In America, is there a seperation of Agnostocism/Atheism and State?

Question

Disclaimer: I am an agnostic, and yes, this is a real question.

Answer 1

- atheism has nothing to do with agnosticism;

- both aren't movements but philosophical concepts;

- is there a separation of philosophical concepts and State?

...

Answer 2

As we all know, Article 1 of the Bill of Rights reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Many folks claim agnosticism/atheism is a religion. I personally believe it is, based on one of Merriam Webster's definitions: "a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith." Note that God is not mentioned; only faith is mentioned. Agnostics and atheists, by faith, believe there is no God. The influence of atheism and agnosticism is so pervasive that it influences our everyday lives in America. A few things to consider are Michael Newdow's (sp?) partial victories; the ACLU's oppressive stance against Christianity and Judaism; and what we can and cannot teach our children in TAX SUPPORTED public schools.

In fact, these atheistic and agnostic influences are "establishing" the religion of godlessness (not a reference to Anne Coulter!) AND are prohibiting the free exercise of Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Peace.

Answer 3

I'd say more so than other beliefs but in all practicality even though the First Amendment says that the govt shall not endorse one belief over and officially does not we here know better. A lot of people just can't keep personal beliefs and bias' to themselves when making decisions for everyone and that shows in our culture. If it didn't then our current President would have kept his views on atheists and citizenship to himself.

Answer 4

Only when those beliefs(or lack of beliefs) are put forth as a "guiding principle" behind any set of laws/endorsements.
Religiously neutral would be the term that would be better suited to the "separation of church/agnosticism/atheism and state" than the current terminology.

Answer 5

There is actually no "separation of Church and State" referred to in the constitution. It merely states that "Congress shall make no law establishing . . . ". So as long as Congress makes no law establishing Atheism or Agnostocism as the national belief system, then I suppose they can have Atheists in government and the president could endorse Atheism, etc.

Answer 6

Yes.

it is just as unconstitutional to promote atheism or agnosticism via the government as it is to promote any theistic belief.

Our government is secular, which many theists misunderstand to mean atheistic or agnostic. What it really means is neutral. The government is supposed to take no side whatsoever... and agnosticism IS a side.

We agnostics believe that god is unknown, and it follows that religions are just man-made attempts to understand what is unknown. And the government doesn't promote this view.

Answer 7

When was it necessary to state your religion to vote? When did you have to take a blood oath to join the army? People flaunt their religion, not because of devotion but as a challenge to others, as you are doing here. Belief should be a private matter unattached to politics or administration, and any one that carries the two together is simply looking to gather supporters.

Answer 8

The State can't endorse any form of religion (including Atheism) as its official religion.

By law, the State is supposed to be secular.

Answer 9

Interesting question. The government is supposed to be neutral towards any belief system, or lack thereof.

Answer 10

Wouln't the whole world wish there weren't