The separation of church and state in the U.S. pt.1

Hey everyone,
Today is part one in a multi part series about the separation of church and state in the U.S.

The separation of church and state was created by the first two clauses in the first amendment to the constitution.
The first amendment says link
Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Now lets focus on the first two clauses of this amendment, known as the establishment clause, and the free exercise clause.

1) The establishment clause. link
Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion.

This clause has been generally interpreted to prohibit a)the establishment of a national religion by congress or b) the preference by the U.S. government of one religion over the other.
The first approach called "separation" or "no aid"
The second approach called "non preferential" or "accommodation" Both approaches have been used selectively by persons or groups seeking favorable outcomes for their cases but, I believe that both approaches are applicable equally and simultaneously.

2) The free exercise clause.  link
,or prohibit the free exercise thereof.

This has been interpreted as government may not interfere with beliefs or opinions (either by preventing them or forcing them on the people). But may interfere with practices that are illegal.


Seems pretty straight forward doesn't it? But as you will read in this series there are many powerful forces working to deny the separation exists and even change the constitution so that those clauses would not exist. But we will cover that in future installments.

Remember to follow the links. Research on your own. And to 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