Religion In Government.
Political freedom cannot exist in any land where religion controls the state, and religious freedom cannot exist in any land where the state controls religion. - Samuel James Ervin Jr., lawyer, judge, and U.S. Senator (1896-1985).
Issue
Religious groups (religious faiths, churches, denominations etc.) play a daily role in defining our politics and wield considerable power and influence over the lives of those who live outside their folds. This dynamic exists in our society despite the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state.
Deception:
Religions claim a right to influence our lives through politics and government due to freedom of speech and because the United States is a Christian, god-fearing nation. This is deception.
Reality:
The United States was founded on the principals of equality under the law and the freedom of religion (among others). This foundation has consistently been interpreted to mean that the government does not endorse any religion and allows religions free exercise of their faiths. This also means that religions must stay clear of involvement in political activity as they are exempt from paying taxes and exempt from many laws and regulations and from government interference. This interpretation is commonly referred to as "separation of church and state". It is key to the integrity of a secular, democratic society.
Resolution:
Just as religions must be allowed to practice free of government interference, so must government be allowed to practice free of religious interference. The United States is defined as a secular (non-religious) nation by its constitution. In short, religious groups (faiths, churches, denominations etc.) must impose their religious beliefs on only themselves, rather than use their considerable resources to influence how the rest of us should live. Individual parishioners are free to participate in politics and voice their personal religious beliefs, but using their religion to influence government is unconstitutional and disrespects the many beliefs and faiths of the larger community.
Religious groups (religious faiths, churches, denominations etc.) play a daily role in defining our politics and wield considerable power and influence over the lives of those who live outside their folds. This dynamic exists in our society despite the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state.
Deception:
Religions claim a right to influence our lives through politics and government due to freedom of speech and because the United States is a Christian, god-fearing nation. This is deception.
Reality:
The United States was founded on the principals of equality under the law and the freedom of religion (among others). This foundation has consistently been interpreted to mean that the government does not endorse any religion and allows religions free exercise of their faiths. This also means that religions must stay clear of involvement in political activity as they are exempt from paying taxes and exempt from many laws and regulations and from government interference. This interpretation is commonly referred to as "separation of church and state". It is key to the integrity of a secular, democratic society.
Resolution:
Just as religions must be allowed to practice free of government interference, so must government be allowed to practice free of religious interference. The United States is defined as a secular (non-religious) nation by its constitution. In short, religious groups (faiths, churches, denominations etc.) must impose their religious beliefs on only themselves, rather than use their considerable resources to influence how the rest of us should live. Individual parishioners are free to participate in politics and voice their personal religious beliefs, but using their religion to influence government is unconstitutional and disrespects the many beliefs and faiths of the larger community.