so interesting to read. Thank you for this timely information.
Justin MastersJuly 2, 2019
Thank you for posting a wonderful essay and tribute to James Madison that outlines the upbringing and guiding influence that shaped the law to which we most dearly hold fast to. And thank you for outlining John Witherspoon's influence as well. Both men among many who prepared this land for freedoms that are a guiding light for the world today.
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