If I may, for clarification, it seems to me like IG and TM7 are in actual agreement that our nation was not founded as a theocracy - although they disagree on many other things, granted. Founded by a bunch of very religious men, yes, but not implicitly or explicitly founded by design or intention as a theocracy, per the definition supplied by TM7. It was founded as a republic in which religion should be celebrated and highly valued by its citizens, but not interfered with by the "state" (i.e. government, specifically federal).
Is that a point on which we can agree?
I think its important to recognize agreement where it exists, because then I think we more clearly understand the differences. Just reading through this, and many other threads related prior, the difference of opinion lies in how one answers the question: what is the role of the Religious Adherent (Christian, Muslim, Jew, et al) in American government? To what degree should public policy be influenced by one's faith? I think we would all agree that if a president were to run the nation as if everyone in it believed as he, and to the same degree, we would quickly appear to be a theocracy. Policy therefore should be rooted in that which is common to all, as much as is possible.
I think this is the issue with Islam in the US. Public policy (in practice if not in fact) seems to grant Muslims greater concessions beyond that which is common to all; deferential treatment if you will. I think the argument could be made that its in part a factor of timing; we're on the crest of diversity and affirmative action in the public arena. We do not know how to assimilate and at the same time celebrate, so we celebrate first in the hopes that assimilation occurs later. And by celebrate, I mean we force tolerance. Given that Christianity is still the majority religion in the US, it is the Christians who are feeling the brunt of forced tolerance, and feeling the loss of tolerance of Christianity that goes along with it. Its no longer about what we may have in common with Islam, as we are told to embrace the whole thing lock, stock and barrel.
