in what ways is the first amendment violated, under the freedom of religion (like church and state)?

Question

please help me... im sooooooooo lost and confused.

Answer 1

It isn't! The phrase "separation of church and state" is NOT in the Declaration of Independance OR in the US Consitution. It was in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to protect religions from the government, NOT to protect the government from religion.

Answer 2

While the above poster is mostly right, it should be noted that Jefferson's intentions aside, the right to freely practice or not practice religion has been interpreted in modern times to mean that the government should also not endorse a particular religion. In what is probably an over-zealous attempt to accomplish this, many modern political thinkers believe the government should refrain from involving itself with any religious practice, as doing so would be equal to endorsing that religion as a state-sponsored religion. In terms of whether it's really as secular as many want you to believe is questionable. Afterall, look at our own House of Representatives, where every morning they say a prayer before the opening of the House.

Answer 3

Owen answered very well, but, may I add that the Supreme Court also opens each session with prayer?

Many of our most treasured institutions use prayer to asure the blessings of our Creator.

The practice might seem to endorse 'religion' as a whole, but, each religion of the Judeao-Christian kind is welcome to make the offering, on a rotating basis.

Wicca, Satanists, Rastafarians, Pastafarians, and Islam are not part of the 'plan'. In fact, Wicca and other Spiritualist religions were illegal until laws were changed, AFAIK, in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. http://www.religioustolerance.org/burn_aw2.htm

Pastafarians follow the "Church of the Flying Spagetti Monster".
http://www.venganza.org/

Following the Church of the FSM should help straighten you out.
Truth can do that.

Answer 4

First of all it is NOT an Amendment. Your question pertains to The Bill of Rights, Article 1. 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.
Church and State are always intertwined. The Courts are always making laws pertaining to religion. ie: whether or not to allow The Ten Commandments to be visible in the schools, post office or in a court yard. Look what happens to people who want to worship in their way other than what the government sees fit. They are murdered by the government. ie; Waco, Texas. The television news aired propaganda to sway the ignorant public in order to murder.