The Way of God -- Feb. 22, 2002

Attorney General John Ashcroft told the National Religious Broadcasters convention this week that the war against terrorism amounts to the "way of god" vs. "the way of the terrorists." He said, "civilized people – Muslims, Christians and Jews – all understand that the source of freedom and human dignity is the creator."

Now who would disagree with that remark? The usual suspects. Americans United for Church-State Separation and James Zogby of the Arab-American Institute.

Religion is OK in politics as long as you don't take it seriously. And, of course, if you are a Muslim terrorist you are supposed to be understood for your anger and killer tendencies. But if you're a peaceful, practicing Christian – as the Attorney General is – you're supposed to put your faith on a shelf and see the world through secular eyes.

The Attorney General is right about this and his detractors are wrong. Fortunately, the President supports him and so should the rest of us.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.