separation of church and state....

statdoc · #1 07-21-2006, 06:04 PM

The term "separation of church and state", even though it is now locked solidly in our national lexicon, is NOT found in the US Constitution. The concept itself is NOT found anywhere in there. The Constitution only states that there will not be an official govt-sponsored religion. This was, in itself, considered very different in the late 1700's. Every other country had a particular religion that the king supported (or that supported the king), and others were usually barely tolerated (if tolerated at all). Ben, George and Friends decided that in the USA any religion would be allowed, or no religion, if you preferred to be an atheist. It was the first truly tolerant government. This did NOT mean that no mention of God was allowed, etc. "We are endowed by our Creator...." etc. It simply means that the Pres cannot make the Methodist Church the official church of the land, or such.

Aleko · #2 07-21-2006, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statdoc

The term "separation of church and state", even though it is now locked solidly in our national lexicon, is NOT found in the US Constitution. The concept itself is NOT found anywhere in there. The Constitution only states that there will not be an official govt-sponsored religion. This was, in itself, considered very different in the late 1700's. Every other country had a particular religion that the king supported (or that supported the king), and others were usually barely tolerated (if tolerated at all). Ben, George and Friends decided that in the USA any religion would be allowed, or no religion, if you preferred to be an atheist. It was the first truly tolerant government. This did NOT mean that no mention of God was allowed, etc. "We are endowed by our Creator...." etc. It simply means that the Pres cannot make the Methodist Church the official church of the land, or such.

That is correct; however, the point remains - entities (be that schools, universities or businesses) simply cannot accommodate every single religion and nationality present in the US and allocate time off for their major holidays – it's physically impossible. And if they decide to accommodate one religion and not others those others have the right to be upset and demand the same treatment. Why do Muslims think they are entitled to this privilege? Or why should any other nationality/religion be? Sort of goes along the same lines as why Hispanics think Spanish should be the official second language in the US? Again, why Spanish and not Japanese for example?

SANguru · #3 07-21-2006, 07:37 PM

it's impossible to separate the 2. Religion is not only a belief but also will dictate how an individual acts. The whole value system and priorities in life will be based on the said belief. With that said , how can you separate the Church and state? or a better question, Where does your morality come from if you take away your belief whether it is religious or atheistic?

statdoc · #4 07-21-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANguru

it's impossible to separate the 2. Religion is not only a belief but also will dictate how an individual acts. The whole value system and priorities in life will be based on the said belief. With that said , how can you separate the Church and state? or a better question, Where does your morality come from if you take away your belief whether it is religious or atheistic?

That is exactly right. Our "Founding Fathers" in the USA felt very strongly that Judeo-Christian principles were the foundation of the system they were creating. They simply didn't want the Anglican or Catholic or Lutheran or [fill in the blank] church to be government-sponsored.