I know it is not specifically in the Constitution, but it was my understanding it was pretty much there...would that sentence be expressing a personal point of view? Or is it a fact?
Is there a way I could state this concept without it being my opinion?
2007-11-08 01:39:54 · 17 answers · asked by Amber W 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Actually that was the intention of the Founders, but there is a Theofascist group, as Totalitarian and Theocratic as any Islamic Theofascist that is trying to change that.
There are many true and devout Christians who do not realize that these folks are "new" and very different from Conservative Evangelicals and have in their hearts the very opposite of what Jesus preached.
What the founders were worried about was for a group in power to enforce a religion, and murder those who did not agree, as had been done too many times in their living memory. I don't know if they anticipated the Communist techniques being used to subvert existing secular and religious institutions, and has been the case.
2007-11-08 01:47:07 · answer #1 · answered by Dragon 4 · 5⤊ 5⤋
While it is not expressed in the Constitution, the separation of church and state opinion has been expressed many times since or nation was founded. It is not really accurate to say that the nation was founded on this principle however. The United States of America were founded on the principles of freedom and equality.
2007-11-08 01:49:24 · answer #2 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
You are right; the WORDS "separation of church and state" are not in U. S. Constitution. However, you concede that they were in a Supreme Court ruling. If that ruling still stands, the words still have the force of law. My guess is that the Supreme Court used these words because they provide a convenient summary of ideas that ARE in the U.S. Constitution. TJ: "Thomas Jefferson -- who was an atheist." I agree. Pretty profound indicator of what he had in mind for the United States. I am glad you "agree".
2016-05-28 10:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To say that the country was "founded on separation of church and state" is erroneous.
It was merely a Jeffersonian expression of opinion on the implications in the constitution.
Amendment I
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.
Jefferson's Wall of Separation Letter
2007-11-08 01:50:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
No, it is stating a fact.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights. It prohibits the federal legislature from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion" (the "Establishment Clause") or that prohibit free exercise of religion (the "Free Exercise Clause"), laws that infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to assemble peaceably, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
2007-11-08 01:51:26 · answer #5 · answered by courage 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
(No, it's not a personal opinion.)
Yes, it is a fact. You can state it without it being opinion because you can cite the U.S. Constitution. It *is* specifically in there. 1st amendment, I believe... (Bill H has it right here.)
In law school, I learned that "the Establishment Clause" means that the government cannot make laws which favor one religion over another OR religion over non-religion. (That is how the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted that clause of the 1st Amendment.)
and, quite frankly, it's truly sad that more people don't know this... thumbs down for the Constitution? Sad.
2007-11-08 01:51:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
The language of the First Amendment is not entirely clear and has therefore been the subject of many lawsuits regarding how religious establishments and the government may interact. The phrase "respecting an establishment of religion” for instance has caused quite a bit of discussion. The US Supreme Court has been called on to decide various issues concerning religion and government.
As a result, separation of church and state is a legal principle in American constitutional law that is derived from the First Amendment. The US Supreme Court has referred to the legal principle of separation of church and state for many decades.
One could probably describe all Supreme Court decisions as “opinions” but it is the responsibility of the US Supreme Court to determine what the Constitution means in relation to controversies arising under the Constitution. (Article III, US Constitution).
This issue is not a simple one, which could be said about many areas of dispute under the Constitution.
2007-11-08 02:16:04 · answer #7 · answered by tribeca_belle 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
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.
2007-11-08 01:49:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
You need to go to your local bookstore and purchase a copy of the Constitution. When the subject comes up, reach in your pocket and show the person Amendment I.
Try reading the rest of it, if for nothing but nostalgia's sake.
2007-11-08 01:51:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Personal opinion. This country was founded on freedom of religion, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...FREEDOM is what it's all about...or at least what it WAS all about. Separation of church and state is an important part of that but not the foundation. Of course this is just MY opinion lol.
2007-11-08 01:48:30 · answer #10 · answered by Erinyes 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋