Are Church and State Already Separate?

The First Amendment of the Constitution was not intended to deny the role that religion plays in society or hinder the practice thereof; the First Amendment was written to be the foundation for the fundamental rights that members of society have. As Philip Hamburger wrote in his book Separation of Church and State, in recent times, the “wall of separation between church and state” (4) that Thomas Jefferson constructed is constantly being disbanded by numerous incidents. Current controversies such as prayer in schools, vouchers for religious schools, the use of the bible in public school curriculums and faith-based initiatives sponsored by even the President run counter to the original ideals of the founding fathers. This laxity of interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution and entanglement of religion is overwhelmingly detrimental to our society and the freedom that so many people have fought for over the past few centuries.

From the beginning of its existence religion has spawned numerous conflicts, controversies and differences of opinion. For every sect, faction, element and denomination there exists multiple issues that lead to arguments. There are organizations as well as individuals who are staunch supporters of having religion involved with aspects of public life. These proponents fight for their beliefs on a daily basis. Some of the parents and religious officials who share these views fight arduously to have the bible be readmitted into public school curriculums. These people also struggle to allow- as well as encourage- prayer in school. Those who see little hope for prevailing opt for creating a slight alternative to allowing religion into public schools. They argue that they should be given vouchers that would help subsidize the cost of sending their child to a religious school. Other more politically minded people who possess similar beliefs see nothing wrong with federally funded faith based initiatives. These people support programs like abstinence only education and battle for the right to keep the federal funding coming.