2007-12-10 16:40:34 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Separation of church and state is a political and legal idea usually identified with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… The phrase building a wall of separation between church and state was written by Thomas Jefferson in a January 1, 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association.
2007-12-10 16:47:01 · answer #1 · answered by Nicole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As to the origin of the phrase "separation of church and state" when referring to the first amendment assurances, a Baptist organization was concerned about religious liberty in the new nation. Thomas Jefferson, in his letter to the organization, quoted the first amendment and characterized it as "'thus building a wall of separation between church and state". Being the primary author of the declaration of independence, one of the key figures in creating the constitution, and also a president, he had a good idea what they intended when they wrote that amendment.
2007-12-11 00:44:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Separation of church and state is not in the constitution. It was in private letters, and the meaning was not that church remained out of the gov't - in fact, most of our founding fathers believed the Bible was the "cornerstone of Liberty" - but that the government left the churches alone. So, connecting to the first amendment? Well, the gov't needs to stay out of churches and their belief systems as long as they're not physically harming people!
2007-12-11 00:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by RunRunRun 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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 two clauses are separation of church and state. The government is not allowed to establish a state religion and force it upon people, or prevent anyone from exercising their religious faith, or lack of it.
2007-12-11 00:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by Bartthollemew 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"separation of church" and state comes from a letter by Thomas Jefferson
and by misquoting the letter - it has done damage to the USA
here's the link
2007-12-11 00:45:21 · answer #5 · answered by tom4bucs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋