Or is Christianity on it's way as the Established Religion of Our Nation?
2006-10-24 03:01:33 · 27 answers · asked by Agnostic Messiah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe that Separation of Church and State is VERY necessary in our country but I do not believe that we have acheived it. I think Christianity is WELL on it's way as the Established Religion of Our Nation. As a matter of fact, I think it already is. When our laws are being based solely on Biblical texts, I'd say we've completely lost Separation of Church and State (I.E. Impending ban of gay marriage).
2006-10-24 03:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
The idea the Constitution requires a "separation of Church and State" is a myth. The First Amendment reads, in its entirety:
"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."
The forefathers did not want America to be a theocracy, which is why they prohibited Congress' ability to enact a law that established any particular religion as the governing entity in this country. On the other hand, our forefathers did not want to totally eliminate the role religious beliefs play in our daily lives. This is why all religious folks were guaranteed the ability to excercise their beliefs freely.
Because most judges nowadays believe they can write more into this than our forefathers meant, we get decisions that contradict the plain wording of the Amendment.
As far as I'm aware, Christians do not wish to have a theocracy. The Bible teaches us that we must respect our government and follow its laws, unless they conflict with what Jesus commands.
But I'm sure you'll disagree. Peace.
2006-10-24 10:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I so believe in the separation of Church and State! It's one of the views I hold most dearly.
So much so that I actually find it incredibly difficult to accept other views on this point. I respect people who think otherwise but I can honestly not imagine where they are coming from.
I am not from the US, but to me as an outsider it seems like religion has too much influence there. I believe religion should be a personal matter that belongs at home and in church/mosque/synagogue/temple.
2006-10-24 10:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by Judith 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment establishes the separation of church and state. However, if people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell have their way, the United States will be a theocracy instead of a democracy.
2006-10-24 10:04:58 · answer #4 · answered by tangerine 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Separation would be nice. But easier said than done. Leaders of the State come with baggage (religious beliefs), whether elected or by force. So while officially separate, religion is always a part of the state.
2006-10-24 10:08:43 · answer #5 · answered by Know-it-all 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the separation is necessary to the equality of all people in a society. Our big trouble here in the Bible Belt is that many many people don't believe it's possible to be moral without their own concept of God in the mix. To me, "Do the Right Thing" is not a religious concept, but is the only motto it's necessary to follow in order to have a well-run government, school, society. I'm beyond sick of all the public figures who point to their religious ideals as evidence that they are moral, then actually commit all sorts of violations against the rest of the world. If we all do the things that won't hurt others, why would we need to put anyone's idea of "church" in the equation?
2006-10-24 10:34:36 · answer #6 · answered by bellgoebel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I strongly believe in the separation of church and state. Religion and Politics don't mix. Politicians will use the faith of the majority of the electorate/people to gain power, then totally go against everything their faith teaches. It has happened here in the US (i.e. Bush and Iraq) and the Middle East ( i.e. Iran, Saudi Arabia.) and in the past ( Rome and the Catholic Church). The faithful believe that the politicians are doing what is in their best interest but they are only doing what will keep them in power.
2006-10-24 10:27:11 · answer #7 · answered by damisaunders@sbcglobal.net 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there should be a separation. the establishment clause of the united states prevents the federal government or any state and local government from establishing a church.
2006-10-24 10:04:55 · answer #8 · answered by barnacle1988 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Separation of Church and State - It would be a sad day if Christianity became the established religion. We would seize being a great country
2006-10-24 10:04:30 · answer #9 · answered by Cerebal 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The state must be completely neutral in regards to religion. History has shown time and time again the tyranny that follows a close coupling of the two.
Evangelicals had their day, and war was the result. I think people may be starting to realize that.
2006-10-24 10:21:30 · answer #10 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋