America Quote by Dick Armey
“America's Christian conservative movement is confronted with this divide: small-government advocates who want to practice their faith independent of heavy-handed government versus big-government sympathizers who want to impose their version of 'righteousness' on others through the hammer of law… Our movement must avoid the temptations of power and those who would twist the good intentions of Christian voters to support policies that undermine freedom and grow government.”
About This Quote
The quote warns that Christian conservatives must resist both the urge to dominate politics and the temptation to let the state enforce their moral vision, lest they betray liberty.
In simple terms: Avoid using government power to enforce religious morals.
Key Takeaway
Freedom and moral integrity conflict with political power.
Themes
politics
religion
government
freedom
morality
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political commentary
When to use this quote
- legislative debates on religious freedom
- faith‑based advocacy groups
- policy drafting by religious politicians
Key Concepts
power dynamics
ethical governance
Practical Applications
- Promote voluntary charity over mandated morality
- Encourage civic engagement without coercive legislation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a faith community influence public policy without compromising liberty?
- What safeguards prevent moral legislation from becoming authoritarian?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that government can protect moral standards that benefit society, but this risks majoritarian oppression.
![“[T]he Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis, or rather the source of all genuine freedom in government. . . . and I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the principles of that religion have not a controlling influence.” quote by Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d3/noah-webster-8440_bases_t-he-christian-religion-in-its-purity-is_381346.jpg)
![“[T]he tax code has been piling up, year after year, a symbol of everything gone wrong in America, of arrogant rulers and lost freedom, just waiting for us to pick the whole thing up and heave it away. It has to happen. Free people can put up with such laws only for so long.” quote by Dick Armey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aed/dick-armey-16265_america_t-he-tax-code-has-been-piling-up-year-af_12886.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
