Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is regarded by many as a religious fanatic because of his insistence that as an elected public official, he has both the right and the duty to single out a particular conception of God to acknowledge and support. Others, however, see those same actions and conclude that he should be lauded as a national hero. Why? These same people are religious nationalists - for them, defense of the nation and defense of a particular religion are one and the same.

An essay by "Sartre" states in Ether Zone:

Judge Moore is National hero. Let the cultural war turn into a judicial battle that will see the Federal black robes cast into the pit of hell. Those who understand the nature of our Republic have a duty to rally to the cause of this courageous jurist. Civil disobedience against the central court tyrants is not only appropriate, but necessary. ... The integrity of the Republic is in play and this is a real test of your Patriotism. How you view this action will either enrich your soul or condemn you to an inferno of secular absolutism. Restoring constitutional federalism requires men of courage and leadership of conviction. Finally victory can only be reach through national repentance. Now is your chance to stand up and be counted where it really matters. Thank God for Judge Moore...

Note that the author makes the connection between patriotism and religious chauvinism very explicit: unless you defend the government support and encouragement of the Ten Commandments, then you fail the test of Patriotism. Not only aren't you a "Real Patriot" (tm), but your soul is condemned as well. It should be observed that the author doesn't just have in mind people like Hindus and atheists, but also other Christians who object to governmental endorsement of the Ten Commandments. The author specifically singles out Barry Lynn, a Christian, for criticism because he is an advocate for the separation of church and state.

Theocrats don't want a separation of church and state - for them, church and state are and must be one and the same institution. Criticism of one is criticism of the other. Dissent from one is dissent from the other. That's the sort of America they wish to create.

Read More:

• Judge Roy Moore
• Ten Commandments
• Separation of Church and State 101
• Religious Right
• Christian Extremism
• Religious Intolerance & Bigotry
• Secularism 101