What is your stance on the government spending money on religion?

Question

What kind of spending would be justified? What churches should receive the funds?

Answer 1

I don't believe any church should receive government funds.

However, in keeping with the intent of the Constitution, the government should not suppress any religious display or expression even within the halls of government. Since the creation of this nation, Congress and the Supreme Court have opened with prayer to God for guidance. The nation's founders began that practice for good reason - to remind us that our Rights and Citizen Sovereignty are God-given, therefore out of the reach of mere public servants.

The concept of 'separation of church and state' is found in letters Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Baptists (NOT in any of our official founding documents). Jefferson was explaining to the Baptists that Government will never be allowed to interfere in religious observance, that government will always remain subservient to the faith of The People. That is why our Constitution prohibits Congress from making any laws regarding an establishment of religion or the free expression of religion.

When the first Congress instructed President Washington to create a national day of prayer to God (Thanksgiving), it was within the scope of the Constitution. Prayer and religious observance within the halls of government has been our national tradition since the Founders started it.

Answer 2

Not unless the government is going to make the same funds equally available to every religion, and to every non-religious group, on an equal basis and using the same objective (secular) criteria.

If everyone has equal opportunity, religious or not, then religion is not getting any special treatment. Otherwise, it's a constitutional violation.

{EDIT to Answers1} Religion is banned in the Constitution, at least the US version. And being part of the Pledge since 1954 is hardly much of an endorsement.

Read the Constitution, starting with Article VI. Slavery was considered less dangerous to the country than Religion was.

Answer 3

Won't happen in the U.S. The ACLU makes too much money off of their court costs because all their lawyers are in house. The taxpayers essentially fund the ACLU so they can sue us over the name of a village again. That's about the only money getting spent on religion. There are some faith based initiative things which help out with soup kitchens because some churches take care of things nobody else will, but that's not about paying for religion, it's basically paying for welfare.

Answer 4

James Madison was for the separation of church and state for fear that by doing that the state would corrupt the church. The first veto of his presidency was a bill to give money to a Washington church to help the poor. Thomas Jefferson was for the separation for fear that the church would corrupt the government. it's seems both of their fears have come true!

Answer 5

GIVE THE MONEY TO GOD,
NOT THE CHURCHES,,]

HOW,?
CREATIVE SPENDING, FOR THOSE WHO REALLY NEED IT,
I DO NOT TRUST MAN, OR CHURCHES, BECAUSE THEY LIE,,
SO NO..
WHAT WOULD GOD, (OR JESUS) DO WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS, IF THEY HAD A SAY?

THAT IS THE ONLY WAY,, AND I GUESS THE BIBLE HAS MANY CLUES, HOW THIS COULD BE DONE,

Answer 6

why did you asked about only churches not mosque synagogues be mindful of others that just as much could use the government spending if this was to ever happen!
thank you!

Answer 7

Seperation of Church and state! No tax dollars to churches! Bad idea!

Answer 8

they spend money on welfare on parents who cant afford kids, no difference to me.

churches should exsist on donations only, and yes im a christian and I believe that money should go towards are crappy school system.

Answer 9

Religion is in the Constitution, the Pledge of Allegiance, on our money...everyone benefits.

Answer 10

This should not happen. Separation between church and state...