Many view the concept of separation of church and state as meaning all religion must be kept out of government functions. The First Amendment allows citizens the freedom to practice any religion of their choice but also prevents Congress from officially recognizing or favoring a specific religion.
Many also maintain this country contradicts that view, going back to the Declaration of Independence. Judeo-Christian language permeates many government activities. In particular, the oath for just about every government office includes the phrase “so help me, God.”
There is no "separation of church and state" in the First Amendment. Just as there is no "separation of speech and state" or "separation of press and state". If there was, then who enforces the "separation" which would entail force against personal liberty? Furthermore, "State" in the Constitution refers to one of "the several States", at least some of which had State churches then. The " no establishment of religion" referred to the Federal Government not having power to establish an official national religion by having an actual church with its practices and giving some being enforced. Otherwise, the freedom of speech from a religious view is violated if "separation of church and state" is actually the wording of the law--which it is not! It is simply another UNLAWFUL used by a rogue judiciary to violate freedom of particularly Christian persons who may openly express themselves in the public arena and public buildings. --Ron W
ReplyDeleteparticularly Christian persons
DeleteWell said, but has this been used for any other than Christian?