After my last question about Christian morals (apparently we don't have any) in the Constitution, several people pointed out that 'seperation of church and state' is not found in the constitution. That is correct - it was in a private letter written by Jefferson. However, the First Amendment DOES say, 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'
This phrase means that the gov't shall not recognize any religion officially or endorse any religion. It also means that it won't get in the way of religion (as long as the free exercise of religion doesn't violate other parts of the law, including the first part of that sentance).
So while the PHRASE 'seperation of church and state' doesn't appear in the constitution, it is clearly the IDEA behind the first sentance of the First Amendment.
Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
2006-12-28
16:55:15
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26 answers
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asked by
eri
7
in
Religion & Spirituality