First, I have learned that in many areas of life, especially in places I've worked, that even the semblance of impropriety is the same as impropriety. If people could think that, that is as much as if it were true.
I really wish I could remember the name of that judge who was always making rulings while quoting the Bible, admonishing those who have not followed the commandments, and sentencing people to religious-based punishment of his choosing. One simple example occurring all over the country is that those with DUIs can go to AA instead of jail, but AA is religious-based. Actually, it won't work unless you believe in God. It has been an uphill battle to allow atheists to have the same opportunities.
That sounds like a judge ineffective at his job. There is corruption and incompetence in every sector of society whether public, private, or spiritual. There is a special danger when there is an abuse of power simultaneously church and state; First Amendment establishment clause in my opinion is intended to protect against this sort of thing. But the extremism of the separation doctrine we are suffering with serves only to create factions, not legitimate protections.
those with DUIs can go to AA instead of jail, but AA is religious-based. Actually, it won't work unless you believe in God. It has been an uphill battle to allow atheists to have the same opportunities.
Atheists with DUIs court-ordered to AA have exactly the same chance of recovery in AA as, uh, non-atheists. If they want it, they can have it. There are plenty of atheists sober in AA.
I have learned that in many areas of life, especially in places I've worked, that even the semblance of impropriety is the same as impropriety. If people could think that, that is as much as if it were true.
I guess your implication is that it is unacceptable to have a judge that appears to violate secular principles. The fear of unfair treatment becomes reasonable enough that we should err on the side of caution.
This is a slippery slope argument applied to the establishment clause. I am not enamored of slippery slope arguments. Every argument should live and die on its own individual merits.