Hey everyone,
In part one of this series we discussed the clauses in the first amendment that are the basis for the separation of church and state. If you have not read that post please scroll down and read it before reading this post. In this post we will discuss,
1) Where did the phrase separation of church and state come from.
2) Why is this relevant to society today.
1) Where did the phrase separation of church and state come from? Isn't that just a liberal, commie, secularist lie spread with the intent to destroy America and attack christians, christianity and people of faith?
No not at all. In fact although the phrase wall of separation between church and state is not in the constitution(as right wingers so love to point out). Part one of this series showed the specific clauses in the first amendment that make up this guiding principal of our government.
The phrase a wall of separation between church and state comes from this Thomas Jefferson quote in his letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802.
The first amendment (of which the establishment and free exercise clause are a part of) was authored by James Madison. link The bill of rights was ratified by Virginia on December 15 1791 making them the law of the land. link
Our founding fathers knew all to well the dangers of mixing government and religion.
2)Why is this relevant to society today?
Well I think we can all agree that ones faith or lack thereof should be a private matter left up to each citizen to decide for themselves. You wouldn't want the government telling you what t.v. programs to watch, what clothes to wear, what music to listen to would you? Me either. So why would anyone think government mandating a specific religion would be a good idea? Hint those advocating for such a thing are doing it for one of two reasons (and sometimes both). Those reasons being power, and money. Because if they can tell you what religion to observe and how, that gives them almost complete control over every aspect of your life. Because then those mandating it would also claim to speak for and know the will of god. And then questioning them gets turned into questioning god himself. See where this could lead to problems? History is full of examples of government and religion mixing with very very horrific results. Think the crusades, witch burnings, the inquisition, genocide, holy wars etc. (more details on that in part 3 of this series) Does that mean i think religion is bad? Not at all religion and religious people have done a lot of good throughout history. But when mixed with government both government and religion become perverted and inevitably turn bad.
Well that's all for this post. In part three we will discuss people and groups behind the movement to deny and or erase the wall of separation between church and state. What type of government that would give us. And provide historical and modern day examples of those types of governments.
As always follow the links. Do some research on your own (never take anyone's word (including mine) on important subjects such as this) and then please come back here and comment. I really would like other peoples thoughts on this topic and any thoughts on how good or bad of a job I am doing in presenting it to you.
Remember to follow the links, and come back here and comment.
A reminder the comment policy on this site is any and all opinions and views are welcome. This site encourages open, honest and civil debate. What will not be tolerated however, is name calling, threats, ad hominem attacks or bullying (things we should have all outgrown by the time we got out of grade school) And where possible provide links to back up your statements.
Thank you.
myeivltwinskippy :P
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