Is there really a separation of Church and State in America?

Question

Does America go far enough to separate them or not far enough? Does it really even exist?

This question is for everyone. I'd like all opinions. Thanks guys!

Answer 1

That phrase is not, repeat NOT in the Constitution.

Answer 2

Some 5 months ago someone here on Y!A asked, "The Supreme Court has ruled on seperation of church and state & it is valid. How can right-wingers just dispute that way?"

I responded,

"The Supreme Court cannot possibly rule on all matters of how and when to separate church from state. And it has certainly not been consistent about the topic. I think 'right-wingers' are not just frustrated about being disempowered by the Court but are also perplexed about the Court's inconsistency. The Court has disallowed prayer in public schools -- even a moment of silence -- but has also said that Congress and the state legislatures may hire chaplains to lead prayer. The Court will allow city hall to put a nativity scene on the front lawn so long as Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph are also in the manger, but not if the nativity scene is only made up of the religious symbols. Is the Supreme Court supposed to erect a "wall" separating church from state or is it supposed to erect a slice of swiss cheese separating church from state?"

Answer 3

This was my answer to a similar question--

All governments have a unified concept of religion and government. That includes our present government. Though the U.S. government "technically" permits so-called freedom of religion; this is not true in fact. The state religion in western society is humanistic scientism with an accepted eschatological belief in technological utopianism. An individual may nominally practice any religion they choose WITHIN that framework. For example: A Christian Scientist may believe what they choose to believe, but they may not withhold medical treatment to their child because of their belief structure. This falls outside of the realm of "reason" and "humane" behavior. The same would be true with animal sacrifice by practitioners of Satanism or Santeria. Another example would be the advocacy of non-violent cooperation with the state in an attempt to institute a form of Christian communism. This is sedition.

The US Constitution is an inherently conservative document. It is designed to preserve the status quo. It has the following six objectives: (1) in order to form a more perfect union, (2) establish justice,(3) insure domestic tranquility, (4) provide for the common defense, (5) promote the general welfare, (6) and secure the blessings of liberty.

Religion; especially the Christian religion; looks forward to the establishment of "heaven on earth". it is an inherently revolutionary viewpoint. The only way that the conservative powers of the status quo can preserve things as they are is to co-opt the christian desire for a perfect future into the "state religion". Ronald Reagan's, "City on the Hill" is a good example. The underlying meaning of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is another one. The Christian forces of the abolitionist movement were channeled into defeating the secessionist movement. How about the Cold War? The manipulation of Christian faith the support the state against, "Godless Communism" This was wonderful for the powers that be because they could link atheism with communism, and use Christianity to rationalize the continued inequalities of the capitalist system.

Religion will always be manipulated by the status quo to obtain their objective: Keep things as they are. In this sense Karl Marx was right: Religion is the opium of the masses.

Answer 4

I think the United States should do everything in its power to keep the god issues out of all phases of government. I dont think puplic officials should be able to pray in public,nor express any of their beliefs to the public. I find it insulting that the govt. would assume that I hold dear all that is American on an equal base with some made up spook in the sky. You see, I too, have an opinion, no matter how unpopular it may be with the masses. This is why I live in the greatest nation in the world.

Answer 5

The answer is right in the Constitution, in the oft misrepresented establishment clause (the First Ammendment), which states:

"CONGRESS shall MAKE NO LAW respecting (regarding) the establishment of a religion, or the free practice thereof..."

In other words, congress cannot declare a lsole legal religion, and cannot regulate its practice in any form, in any place (private OR public), for any reason. The ONLY exception is where one would seek to infringe upon another's rights to life or liberty, such as the Islamic concept of Jihad, or holy war. (And Before anyone starts to call me a bigot, I'm not. I've studied the Quran and Islam itself)

Answer 6

The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights does not require a separation of church and state. That phrase is not in the Constitution. The First Amendment does require that the government cannot establish a religion.
Separation of church and state is a catch all phrase used by attorneys.

Answer 7

There is separation of Church and State in America because the Religious leaders are not running the US government and does not even have a control or enormous influende on it.

Answer 8

The Constitution does not say anything about the Seperation of Church and State. In fact, it says that the government can not limit free practice of religion which is clearly not what the government is doing. Of course, the government can not have one "National Religion" as that is ridiculous, but they try so hard to repress all public relgion when they should be accepting them all equally.

Answer 9

Not only a seperation between church and state but a genuine distain for their country and a strong hate for the church.

Answer 10

Churches should not be allowed tax-exempt status. They have become too political.

Organized religion has no place in government just as organized government has no place in religion. Look at what it's like in the Mideast with them intertwined, do we want that?????

Answer 11

Not for the past six years under wannabe King George.