James Joyner, a secular humanist, has some excellent commentary on the gathering of “anti-theocracy” groups this weekend in D.C.

Understanding and answering the “religious far right” that propelled President Bush’s re-election is key to preventing a “theocracy” from governing the nation, speakers argued at a weekend conference.

“The religious right now has an unprecedented influence on American politics and policy,” said Ralph White, co-founder of the Open Center, a New York City institution focused on holistic learning. “It is incumbent upon all of us to understand as precisely as possible its aims, methods, beliefs, theology and psychology.”

Joyner:

These people are either delusional or woefully ignorant of both American history and electoral math. I’m a secular humanist but understand that I’m in a small minority in what is perhaps the most religious nation in the developed world. That said, it is simply absurd that the “religious far right” is sufficiently large to elect a president, let alone that they’d have picked George W. Bush if they were indeed powerful enough to choose our leader.

And then he goes on to back it up…. check it out.

Somewhat related, Pat Roberston, on ABC’s “This Week” apparently offered a “glowing endorsement” of Rudy Giuliani, and as James Joyner says:

If he can wax enthusiastic about the likes of Giuliani, a pro-abortion, pro-gay rights, adulterer, then I’d say we’re more than a smidge away from theocracy.