Ok, little background on me here. I am fifteen ,and I live in a small town in Tennessee. My dad is a lawyer here, however, he doesn't like to discuss politics. I do not keep up to date on politics, but I do know two big issues that face the government are gay marriage and abortion. I am aware there is separation of church and state. I am also aware that this rule does not include forbidding religion making it's way into the government. (That's a different story however.) My question is not what you, the reader, thinks of these two issues! My question is, does it not seem like hindering either of these acts would interfear with someone's beliefs? I am not getting technical with this question, I want to hear a variaty of answers.
2006-10-16 02:08:35 · 5 answers · asked by davy 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Davy, The first amendment says that government should not impose religion or interfere with the free exercise of religion -- that's all it says. The idea of a "Wall of Seperation" was coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter he wrote to a Baptist church in Connecticut -- it isn't law -- it was one man's personal observation.
In a free society you have to expect that people are going to organize to influence public policy. It's foolish to believe that people will have deeply held beliefs and then not try to influence the laws of the land to reflect those beliefs. The law (in effect) says that government should stay out of religion; but it never said religion should should stay out of politics.
Throughout American history, religion has played an important role in political debates. The Abolition Movement in the 19th century, and the Civil Rights movement of the 20th are both examples of the continuing influence of religion in American political life.
So, you're right. Trying to keep religion out of politics would be an infringement. This isn't to say that what every religious person wants is correct. It is to say that everyone else is going to struggle to influence government to do what they want, and surely the rights of believers are no less than those of non-believers.
Great Question.
2006-10-16 02:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot satisfy all of the people all of the time. Someone's toes are going to get stepped on all the time. Government has an obligation to protect the lives of its citizens, even the unborn. Government has the obligation to set a single standard for each area that is a general concern to the entire population, which is why it involves itself in the marriage issue. Banning gay marriages is about protecting the institution of the family. Religion really has nothing to do with either of these two issues, but churches make it their business when they should really stay out of politics.
2006-10-16 09:25:44 · answer #2 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a person of 15,you have more knowledge then most people. Government is confusing, they are human beings just like every one else and have there own opinions. I think every one should read the Constitution Of The United States along with it`s Amendments. It might help.
2006-10-16 09:26:42 · answer #3 · answered by jamesanderson22 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These issues do not have to be about religion. It's about definition.
The Definition of when a fetus becomes a human being. - depends on when we define a fetus as living, as soon as we do that it is murder and then it is wrong.
The Definition of marriage - what "alternative" lifestyle is and which ones are we going to allow and which ones are we not going to allow.
See Didn't mention once religion did I?
2006-10-16 09:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question. Yes it does.Not allowing these act should have nothing to do with a persons beliefs.Unfortunately they do.In so doing they do interfere with my personal beliefs that a person has the right to choose who they marry and what to do with their own body..
2006-10-16 09:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by eva b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋