The Big Split: Church and State

[FindersKeepers]

I'm not surprised that most Americans want a clear separation between Church and State, but I'm slightly surprised that Hispanic Americans are less fundamental than I assumed.

This is a two-year-old Pew study, but it's comprehensive. I can only wonder what sort of movement we'd see on the numbers today after Roe fell and some states have implemented bans based on (mostly) religious beliefs. Hopefully, Pew will repeat the study.

Most people aren't too bothered by religious symbols on public property but are more opposed to things like prayer in schools. The whole study is interesting. Where do you fall on the degree of separation?



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[FindersKeepers]

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[Chris]

Most prefer religious freedom over a State religion. Nothing new here.

[DGUtley]

I think that people recognize that. The problem that people seem to be having recently is that a politician's upbringing, faith, belief system etc forms their opinions. Some of that is religious in nature. When it runs afoul of the loudest voice suddenly they call it a separation of church and state issue. I don't see it that way, but it's used that way.

[Ethereal]

The "separation of church and state" was meant to stop the federal government from establishing an official religion. It wasn't meant to eradicate every vestige of religiosity and spirituality from public life. Militant secularism has hijacked the first amendment and perverted its original intent, all while completely ignoring the tenth amendment, which guarantees the people a federalist system of government.

[RMNIXON]

I think that people recognize that. The problem that people seem to be having recently is that a politician's upbringing, faith, belief system etc forms their opinions. Some of that is religious in nature. When it runs afoul of the loudest voice suddenly they call it a separation of church and state issue. I don't see it that way, but it's used that way.

The Founders did not see it that way either. The historical concern was the political dominance of the Catholic Church and later Church of England in matters of State all over Europe and in the UK, not in people with power having religious convictions of their own.

[RMNIXON]

I'm not surprised that most Americans want a clear separation between Church and State, but I'm slightly surprised that Hispanic Americans are less fundamental than I assumed.

Americanized second generation Hispanics are being churned out progressive in the public schools and colleges. Just look at AOC!

[Standing Wolf]

I think that people recognize that. The problem that people seem to be having recently is that a politician's upbringing, faith, belief system etc forms their opinions. Some of that is religious in nature. When it runs afoul of the loudest voice suddenly they call it a separation of church and state issue. I don't see it that way, but it's used that way.

It was probably not the first time that an American politician's religious upbringing became a national issue, but of course the run-up to the 1960 Presidential election had to be the most contentious example of that sort of thing, up to that time. Compared with that, Mitt Romney's Mormon roots created barely a ripple. I tend to believe that the difference in the public's reaction between 1960 and 2012 is largely attributable to its increased understanding of two thing: one, that most politicians maintain their church membership more for appearances' sake than out of any serious religious conviction; and two, that even if they do take their church's doctrinal beliefs seriously, if elected their power to turn those beliefs into public policy or law is going to be minimal at best.

I've only ever had a problem with any public office holder's religious beliefs when they cause him or her to seek to force those beliefs in some way on the general public. Your relationship with God and your efforts to do that which you believe pleases him does not involve me.

[FindersKeepers]

The Founders did not see it that way either. The historical concern was the political dominance of the Catholic Church and later Church of England in matters of State all over Europe and in the UK, not in people with power having religious convictions of their own.

Our Founders were very anti-Catholic in general. A lot of that had to do with what they deemed the power of the "popery," not to be confused with "potpouri." The latter is the good-smelling stuff.

While the rift between Protestants and Catholics started healing 40-50 years ago, I can't help but think our Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves at the religious makeup of the SCOTUS. lol

[Chris]

The French Revolutionists were anti-Catholic, not the American Founders. Maryland was, after all, Catholic. What the Founders were against was a State religion like the Church of England, hence "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...."