2006-07-29 21:59:10 · 10 answers · asked by bsc_student_08 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Yes - because the constitution is guaranteeing the right to our choice of religion, but not the right for the government to choose our religion for us. If church and state are combined then religious beliefs become law to all, even those who follow a different religion or none at all. Every person has a right to their own standards or principles, but to impose them on others around you is not sanctioned by the constitution. How can there be freedom of religion if one religion is imposed on us by the government?
The phrase 'separation between church and state' does not appear in the constitution. What it does say is "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Letters written by Thomas Jefferson, James Maddison, Ulysses S. Grant specifically mention keeping government and religion seperate which is where many people have drawn their conclusions from regarding this issue.
From this I conclude that regardless of whether that phrase is specifically in the constitution or not, it seems logical that if a government official imposes any religious beliefs or laws on other citizens then they are taking away American's right to choose their OWN religious beliefs. And that IS in the constitution.
2006-07-29 23:10:47 · answer #1 · answered by kikisdragon 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, theocracies suck. Example, Iran.
But there is a difference here that most Americans have been swayed into believing by the ACLU and MoveOn.org...
The Constitution states that the government will make no law ESTABLISHING a religion. It never said that you can't have the Ten Commandments on the steps of the courthouse.
It was and still is common practice to swear the oath on a Bible before testimony. There is no way that the government can ESTABLISH Christianity as a religion. It has been around for a couple of thousand years.
2006-07-30 05:04:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask that you show us where the United States Constitution tells anything about the separation of church and state.
In fact, the first amendment assures the government would not deny the right for anyone to express their faith yet they do. If anyone is in violation of the Constitution, it is they who deny the right to freely express their faith.
2006-07-30 05:41:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know I don't want to be governed by a church. Would a church allow a copy of the Constitution on its steps? Right now we have an administration speaking in terms of a crusade. (See "the 10th crusade" in Wikipedia.)
2006-07-30 05:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it is a long forgotten concept. I know it meant the right to worship whatever religion you wanted but it has come to where Christianity governs our legislation. What about the other religions represented in this country?
2006-07-30 05:05:22 · answer #5 · answered by midnightdealer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! Religion should be a private matter. And, in any case, it certainly shouldn't be forced down anyone's throat by politicians.
And it works both ways: Religions shouldn't be regulated by the government, either.
2006-07-30 05:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Cyn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. I'm a heathen, and don't want to have someone yammering at me out of Leviticus etc. if I get a speeding ticket.
2006-07-30 05:04:39 · answer #7 · answered by gokart121 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To quote 8-bit and Beck: Hell yes.
2006-07-30 05:04:05 · answer #8 · answered by keengrrl76 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,
I have a strong faith in God but little faith in our Government,
I prefer them kept seperate.
2006-07-30 05:37:34 · answer #9 · answered by msdagney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
it has worked so far.Lately however some are trying to pervert its purpose for their own interests
2006-07-30 05:03:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋