Lets share some thoughts on our country and whether we should abide by the constituion with separation of church and state. I know many are quite emotional about this issue. My feeling is separation of church and state protects our religious freedom. The republican party is now moving toward religious right directing legislature. I think faith gives you a moral guide but ultimately if we mix religion into our government everyone will be unhappy. Among christians there are great differences and that is one religion alone.

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BLIND FAITH IN BAD LEADERSHIP IS NOT PATRIOTISM

I think there should be a separation of church and state but I probably don't see a lot of the things you think are violations of that as being very serious. It's fine with me, for example, if preachers talk about politics or if that goes on in church. We're never going to keep church and state away from each other absolutely. You can't keep from mixing them - both talk about the same issue in a lot of cases. If you're religious and you have beliefs, many times they will influence your beliefs on political stuff as well (i.e. your belief about what life is will affect your beliefs on abortion or stem cells or whatever, your belief about the bible might affect your ideas on gay marriage, etc.). But I don't think that violates the separation of church and state. Those violations only occur when either one or the other starts getting control over each other. If the government funds a particular religion and not others, then that's a violation. If it bars a religion because it doesn't like it, that is too. If a church gets political powers, gets to decide how the government works or gets a veto on government policy, I think that should be barred too. But I don't think we can ever keep the two from mixing in terms of ideas. We never have - our country's entire political history has references to God in politics. We just need to make sure that the system that we have lets everyone practice whatever religion they choose and doesn't privilege one church over the other.

I have done a bit of research into the subject, and honestly, I don't believe that the founders ever intended a separation between church and state.

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"It's not alive, It's not alive, It's not alive. Because I said it isnt', there's your proof jerk." ...lexi

"As far as your logical fallicy shit - shove it. I am a woman."...naturemomma

I think they had to intend something there. So many of the immigrants came to the U.S. to escape state persecution of religion and state monopolies on what churches people could be in. Even if it wasn't intended, the concept has certainly evolved as a key part of American law.

Personally I wouldn't care if they banned all religions. Religions are the cause of more wars than any other cause. My religion is correct and yours is incorrect. However, in a way non-religion is also a religion. Everyone has a religion. Atheism is a practice or belief system. So from a logical point of view, keeping out classical religions is favoring atheism another belief system. Now that's not fair in the market place of ideas. So I think the so-called secular people are mostly dishonest on this subject

I agree, there was an intent, but it was not to separate religion from government. The intent was to assure the states that the fed would not interfere in the established churches of the various states.

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"It's not alive, It's not alive, It's not alive. Because I said it isnt', there's your proof jerk." ...lexi

"As far as your logical fallicy shit - shove it. I am a woman."...naturemomma

Money causes wars, not religion, at least 95% of the time. Religion was only used as a sales pitch for the common man who could not look forward to the same profits the elites could. To say religion caused War is a bit ridiculous. Which War did religion actually cause? To go further, find me one in which the financial incentives were less than any religious incentive.

Religion should be kept in the home. A government would be foolish to require all its citizens to feel one way. It would be morally wrong to persecute anyone for a religious belief that does not infringe upon others. Most people can reasonably agree to this. Thus is really doesn't matter what people thought 200 plus years ago.

I believe people have the right to pray or worship as they see fit. I believe people should be allowed to pray in Schools, on first amendment ground. They should not be forced to pray if they choose not to, but if even a teacher wants to lead a non-mandatory prayer group. So be it. Congress shall make no law, after all.

I believe a preacher should be allowed to stand on the pulpit on endorse a Candidate, on First Amendment Grounds. I could care less about tax exemption, because I personally want to get rid of most taxes.

I also believe in the freedom of choice. I believe that to be an un-lienable, absolute right. I think a City or Local legislature has the right to put up Christmas decor on 1st Amendment grounds. After all, Congress shall make no law. I believe a City or local legislature can put up Muslim or Jewish Decor or imagery. After all, Congress shall make no law. If a town wants to put up a baby jesus or Muhammed deal, they can put it to a vote. Than they can put up whatever Religious Imagery they choose. After all, Congress shall make no law.


I think I or anyone should be allowed to stand anywhere in the country. On public property and say whatever religious speach I choose. Cause Freedom of Speech is absolute, and Congress Shall Make no law, after all.

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"It is the Right of the People to alter or abolish the Government"
Declaration of Independence
"Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself."
Thomas Jefferson
"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand."
Milton Friedman

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the only way for the gov to flourish is for it to not be tied down by religion.
and
the only way for religion to be practiced freely is for it to not to restrained by the gov.

our founding fathers did have similair views on this. such as jefferson saying, we should build a wall between state and religion. and the fact we are not allowed to make people take a religion test before getting into office.

its best for everyone to have these two things live in seperate harmony, than to try and integrate with one another.
we have a great set-up : practice your faith as long as it doesn't violate any laws, the courts ensure religious protection under the first amendment, and if you find something to be both legal and immoral- simply abstain from it.