Commentary:
Church and state not so separate

FlipSide illustration by VICTORIA ADKINS/Scott High School

By Annie Loeb
George Washington High School

Some people say that you should never discuss politics or religion in polite conversation because you’re bound to offend someone. Well, it’s time to stop being polite and re-examine the United States’ so-call system of separation of church and state as the line between them seems to be fading more with each passing year.

The United States has separation of church and state under the Constitution. The Establishment Clause (found in the First Amendment) states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...” So, according to the Constitution, everyone has the right to choose and practice whatever religion they want — be it Christianity, atheism or something in between.

So why all the controversy?

In today’s society, the topics of gay marriage and a woman’s right to an abortion are constantly under debate. Many people argue against gay marriage claiming the Bible states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman only. Those who argue against abortion maintain that it is murder and that those who practice it are going against the Bible as well.

If the government adhered to the doctrine of separation of church and state, these issues would not be a part of the political debate. Since not everyone in the United States is from a Judeo-Christian background, it is important to segregate matters of religion from matters of politics.

Another example of the absence of separation of church and state was the Terri Schiavo controversy earlier this year. The attempt by some members of Congress to upset the balance of power in the United States based on their personal religious convictions made it blatantly obvious to the American public that religion does have a place in our government in some people’s minds.

Even more startling was President Bush’s sudden return to Washington, D.C. from his Texas ranch to sign a bill that would keep the case alive in federal courts. This signaled the President’s attempt to cater to the conservative right and his failure to separate his own religious beliefs from his governing position.

The blurring of religion and politics was also obvious during the 2004 Presidential election. Religion was one of the main topics of debate among both the candidates themselves and also among the voters.

Numerous conservatives questioned the religious convictions of Senator John Kerry. However, Kerry’s religious beliefs were totally irrelevant to his ability to govern the country. It shouldn’t matter what his religious beliefs were, as long as he was able to preside over the United States better than his opponent -- President Bush.

However, religion does play an important part in some people’s political decision making, and these people are entitled to their opinion. In the future, it may be up to the candidates themselves to make sure that religion is kept out of politics, although it is highly doubtful they will do so.

In conclusion, one can only hope that someday the United States can have an entirely secular government. This may be a long time coming, but it surely will be worth the wait.