Since the formation of this country, freedom of the people has been of the utmost importance. This includes freedom of speech, expression, and especially religion. However, this notion of freedom of religion seemed foreign to American leaders. Ever since the Pilgrims immigrated to America, there was absolutely no separation of church and state. But, American leaders eventually realized how religiously diverse the population had become. The men who wrote our constitution made sure that this new country, The United States, did not have a national church. And that the government should instill religious tolerance for the country. This entails that the government could not disrespect or favor one religion over another. No one was able to justify their political opinions or actions based on their religion. But, these laws have been violated several times because politicians were incredibly loyal to their religious beliefs. It became evident that the majority of politicians were biased towards certain issues based on their spiritual values. But people including John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Madalyn Murray O'Hare have advocated for an even farther separation of church and state. Over the years, positions and opinions of various religious and political leaders on the issue of the separation of church and state are constantly changing. Even though in American society today, church and state remain incredibly separate, and people are constantly pushing for more distance between two. Through topics such as the founding fathers, political leaders, religious leaders, and protesting religion in politics, we are able to decipher how this controversy has been viewed throughout history, and how it still affects us today.
Image:
the intersection of church and state. flickr, www.flickr.com/photos/benmcleod/
17518034. Accessed 9 Jan. 2018.
the intersection of church and state. flickr, www.flickr.com/photos/benmcleod/
17518034. Accessed 9 Jan. 2018.