Separation of Church and State: taking it out of context?

Question

"Separation of church and state" - those exact words are not written in the constitution.

Here is what the constitution says...

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"

Why do so many people deliberately take this out of context? Do the secularists and Atheists have an agenda with malice aforethought? or are they just plain ignorant?

Answer 1

I don't feel that they actually HAVE it out of context. That statement may be interpreted various ways.

To allow religion in public schools, and require that a child attend it, is a law of religious intent, be it direct or indirect. And the situation is similar for most other matters of church / state separation.

We've interpreted, and put it to use, the best we can.

As for, "just plain ignorant," I'd advise you against making that presumption. I'm an atheist, KayThanks, and proud of it. Your calling me "ignorant," or malicious, for that matter, is not taken in a positive way; I lose respect for you, as will many others.

Answer 2

What particular church could be a factor of the state's equipment? 'Christian'? There are seven-hundred diverse 'christian' faiths, not inclusive of the Mormons. Catholics make up maximum folk. There are not extremely some Jews, and Muslims and Buddhists are nevertheless a small % of the inhabitants. loose thinkers, and atheist are available at approximately twelve % and then we've quite a few community American religions, voodoo and Satanism. i think shall we've a state faith, yet what would the component be? The shape needless to say states that no religious attempt is had to hold public workplace and that the government shall make NO regulation with regard to the distinction of any form of religion in public affairs. Getting around which would be a not hassle-free sell. the U. S. has extra or much less observed a ceremonial 'God' that has no particular association with any particular faith. In God we have faith..., yet it incredibly is not announcing he's the god of the old testomony. One usa decrease than God..., lower back its a typical god, not Jehovah or Yahweh or Allah. We ceremonially use the be conscious writer and the founders dodged around the priority by using calling the Deity 'Nature's God'. clever, eh? i in simple terms can't comprehend why all of us would decide on 'the government' messing with faith. protecting the government out of the own sector is what the conservatives are all approximately. Now if some individuals decide directly to start a non secular political social gathering no one will say no....we certainly did have a theocratic social gathering at one time....you could look this up. I do exactly not think of having a Secretary of religion as a factor of the cabinet would upload very lots to something. church homes could be happy the government leaves them on my own to collect money from people who could understand extra effective...yet it incredibly is yet another question!

Answer 3

It may not be expressly written in the constitution, but Is it actually out of context?

If congress can not make laws regarding establishment of religion and free exercise of religion, how is this not separation?

The United states government was the first government set up in the world who attempted to govern people without the help of theocracy.

However, The US federal government is under attack by people who feel that religious morality should be legislated by the federal government. This was not the intent of the people who wrote the US constitution. Theocracy has no place in the equal government of people.

Answer 4

It is impossible to protect both the establishment clause and the free exercise clause without observing a separation of church and state.

The exact words don't have to be in the constitution--the phrase is a concise summary that describes what IS in the constitution.

Answer 5

And exactly what context is it being taken out of?
It seems very clear that the formers of our government, of our constitution wanted the government completely out of the religion business. That statement reflects their desire for the government to neither be for or against any religion.
You have to remember that many that came to America from Europe did so exactly to escape religious persecution that was the norm with European governments.

Answer 6

The phrase about separation was first written by Jefferson and has been used many times in Supreme Court decisions.

You will also see many references in cases about "preventing the tyranny of the majority" although that phrase is not in the constitution.

Who are you calling ignorant, then?

Answer 7

I don't disagree that when in politics; one has to consider the wishes of those with faith in any given constituency. But allowing any one religion to play an integral role in the policy making of any given country is a recipe for disaster.

Answer 8

Freedom in the United States is something given to all its citizens and can not be compromised for the sake to one groups particular ideology. Oppressing others by forcibly interjecting religion on them is neither moral or ethical.

Answer 9

I think people should pay more attention to the not "prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." part.

Answer 10

You need to read your history books to find out where the Founding Fathers were coming from with this.

There was a break with England for this very reason.