CHURCH AND STATE SEPARATION

The Myth of Church and State Separation

Abstract

In this study I try to explore the concept of “Church and State Separation” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “history” and its relation with “current impacts”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “separation and amendments”. The phenomena of separation of church and state are akin to freedom of religion, but these two are different concepts.

The Myth of Church and State Separation

Introduction

Religion is one of a vital aspect of one's life. Everyone no matter to which religion they belong but, they remain very sensitive about their religion. This issue turns even more sensitive if it commences to involve such powerful entity as government. One such a concept is of separation of church and state. Separation of church and state means that religious institutions would not get involved in government matters, and the government would not interfere in that affairs of religious institutions (Brettschneider, 1997).

Most Christian scholars will agree with Oliver O'Donovan's statement that "Christian ethics must arise from the gospel of Jesus Christ" (faithandwar.org 2009, pp.1)

This paper explores the history and myth of separation of church and state in United States of America and various events and effects that it caused in United Sates of America over the period of time. The phenomenon of separation of church and state is against the ethical, racial and regional values of Christian (Kupelian 2005).

History

Separation of church and state in U.S

“The ideology of the Christian is dominated since the beginning of the American History. Christian's beliefs are that the ancient of America were the rulers of the America” (Kupelian 2005, p.230). Many Americans seem to be operating under this false conception that America was founded under the Christian God by religious Fundamentalist. This is not true. In fact, when one looks at basic American History and the history of our ambitious and slightly rebellious founders they will see that 'in fact', it is quite the opposite. Our founding fathers had left an undemocratic and religiously dominant country, for a reason (Hamburger, 2002). The separation of church and state is vital to the social progression and economic stability of the United States of America.

Christian claims, First Amendment opinions the Supreme Court does not comply its pattern of evaluation of laws for aiding religion. For this purpose, the government moved from being discriminatory to maintaining neutrality with respect to religious institutions dramatically. Once, raised on Christian ideals, over time has become more secular in order to afford the utmost religious tolerance. It was once applied that religion was essential, chiefly Christianity in the 1700s for Americans (www.faithandwar.org).

Separation of church and state is one of the respected principles of American law. Americans do not have a clear idea of the purpose of inclusion of this principle. Confusion also occurs in its practice in "today's era". These claims are put forward by people who possess different opinions on fundamental truth and significance of ...