Most core values stem from an individual's religious slant. Simultaneously, our political slants - liberal to conservative - are also guided primarily by our moral code. So, while we "preach" the separation of church and state, ultimately the two are interwoven deeply into every fiber that makes us who we are.

Whether a Christian or not, everyone holds certain views and opinions on other religions. We try not to judge others, based on their beliefs. Try, that is. Yet, we often do.

Now, there is growing concern about Christians becoming the minority in this country. Even our politicians seem to all be of "some other" belief or religion and many fear we're losing our Christian stronghold in government - which is where we need it the most.

Yes, most Americans agree that government needs a strong religious fabric to shore up its moral backbone - now more than ever.

Government and religion are supposed to be separate issues and yet we elect our officials based on what we perceive as their core values. Most core values stem from an individual's religious slant. Simultaneously, our political slants - liberal to conservative - are also guided primarily by our moral code. So, while we "preach" the separation of church and state, ultimately the two are interwoven deeply into every fiber that makes us who we are.

As for the changing tide in congress, it's an interesting point. There definitely seems to be a lot of "God-less activity" running amuck in the halls of government. We see our officials attending church, praying, attending religious-based events and above all - invoking the dreaded "God Bless America" line that has totally lost its meaning to any hardcore "believer." While portraying themselves as righteous role models, our officials conduct business in a quagmire of iniquity.

SOUP OF THE DAY

Have Christians lost their "stronghold" in congress? First, many might take issue with the term stronghold - since again, religion is intended to be a separate issue. However, we all know that faith really is a political issue these days. With the worldwide conflicts between Muslims, Christians, Jews and others - religion seems to be making all the headlines.

According to the Pew Forum, the religious ratios in the 111th congress stack up as follows:

• Protestants: 54.7%, slightly above their 51% of the population, but down from 74% in 1961
• Catholics: 30%, which is higher than their 25% of the population
• Jews: 8.4%, well above their 1.7% of the population
• Mormons: 2.6%, higher than their 1.7% of the population
• Muslims: 2, not 2%... just 2
• Buddhists: again, just 2
• Quaker: only 1
• No faith in a supreme being: 1, Democrat Pete Stark of California

While we view Protestants as the "Christian" category, that group now includes so many demoninations with various shades of faith that it's often hard to tell who's really a Christian and who's just attending church. However, concern that Christians might not maintain a majority has been answered. They do - for now.

It's interesting to note on the downside that Baptists make up 17.2% of the population, but only 12.4% of congress - included in the Protestant equation above. In contrast, America's 6.2% Methodists are overly represented by 10.7% in congress.

The winners in the over-represented categories are:

• Episcopalians: 7.1% in congress, far surpassing their measly 1.5% of the population
• Presbyterians: 8.1% in congress, tripling their modest 2.7% population

For the time being, it appears that "In God We Trust" is still holding true.

But, the opposition is gaining ground.