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Strictly speaking, Western Civilization doesn't have Judeo-Christian roots; they're Greek. It is, however, now heavily influenced by Judeo-Christian ethics. One could argue that the tolerant nature of the West helped to propel the Gospel out of the Mid-east and into the rest of the world. It has never stopped being tolerant of outside ideas.

Yes, yes, I was taking a verbal shortcut. And tolerance of Judeo-Christian ethics has arguably a net positive to Western Civ., because properly implemented (NOT as in the Inquisition, etc.) they are fairly compatible. And we both worry whether or not this is likely to hold true for every religion.

By allowing one religion to insert its beliefs into the law, we've opened the door for other religions to do the same. I don't want Jainists writing laws forbidding the eating of meat, or Muslims writing laws requiring women to wear burqas and thus I can't expect to see Christians writing laws according to our sense of morality.

Of course, I don't want to live under Sharia law, either. But I don't quite agree with your wording. I think a Christian is specifically under an obligation to at least respect the Christian sense of morality in writing laws. In some cases, that may indeed translate to taking an amoral approach to the law, because it best allows the Christian to practice his morality. However, amorality is a slippery slope, too.

Of course, I don't want to live under Sharia law, either. But I don't quite agree with your wording. I think a Christian is specifically under an obligation to at least respect the Christian sense of morality in writing laws. In some cases, that may indeed translate to taking an amoral approach to the law, because it best allows the Christian to practice his morality. However, amorality is a slippery slope, too.

No, I wouldn't expect a legislator of any religion to write a law that specifically contradicts his moral views. I wouldn't expect a Vegan to write a law making the eating of meat mandatory or a Muslim to try to outlaw head coverings for women. However, if one is going to participate in the business of governing, there are rules to follow. In the US, that means not writing one's religious views into the law. If I were allowed to insert my Christian beliefs into law then there would be nothing to stop a Muslim from inserting Sharia law into our legal codes. Since I do not want the latter, I cannot insist upon the former.