Do you think religion and state should be totally separate??(america)?

Question

i was having this discussion in my religion class - i believe that america falsly portrays itself as a nation in which state and church are two separate things when in reality our country is influenced a lot by religion. i feel that this is very wrong and we should make various changes in our government. i think that "under god" should be taken out of the pledge of allegance or atleast change it to "founded" under god. id just rather take it out all together. i also think we should swear on the constitution when in court or being appointed into high positions like senate. i would like "god bless america" be taken off the money but obviously that may be almost impossible. true, we were founded on christianity but we were also founded on racism, slavery, women as second class citizens, etc. the law has been altered for equal rights, why s this any different? its not to me and i hope we eventually see these changes. we are no longer a nation of all white protestants - diversity is now!

im american just to let you guys know and yes i am christian even though i disagree a lot with christian teachings..thats a whole different question though lol okay later loves!

Answer 1

I do believe religion & politics should be separate. Even Jesus turned down the opportunity to be a human king when some of his followers tried to crown him as one, & he said that his kingdom would be 'no part of this world'. Plus, the Bible also states 'not to put trust in earthly nobles & kings to which no salvation belongs' & that it 'does not belong to man even to direct his step'. To look to a human government to dictate religious standards really conflicts with Bible standards- you can look to one or the other, but it would be contradictory to look to both.

Answer 2

I think it's ~85% of America that identifies itself as christian. Something like 20% identify themselves as evangelicals. That 20% is, through the presidency and the help of this last congress, determining the social policy for the rest of us. I don't really have a problem with the words Under God being the pledge of allegience or the words God Bless America. I think that comes more from the Free Mason side of things and less from the religious side of things. If you look at the writings of Thomas Jefferson you'll see what I mean. He really had no respect for organized religion.

The problem that I have with Church and State is that the morality of the few is not the morality of the whole. Making laws based on this false, tightly structured morale view (that most of these christians in power seem to ignore their leisure. Take Pat Robertson and his embezzeling money out of his charity) to govern the majority goes against everything the constitution stands for. My morales are not their morales and according to the constitution Laws cannot be made to effect this. I wish I could make a more coherent argument but I just woke up and am rambling now.

Answer 3

This country was built on a religious foundation, but when things started happening that went against the doctrine of the church, all of a sudden laws were created to separate church and state so people can justify their sinful actions.

People really do not understand that the more we go against the bible, we are just playing into the devil's hands, and for that we each will be held accountable. Will you (anyone in general) go against the grain and do what is right, or try to appeal to the masses to win a vote or satisfy your own greed and controlling nature? That is the true question.

Answer 4

I agree with you about complete separation of church and state. That is the way our forefathers meant it to be and no one has a right to change that. our country was founded because of a desire to have religious freedom not founded under god. The people of England required everyone to belong to the church of England is why this country was taken away from the Indians. I think church should stay in church and the government should stay in our government buildings. the first one to try ind put religion in our government should die and the same goes for the government trying to infringe on the churches.

Answer 5

I think there should be a separation, too, but it's easier said than done. Over three fourths of Americans claim to be Christian. With that kind of religious majority, it's only natural that Christians are going to try and make their government more intertwined with their religious beliefs.

The biggest thing to keep in mind thought is how the Founding Fathers were children of the Age of Enlightenment. The most influential ones were not orthodox Christians. Many of them were Deist's, many of them were Christians in the social and moral sense only. These Enlightenment Age aristocrats were committed to a rational, secular approach to government.

We are a long way from the Enlightenment Age ideals today in America. Orthodox, bible-believing Christianity have made a huge comeback in America starting in a big way after WWII. Christians now are more inclined to up-play faith and downplay reason. Their idea of religion does not recognize that governments are secular creations. They think that God should be involved in all levels of society, including government.

Answer 6

This country was meant to be open to all religions and faiths. We are NOT a Christian nation. If there is any doubt one should check the Treaty of Tripoli (see source). The 11th article of the treaty (which was unanimously approved by the Senate and President) states that fact. The only reason why religion is used in politics is to incite people with fear or anger for someone's specific agenda. It is a shame that politicians will use any method to win elections.

Answer 7

Ask people who believe in the separation of church and state where their rights come from. In the Declaration of Independence - which preceded the Constitution, states that we are endowed by our Creator, with unalienable rights. That means that we have God given rights that no legitimate government can take away.

Compare that to other governments that pretend to grant rights to their subjects. In our nation, God gives rights to the people, and the people establish government to secure those rights. When you remove God from the picture, the only other option is that government is the source of your rights.

What government grants, government can take away.

Answer 8

Religion and state have to be separate if you're going to have freedom of religion. Being free to choose your religion is your right protected by the Constitution. If the state becomes entangled with a particular religion it diminishes the equality of all citizens.

Answer 9

Atheist Agnostic England.

Answer 10

this country was founded on free mason beliefs.morals were more important than reigion.christianity is the most perverted system that ever shone on man.thomas jefferson.also ben franklin,george washington,paul revere,samual adams among others were free masons.in god we trust and the pledge were from the 20th century.