First amendment and religion?? Your interpretation?? ( Archived) (26)

Hey all!

Something I'm wondering about....

The first amendment says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an 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."
— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution


This site (http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=3924) says the following:

The First Amendment prohibits government from establishing a religion and protects each person's right to practice (or not practice) any faith without government interference.

What are your thoughts on this?? The constitution has nothing in it that has the words "separation of Church and State" BUT Jefforson's intent, according to a letter he wrote, was this separation. I don't know all the facts, just what I've searched on the net just now, so feel free to correct me with sources if you wish. :)

My roommate told me that SHE feels that since the majority of people in the united States are either Jewish or Christian, that all laws and practices of the government should be based upon Jewish and Christian principles. I think that the United States was set up so we could practice ANY religion we want, and that the government should reflect that. After all, it says up there "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"

What are your thoughts??

And yes I know you guys have discussed this.... I'm sorry about making a new topic. But I"m still wondering about it.

Well, from what I see, the only religions that are actually being suppressed in schools and other government places, are Christian ones. Anyone else is given all these considerations and crap, "freedom of religion", but they don't even call it Christmas break any more. Now they have to call it Winter break. (Can't insult anyone ELSE, only the Christians.)
The only ones who are discriminated against are the Christians. I say either everybody, or nobody. THAT would be fair.

Really....

When was the last time school broke for Ramadan.

Just wondering?

AB

It seems the reason the courts have interpreted the "wall of separation" was to prevent EXACTLY what your friend wants to do.
She can say that we should base it on "Christian" or "Jewish" principles, but, what are those? There, of course, is much disagreement about that because there are many interpretation of what Christianity means. The precedent doesn't just protect atheists from Christians, it protects Christians from themselves.
You're right, the Constitution never mentions separation of church and state. Through years of precedents that interpretation of the implicit meaning has been established. The Constituion is a living document, subject to interpretation by the justices. These precedents are what matter.

PS. I'm sure calling it Winter Break really destroys the rights of Christians to practice their religion. Those poor persecuted people. Plus that argument assumes that Atheism is a religion. Since it doesn't have a "canon" one would be hard-pressed to make that argument.
If you wanted a good example, you could have at least brought up having Bible study in classrooms...

Isn't it interesting though that Winter Break coinsides with Christmas and Spring Break consides with Passover?

AB

Religion and politics don't mix..I would have thought that this lesson was learned in the last six years..

No one can control what is in your soul!

Goverment, Politics & Religion should not even been mention on the same sentence.





Izzy

The first admendment protects many things:

They have to do with freedom of speech and press - free exchange of ideas ( this could be religious in nature )
Freedom of assembly and right to petition government - ( this could represent a group of people picketing or protesting for religious purposes ).
It protects the right to associate - ( the government can not force anyone to join a group of religious origin )


This admendment allows a person to hold whatever religious beliefs that they want and to exercise that belief by attending religious services, praying in public or in private, proselytizing or wearing religious clothing. The free exercise clause is also the right NOT to believe in any religion and the right NOT to participate in those activities.

The establishment clause prevents the government from creating a church, endorsing religion in general, or favoring one set of religious beliefs over another.




Makes me wonder how globalism entered into the picture.