Does religion have too much influence within the U.S. government?
Public education and laws.
Despite what many believe, the United States of America was founded in order to avoid religious intolerance and freedom of and from religion was written into the Constitution.
a) "In God We Trust" was printed on the money being in the 1950's. This motto would not pass the lemon test (government shall not promote any religion).
b) Although it shouldn't be anybody's business, politicians' religious beliefs are put in the spot light. For example, many claimed Obama is a Muslim and didn't want to vote for him because of that. Romney is a Mormon. The Australian PM is atheist.
c) People are trying to throw out science and teach religion in our public schools. Religion has no place in these schools to brainwash our children. School is for learning and evolution is fact, not creationism or ID.
d) During holidays, there are posted signs of "keep Christ in Christmas" on public/government property. Besides being inaccurate, this will not pass the lemon test.
e) Politicians and others are using their religion as bases for laws such as gay marriage and abortion. No religion should be forced on everybody (freedom of religion).Posted by: AnonymousReligion has a growing influence in the U.S. Government that is distracting lawmakers.
Religion has a growing influence in the U.S. Government that is distracting lawmakers. For example, in the recent health care debate, Obama had to sign an executive order that federal funds would not be used for abortion so that this important legislation could be passed even though he personally has no objection to abortion. This is evidence that religion and religious conservatives are using religion to drive their agenda to the detriment of the country.
Posted by: NatBIabYes, religion has too much influence in our government.
One of the biggest issues today (god only knows why) is gay marriage. Lets think here. The only reason why anyone thinks that gays and gay marriage is wrong is because of religious scriptures which tell us so. This country was founded on the idea that church and state should be separate. That anyone can practice any religion without fear of persecution. Yet time and time again, we persecute others based on our own religious beliefs. This is ridiculous. Mind you I am a straight, married male about to have my first child. The amount of garbage spewed out into the media on behalf of mostly Christian religions has gone way beyond the acceptable level. Countless laws exist on the state and local levels prohibiting some activities on Sundays. The fact that sodomy is illegal in Texas. These are all religion inspired laws, and they have no place in out government. We cannot even fully enforce most of these laws. They are a waste of the paper they are printed on, and the tax dollars they squander.
Posted by: AnonymousI'm doing a project about this.
People expect that their religious beliefs should be taken into consideration when it's time to make laws in the U.S. People fought so hard in the 1700's to separate church and state, and now when it is convenient people are using the bible to govern society. How can people expect literature over 3500 years old to govern today's world?
Posted by: AnonymousNot an Excuse
Our society is against many things just because it is against their religion. As a Christian, I still believe that that is not a liable excuse/reason. We always talk about being "fair" yet we are intolerant of other people. I believe that we should not use religion as a reason to treat other people unfairly and prohibit laws against them. (like gay marriage).
Posted by: AnonymousOnly Follows Separation of Church and State When Convenient
A simple example is same-sex marriage. Take away the arguments defending christian morals, and there is no reasonable argument why gays should be deprived of the right to marry each other. But even when it comes to placing your hand on the Bible to swear into a U.S. court, it's a violation of the concept.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion and laws
They are starting to make laws looking off of one religion instead of looking at all of them and seeing if they all believe the same thing. Like gay marriage it says its wrong in the bible so they made it to were you cant marry the same sex. The only religion I have heard of thinking that is wrong is Christianity they should look into other religions to see what they think is true. People should be able to believe in with out being judged or put down people should like them for who they are and not what they believe in.
Posted by: AnonymousSame sex marriage
The only reason government say no is because of religion... A known fact.. Thank you very much...That is why I think it has so much religion involved.. When people think of Arabians they assume they're Buddhist or Muslim and they call them terrorists. That is only two of the many reasons why I think so.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, here are some examples of excessive religion entanglement with government
In God We Trust- government endorsement/preference of monotheism over polytheism and non-theism.
Private School Vouchers: public tax money is used for private religious schools. This is led by a combination of Catholic bishops, fundamentalist activists and Big Business interests seeking to privatize public education. Public funds should pay for public schools– not religious institutions.
Creationism/Anti-Science Measures: Religious Right forces seek to replace or equate modern science with religion in public schools in numerous states. Whether “creation science,” “intelligent design” or “teaching the controversy,” their goal is the same- present the Bible as equivalent or superior to science, leaving our young people disadvantaged with respect to scientific knowledge.
Fundamentalist-Infused Government: Religious Right groups create phony “religious freedom” caucuses in state legislatures. Despite the name, it isn’t about religious freedom– it’s about filtering every law passed through the lens of repressive Christian theology. Ultimately, this movement seeks to replace America’s pluralistic democracy with a society based on “biblical law.”
Abortion - the religious right seeks to ban or make abortion extremely difficult (When Abortion Was A Crime highlights the lessons to be learned from the pre Roe v Wade era). Significant things the religious right ignores- the risk of a woman dying from pregnancy and childbirth is greater than the risk of an elective abortion. 5000 women per year died from illegal abortion complications prior to Roe v Wade (and "god" is the greatest "abortionist" ever if we consider all the spontaneous abortions/miscarriages that have occurred in the span of human existence). Pregnancy termination should be decided between a woman, her spouse/partner, and their doctor - politicians (predominantly white, male, Christian) should not be involved in this extremely personal matter.
Government-Backed Sectarian Signs And Symbols: “Ten Commandments” displayed in courthouses, government offices and public schools; crosses erected in public; signs and resolutions declaring “real” Americans believe in God– these are examples of the Religious Right’s agenda for America, and they’re pushing such things in many states.
Stem cell research- the limitations placed on stem cell research will put the US decades behind compared with the rest of the world with respect to this technology.
Same sex marriage- covered sufficiently by recent events.
Our Constitution is secular and godless for a reason (the only mention of god/religion in our Constitution and Bill of Rights is exclusionary) - our founders knew religion should be a private matter and that government should never show preference with respect to religion/matters of conscience.
Our state/federal governments are full of people who seek a Christian theocracy. It is unfortunate, but it seems the American people don't care enough or do not understand the problems with mixing government and religion. We should reclaim our secular government, replace In God We Trust with the original default motto E Pluribus Unum, restore the original Pledge (which did not include "under god"), not allow public funds to be used for religious education, and not allow the religious right to interfere with science education, stem cell research, or women's reproductive options.Posted by: skeptic4321Forced on us
First of all, our country was NOT founded on Christian beliefs....Christianity is forced on us...The people that don't share that belief, don't feel free to express it because your openly treated like a traitor. This country WAS founded on the idea that church and state should be separate...READ .....What the founding fathers said ...Countless laws exist on the state and local levels prohibiting some act invites on Sunday...Who decided we couldn't have stem cell research.....Not right...
Posted by: AnonymousWhile we are supposed to be secular, there are often political battles and discussion involving religion.
Even our money and our pledge of allegiance mention God, and in court, individuals are asked to swear on the Bible. It does not make sense that these things should still exist in a secular government.
Posted by: jabbejoyceMarijuana and impurity
The bible states "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Impurity in the bible can mean bringing harm to your body, which many Christians will argue marijuana does.
Posted by: AnonymousToo Much Religion in Government
I am a high school student in Indiana. I feel as if there is too much religion in government because we have to say "..One nation, under god..", we swear on a bible in court, we have "In god we trust" on our money. Also one of the main topics recently is gay marriage. Why shouldn't it be allowed? Marriage with a male and female gives certain advantages financially and with taxes. Why wouldn't a couple of 2 males/2 females be able to get these advantages?
Posted by: Anonymous1st amendment anyone?
A deeper look into the psychology and sociological aspects of religion then we can see exactly why it holds so much sway in american government. If an institute runs someones life on any level of a non statistical aspect (i.e. money, jobs, area of living), but on more of an emotional level then you could only expect that it would in turn run the decisions that one would make in selecting government officials and governmental decisions. Issues that should not be issues such as, abortion, gay rights, and even on to some things like health care systems have become what church goers seem to have made their own personal mission to see regulated as they see fit. Politicians know this and will sometimes align their views (if they aren't already) to be church based and understand that the people who find these things (for lack of a better term) appalling will more than likely vote for and support them on just those things alone. Religious issues are what lead alot of people lives (sadly enough) and will def effect their vote.
Now, all that being said and as i previously stated before. These things that are issues and have set their "place" in politics really have no right to be issues. What it comes down to is personal choice. Do I want to marry my partner, am I not ready for a child, and am I wanting the right to worship or not worship as I please. But until people come around to a higher, less selfish, and def more logical way of thinking we are stuck dealing with the idiocy that is our buisness being everyone else's issue.Posted by: korytUnconstitutional and Unfair
In the first amendment of the constitution it says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." This not only declares that the United States may not have an established religion, but laws also may not be made based on a certain religion. Politicians may freely express their religions, I don't care, but a law should not be made based on the principles of a certain religion, nor should it be justified by them. Freedom of religion is also freedom FROM religion, and imposing a law on other people that is based on your beliefs (which are not the same as theirs) is the same as violating freedom of religion. Maybe the bible "says" that there shouldn't be abortions, or people shouldn't be gay, but it doesn't actually straight out say that, it's all interpretation. Plus, matters like that are personal choices, and you shouldn't be influencing someone else's personal choice because of something you believe that they don't, especially if it doesn't impact you.
Posted by: AnonymousOur entire government is based on "In God we trust" and "One Nation Under God"
Our nation was founded under the freedom of religion, yet our children pledge to a nation 'Under God" like zombies, and they don't even understand the purpose of it, we swear on the bible in court, but what about those who are without faith? Why does our money say, "in God we trust" but plenty of people with different beliefs than in "God" handle it. What if we don't believe in God, in whom do we trust then? Why do we vote on our presidential candidates based on their personal religious credentials? My point is, we DO have too much religion, we founded the USA for the religious freedom, but isn't it ironic how we are using religion in the government to persecute our freedoms.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion has too much influence on the Government.
A lot of Christians believe that gay marriage is against their religion because it says so in the bible. This is a very good example of where religion has affected the U.S. Government since it has been made illegal. Everyone has different religions and having the government make laws according to one certain religion is just not fair in my opinion.
Posted by: AnonymousEquality Among Diversity
You people claim "If God were in government...", but what about those who worship several gods? What religion would be 'involved in government' ? Which would be excluded? People come to America for religious FREEDOM meaning freedom to AND FROM religious-based governments. Don't revoke peoples' freedom. We are all entitled to our own beliefs.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, religion has too much of an influence within the U.S. government.
At the point the constitution was instated, yes, religion was a necessity. However, not as many people have as strong of religious beliefs at this point. I don't think its important for there to be as much religious interaction.
Posted by: LorenaHWhy all of the religion in our government?
It seems slightly like schools are teaching a little bit of religion to a lot of it and this is a very bad thing because some students are not getting their actual teaching in and even though that the government has religion in it (even the money they print shows it) they shouldn't be passing it on to little kids who can't really think that much for themselves.
Posted by: AnonymousNot every one in Islam religion is a terrorist.
Everyone in the U.S. Government seem to think that every one who is of the Islamic religion is a terrorist. That is not true a lot of terrorists do come from that religion but that dose not mean that every one who believes in that is a terrorist. The government needs to think before they speak.
Posted by: AnonymousCompletely
Once you see the way in which themes such as gay marriage, abortion, and the taxation of churches are politically treated in the US government you can clearly see the effect religion has on it. First of all thge banning of individual rights such as gay marriage clearly take root on religion. The fact that someones religion can influence the choices an individual can or cannot take is just something unimaginable and takes away the liberty of the American people as a whole.
Posted by: Javier.CabreraDoes religion have too much influence in the U.S. Government?
Religion is too involved in the U.S. Government and mainly the Christian Religion. Religion is the reason that a man can't marry a man and a woman can't marry a woman. But yet somehow you can marry your second cousin just as long as they are not the same gender as you. Religion is taking away people's happiness. And the constitution says nothing about people not being able to be happy. Just the bible.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, the U.S. is supposed to have separation of church and state, and there are too many laws with religious foundations.
The U.S. government should not be influenced by religious groups. There have been too many discriminatory laws based on religious ideas. Forbidding mixed race couples to marry, forbidding women to vote, allowing states to make laws that exclude blacks from voting, not allowing gay couples to marry and outlawing abortion are all past and present laws with bases in religion. Laws should be based on fairness and reason, not religion and superstition.
Posted by: N Schroeder 60Stances on opinions that affect the majority
This past week there has been a big uprising in anti-support of gay marriage after the supreme court hearings. Not to say that there wasn't an uprising of support as well, however, it is true that almost every who said that they were against gay marriage and rights said they were because of religious reasons. This is the biggest reason it has not been approved in our government. This is said considering that there are already 14 nations where gay marriage is legal.
Posted by: AnonymousWay to much!
People claim that the US was founded on christian values. I assume those people didn't read the following quotes: ''Lighthouses are more helpful than churches'' Bejamin Franklin
''Christianity is the most perverted system to have ever shone on man'' Thomas Jefferson.
Religion has too much influence on the US government. Abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage. All illegal because of the zealous and bigoted values of Christians.Posted by: woelerAbsolutely
The separation of church and state is very important lest we become a Theocracy. Its OK to have religious beliefs, just do not force them on everyone else and do not let them bias you on issues where your religious beliefs have no place being. Religion could very well tear this fragile democracy apart.
Posted by: Crispus80Yes, because religion and politics should not mix at all, yet they are obviously being mixed.
Combining religion with politics is as dangerous as drinking and driving. Everyone is free to believe what they want, but if religious groups show heavy influence to certain political parties, they are overstepping their boundaries as a group or organization. Still, as a nation, we are free to think for ourselves. So, do not mix the business of running the country with religious affiliation. People are such followers, they can easily miss the real issues if they only side with that of the church's platform.
Posted by: MoaningElroyReligion definitely has too much influence in government.
Just look at the gay marriage debates. The main issue with gay marriage is that it defies some religious views. But it doesn't really matter if some people are personally against it or not. It's all in their own interpretation of the Bible and of Christianity. However, where does this come into play with the law? Since when does the government get a say in things like who can and can't get married. The fact that the government hasn't completely found the argument against gay marriage preposterous, shows that we haven't evolved since the pre-civil war era when African Americans were getting the same ill-treatment (as if they're not part of the same group of people) for the color of their skin. The fact that this is even an issue shows that the government is trying to get too involved in the lives of individuals and, yes that they're religion absolutely does have an influence in their lawmaking.
Posted by: fightforrightsGovernment Is Not God and Neither Are You
Most people seem to believe that if the government cares, they must be religious. They must have their religion, and these people are most likely Christian, depending on the influence of their family and neighbors. Well here's some news people; government is not God. I've been a Christian for all of my life and I am simply outraged that people believe that government should take no the role of God and decide who must marry who, who must love who. Nobody has that power but God. Also, government is not about religion. So even if it were to suddenly declare that it was like God it would not rule all people. There are many people in the world who are not Christian, and it's a wonder if any homosexual couples are. When stepping foot into nearly any "Christian" church, they may be met with cold shoulders and scorching glares. The reason? Those "Christians" believe they have the right to judge a person as they believe God would, they believe that they are duty bound to treat these people who have simply found love in another man or woman with anger and hatred. They are wrong. The Christian belief dictates that love and compassion should be shown to all mankind, as they should mirror the love, compassion and forgiveness shown by their Lord. Not to shove it down everyone's throat and shun those who are not Christian. God is God, and neither you nor the government can take His place. Thanks.
Posted by: micastarz94The American people are a religious people, and this one of the tragedies of its history, culminating with the 2000 presidential election.
All three branches of government are tainted by religion. In the judicial branch, there is the example of Antonin Scalia, whose conservative positions at the Supreme Court are partially derived from the particular brand of Roman Catholicism which he grew up with. In judicial debates, the particular argument against equalizing marital rights by extending them to gays, namely the "between a man and a woman" argument derives support much less from natural law tradition and more from interpretations from the Bible, which is no more than a collection of religious texts, and from tradition canonized by various means in religious sects (such as the R.C.C.). In Congress, there is a constant stream coming out against the First Amendment, by which I mean representatives and senators who believe violation of the church and state clause is justified. This belief comes from the religious movements who oppose it. As for the executive branch, whatever religions influence had to do with President George W. Bush, it was far too great. The consequences were a misguided, destructive foreign policy and a mangled treasury at home.
Posted by: 53xyMyIoReligious people should live their own lives
These people need to stop trying to make the US what they want it to be. While people are free to believe what they wish, they should not have the right to use large amounts of money to manipulate politicains to make everything illegal that contrasts withe their antiquated religious views.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it has way to much influence in our government.
Look at japan, its almost an entire atheist country and there economy is booming, except for the fact of the earthquake and tsunami, and there soposed to bounce back and have an even greater economy then bofore. so "God" has nothing to do with our government, nor is he even real.
Posted by: AnonymousDoes religion have too much influence within the US government?
Religion should be a person's own personal relationship with God or God's of their choice. What one person believes or their perception of morality, may not necessarily reflect the majority. Is it fair for politicians to introduce laws that do not reflect the nation as a whole? For example, if I am a vegetarian, and I believe that it's a healthy lifestyle and that all people should live a vegetarian lifestyle, would it be okay for me to force all Americans to be vegetarians? Religion is not different. How can we truly be a free nation if we cannot choose who or how we worship,if at all?
Posted by: AnonymousReligious beliefs have no place in government
Political figureheads do not represent one person. They represent many people from all walks of life and all beliefs. To use religious beliefs to gain favor or to create laws is not acceptable. Religion has no place in governmental decisions. There is too much focus on religious beliefs in society and government. In political debates God should not be mentioned in an argument to make their point. Religious beliefs in government are clouding the real issues in America.
Posted by: AnonymousNo Question
The Republican Party is a party that is dependent on religion. They advocate the bible and the church, and use their religious beliefs to influence the government. The campaign slogan of the GOP "Believe in America." They speak about the Founding Fathers and sacred documents. That sounds familiar.
Living a religious life is a choice, and should not be forced onto others. If a child is not exposed to religion will they be aware of a greater being or influence? I would argue no, but a person that believes otherwise would base their argument on beliefs. When you begin to argue beliefs you are on a path for failure and stagnation. Some people are unwilling to compromise their beliefs, and that holds true with the Republican Party.
At the end of the day, beliefs should not be pushed onto others. I have no problem with someone advocating their opinion, but there is a difference between an opinion and a belief. In my opinion religion has a negative impact on a person's ability to think critically. People that are very religious believe things that are not based on factual information. In my opinion that trickles down into day-to-day life, and has a negative impact on a person's decision making.
Perhaps I am wrong, and if someone provides evidence that suggests I am, I will be more than happy to adjust. I have no problem with a person practicing religion unless that person pushes their belief onto others.Posted by: AnonymousThe truth
The majority of Americans believe that our Forefathers institutionalized Christianity into our Constitution, which is basically a statement without fundamental evidence whatsoever. They did practice their own religions in their meetings, but they did them in their own way, not following any type of church doctrines. They were spiritual people, yes, but they never had the intention of stating which religion to state first as a nation. We should consider these old ideas and ask ourselves, "Are we wrong?", "Is it possible to be a secular country?" For many reasons, I do believe it is the best thing America can, and should, do.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion has a large influence within the U.S. government.
The United States is largely a Christian country, and Christian values are considered when determining laws. We know it is the right thing to separate Church and State, but it is really hard. For example, the hot issue of gay marriage is that opponents believe that gay marriage is against God's teaching. Also, the issue of abortion and that Catholics believe that the fetus is alive. Religion allows issues to become more complicated.
Posted by: M4xFaceAntiquated Notions and Change
Religion is for moral concerns. Politics is for equality. I am a practicing Buddhist myself, but I was raised in a Catholic Family. What people fail to realize about the importance of separation of church and state is that the people do not influence their government in this so-called "democracy", because the notions demonstrated in the Bible are so strongly incorporated into the ideology of most people that the authors of the Bible are running the government, not U.S. citizens...I don't want some 1000 year old men who practiced archaic social norms to be running my country.
Posted by: AnonymousEven though the Constitution is clear on the separation on Church and State, in this "Christian" nation religious espousal is often used to manipulate voters.
While the Constitution is clearly for separating Church and State, it is impossible to separate politicians from espousing views that gain them votes. And in this predominantly Christian nation, that means catering to this majority. It would be better if facts and science had a greater influence on decision making--especially at the highest levels of government.
Posted by: Th4FireOur rules should not be based on the beliefs of any religious group.
Imagine if America suddenly became predominantly Muslim, Buddhist or any other religion would we want our way of life dictated by the beliefs put forward in the religion of the majority? What if you don't believe in their ideas? Should your everyday life be dictated by someones religion? Of course not this is why government should not be influence by any religion. The laws passe should be based solely on what is seen as "the good of the people".
Posted by: AnonymousYES
I believe the separation between church and state is important because America was intended for all men and women to be seen equally. Race, gender, sexuality, and religion should not matter when it comes to creating equal rights. Gay marriage is not being passed in many states because of religious views, it should be passed because we are all human, we all love and we all have the right to choose to be married.
People think there should be more religion in the government? Do they realize America is made up of many religions! Who is to say what church presides over the government? Is is based on a vote? or by what religion the President is? And after we try to make laws based on beliefs from the bible or any other religious views what will be next? We cannot speak ill about it or go against it or follow our own religion? Freedoms will start to vanish and our system of equality and justice will crumblePosted by: AnonymousGay Marriage
They say there is no ties between the church and the state, and yet, they haven't allowed gay marriage because its "Wrong" The only thing in the world that says being gay is wrong is the bible, so why is it such a big deal, if there is really no ties, if you just let a man and a man, or woman and woman, to be happy and get married?
Posted by: TheDoctor9095"In God We Trust" is printed on our damn FEDERAL CURRENCY.
NOT ALL AMERICANS EVEN BELIEVE IN GOD, and we are not required to because we have FREEDOM OF RELIGION, and are SUPPOSED to have a SEPARATION OF church and state!!! YET SCHOOLS MAKE CHILDREN SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DAILY, which states we are "one nation UNDER GOD".....WHY have we lived with such hypocrisy for so long?!
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is private
I am not a Christian. I am not apart of any other organized religion and my beliefs are very much not in line with them. This is a personal belief and I do not force my beliefs on others. For any religion to be involved in the governing of the country that is not shared amongst all individuals is primitive and can be very much considered tyranny, this is because those particular beliefs of one religious group can be in direct confrontation with those of another and therefore violates their privacy. We may have been a country founded in religion but to continue to go down such a path is frankly foolish
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is too involved in America. and it needs to stop.
Religion has been used as a tool to wipe out entire populations. This country was unfortunately founded on the blood of native Americans, and just because their way of life was considered to be inferior and "uncivilized" in the name of saving the heathen this country's government has been drenched in blood. It is time that religion completely got out of the political realm because it has not clearly not helped ANYONE find political satisfaction. Prohibition failed miserably, and it is still failing miserably in terms of marijuana and the war on drugs, which is basically an excuse to arrest more people and contributes to the idiotic prison industrial complex. In the name of religion we are saying that two people of the same sex cannot get married, until recently, and it is high time that religion completely moved out of government. The government has to understand that not everyone agrees with "Judeo-Christian" values, and that in order to create a harmonious society, they should trust the people to make their own moral choices without any fear of repression from the state.
Posted by: AnonymousTodd Akin and 'legitimate rape'
"If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."
Wow! That's what religious influence in the government gets you! A Senator with an 8 year old's understanding of the reproductive system... I guess we should go ahead and start burning all the math and science books at this point. Unless they're Christian science of course.Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely.
This may have been something that was able to be ignored in early post-Revolutionary America, because the country wasn't religiously diverse as it is now. But Thomas Jefferson's ideal of Seperation of Church and State was enacted for a reason. This is not a Theocracy, but supposed to be a Democracy. If we are enforcing laws that are rooted in religious belief, such as not allowing gays to marry, then we are not "free". The non-religious and followers of more philisophical forms of religion are being forced to follow a law that really stems from the intolerance of Abrahamic religions and I think that's just un-American. It needs to stop.
Posted by: Hammett980Trying to get around constitution
When the government isn't trying to actively put religion into itself (swearing on Bible, anyone?), it's constantly trying to get around the separation between church and state. Classifying churches as "non-profit" for tax reasons, "silent reflections" in schools (a way of getting around the school prayer ruling), and laws that are obviously based on religious teachings, it couldn't get more blatant than it is.
Posted by: AnonymousIs this even a question?
We have laws erected in our country separating church and state for a reason. In 18th century Europe, after hundreds of years of corrupt Church hierarchies, power hungry absolutists, and "divinely" chosen monarchs, revolutionary philosophers decided to drag people out of poverty and set the world back on a track of rational thought and widespread justice. They realized that blind faith hinders the mind and crushes the potential of the individual. Ergo, religion promotes ignorance. The likes of Locke, Kant, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot all advocated for the common person to think freely. Our nation may have been strongly influenced by religion, but it was also fundamentally structured around many of the insights of these great Enlightenment thinkers. Founded in a time when leaders needed a way to unite the uneducated majority of their populations, our country used religion to arouse support for their infantile coalition. But I'd like to think that we have advanced past resorting to such primitive methods of control and now have the humanity and responsibility to entrust our own citizens with running the by intelligent reason government. In this day and age, we must now think for ourselves.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, religion has too much influence in our government today, as is evident by politicians expressing their religious views so frequently.
The separation of church and state is a basic foundational concept, which, basically, guarantees the right to worship with freedom. This is a constitutional right, was written with wisdom, and should be considered carefully. If religious influence takes hold in government, freedom erodes. A citizen could potentially be told who or what is right in religion, and beyond.
Posted by: MoaningGaston86Against gay marriage.
Most Republican politicians are religious, so it doesn't come as a surprise to me that the majority of the Republicans are against gay marriage. If you listen to NPR news, their reasons for being against gay marriage are just dumb. They're irrelevant and make no sense. It's quite obvious that they don't want people to think that it's about religion, so they conjure up excuses. But our country is a democracy. People vote for what they believe in. So you can't make up a law that supports your religion, which is exactly what some politicians are doing.
Posted by: AnonymousThere are too many public, government-funded institutions that are allowing religion to interfere with their function.
The public school in Mississippi that denied a lesbian student the chance to take her date to the prom, or a school function in another city that promoted segregation, or hospitals and pharmacies deciding not to prescribe emergency contraception - these are instances where government-funded institutions are not providing proper care due to the needless, smothering influence of religion. And, it pains me to think that the same ignorance comes from people who disparage other, overtly religion-led nations, such as non-secular Muslim countries in the Middle-East. Separation of church and state exists for a reason, and personal beliefs should not be affecting the care or service that every taxpayer or their depends should receive, regardless of their race, religion or sexuality.
Posted by: R053NeddyYes, very much so
Many people say that without religion there would be no morals, and that there would be more violence in the world, but if you look at it, most people who supported the conflicts over seas were very religious. If you were to look even further back into history, you would see that a majority of wars were fought over religion, one example being the crusades.
Posted by: AnonymousThis is not a theocracy.
Religion has NO place in our government. America is not a Christian nation, a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation. America was formed to be a secular nation. Many of the Founding Fathers were deists. As others said, some things (like gay marriage) should not even be debated. In addition, Acts 2-17 has one of the worst responses to any question I have ever read.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is in the Infrastructure of the United States of America
Religion is practically in ever aspect of the American culture...From coins to the pledge of allegiance. I am a student, and everyday we say the pledge of allegiance and it makes me think of how I have said that for approximately nine years now and how much it has affected me. I also believe that it should be in the generations to come. If they don't learn the GOOD aspects and the GOOD habits, what is this world going to come to. Will it crumble to the ground because there is not a remaining constant, or will it be "living on a prayer?" There's a lot to think about when America is supported by religion.
Posted by: Anonymous
I am strongly for religion in government, as this country was founded under religion, and now it is nowhere to be found.
When the U.S. government was formed, it was one nation under God. Now God is nowhere to be seen in the government, and it has started to fail. If religion was put back into the moral fiber of our country, it would still stand strong. If religion is omitted, there is no consequences, and the government has no moral fiber to stand on, thus giving the public no faith in their abilities to successfully run our country.
Posted by: R3yn4FerIiFounding fathers were diverse in their practice of faith.
Thomas Jefferson and George Washington believed in a limited deity, yet found it acceptable to own slaves. This nation was founded upon property rights, avoidance of
any outside influences, and bodily harm. The nation has never been free of internal influences. Thus Christian founders and their progeny have purported to act and live
using principles of their religion, that is why it took so long to overcome slavery, and Jim Crow. That is why it is now taking so long to overcome the evil of abortion and euthanasia, and capital punishment. It is because of the apathy and sinfulness of Christians who fail to act or are themselves sinful. Our constitution says we have rights, but it fails to explicate responsibilities that antecede every one of those rights. Further it fails to detail the relationship between man and God from which these responsibilities eminate. It is the failure of religion to exert sufficient influence upon government which has led directly to the culture of death, secular humanism, and moral relativism experienced in our diverse U.S. society today.Posted by: AnonymousDownward Trend
You have only to look at the evidence of removing God from the school system, which is now an unsafe war zone for everyone involved. Historically, the more you remove God from any society, the more immoral and evil it becomes. What would we do without our Biblically based Judeo-Christian judicial system? Even with its flaws on a human level, society would be even more chaotic than it is now, which is unimaginable. People who oppose "Christianity" typically want to continue to love their own sin, and do not want to be confronted with it. It is a profound and tragic mistake to try and separate God from anything, including and especially our governments.
Posted by: Acts2-17Religion does not have too much influence within the U.S. government because I believe they work with a secular mindset.
I don't think key players in the government make their decisions with religion as their primary purpose. It would be risky for them as elected officials and politicians to do so. They understand we operate under separation of Church and State here in the USA. While they may openly attend church, they would not want to be branded as a religious zealot.
Posted by: tabundesIn God we trust!
Our nation was founded on Christian religious beliefs, therefore if Christianity influences our government then it is only because it was there from the beginning, and because IT should influence our government. If truth be told, religion (Christianity) does not influence our government enough...if it did we would not have many of the problems we have in government today.
Posted by: AnonymousThat's why the America was the most powerful in the world before.
If you check and read the speeches of the first presidents like Thomas Jefferson, or Abraham Lincoln, or any other President, they always thanked God for everything and you can tell that they really relied on God. That's why China is getting stronger because people are being witnessed( by the Word of God) by missionaries and they worship secretly underground even though they're not allowed. Even in schools before, they were allowed to pray and read their Bibles. But now, no more. It really is depressing that people are carelessly voting for the wrong people to run the government. That's why America's economy is going down. If government officials work by trusting God, this country will go on the right way because in God, nothing is impossible and He has a plan for this country as long as we listen to Him..
Posted by: AnonymousJust a thought.
Religion does not have too much influence in the U.S. Government, because religion is not a part of the U.S. Government. However, its people that hold religious values that have influence in the government, and even those who are not religiously affiliated contribute their own beliefs and ideas. When debate is brought up over law, some are quick to want to defend the "separation of church and state" or "religious freedom", yet I feel all valid points in distinguishing the legitimacy of new laws should be based on the validity of the points made, not the personal religious views, or lack there of, of the person who made them.
Posted by: AnonymousDoes religion have a lot of influence towards the Government?
I don't think there is to much influence within the government. I think the influence is just right. Honestly, when you think about it, it may seem there is a lot ex: Money has "In God We Trust", also The flag "One Nation Under God". I think it is all just fine.
Posted by: AnonymousPresent Government dishonoring Forefathers.
I believe if God were in the Government more words in the First Amendment would not be violated by our own Supreme Court. We have Justices on the Supreme Court that either do not understand the Constitution and the Bill of Rights or have a very dishonest social agenda that they wish to impose on America. They have made rulings for there to be no Prayer in School. The First Amendment reads 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. It gives citizens the Freedom to Worship God without Government interference. There is no words that contain the "Separation of Church and State" in the First Amendment. Where did the words come from. It can traced back to a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. " I contemplate with sovereign reverence that the act of the whole American people which declared their legislature should make law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise thereof; thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Thomas Jefferson Notice the First Amendment puts restrictions only on the Government and not the People. That is why there needs to be more religion in government so that our government will stop dishonestly twisting our true rights set by our forefathers to their own ways.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion isn't leaving
Our nation was created based off of religion so why throw it out? Has anyone ever thought about how evolution was created or why etc? What harm is it doing to you or your kids if someone wants to pray in school or if they do or don't support certain social issues. Worry about what you're doing with your life and not how others live theirs. These upcoming generations have no morals, me being 18 I see it first hand. Theres no morals, no respect, religion helps shape and form morals. Not all Christians believe that if you're gay you go to hell, that's a stereotype. Why do we feel murder is illegal? The bible started it, why is infidelity looked down upon? Morals. We have been shaped by religion and like it or not its how this country was made.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's 50/50, straight down the middle in both my faith and constitution.Religion is part of the balance.
Oddly enough if your religion stands for put no God's before me,concerning one nation under God as a sister law what could I say about it?Maybe that's not it. What laws does your religion break?States vary in law. Some states actually have law on adultery.Michigan treats it as a felony.I'm sure whom commits this crime would say too much influence.I myself think it's an ok law. We enforce judicially 5 of the ten commandments (desiring property is not a crime itself. It could lead to theft). When government is thought of as a whole I wouldn't say it has too much religion.
Posted by: AnonymousThe question is far too broad to address the issue of religion influencing federal politics.
The debate topic draws no distinction between religion influencing political debate and religion informing individuals' political opinions. There has been a long history of religion influencing politicians in extremely positive ways; for instance many abolitionists in the 18th century were motivated by their religious convictions. Martin Luther King, Jr. was profoundly influenced his religious convictions which ultimately helped lead to important reforms in American society.
Posted by: BewilderedChristoper63I do not think that religion has nearly enough influence in government, because religion is a major part of the lives Americans, and it should be honored.
I think that a lot more religion can and should have much more of an influence than it does now in government. I think that there should be much less emphasis on getting God out of government and school, and much more emphasis on things that really matter, like education and the economy. So much time and effort is wasted on trying to get religion out, and that time and money could be so useful elsewhere.
Posted by: UnsuitableRigoberto99I have not seen any evidence of this.
People in the government may be swayed one way or another by what they believe religiously, but I do not think that the government is allowing people of certain faiths to control what we do. If this was the case, then we would not have wars, because the Bible states thou shall not kill.
Posted by: 5c0tJungReligion doesn't have enough influence within the government of any nation.
Religion is a valuable asset in that it provides people a direction to their actions which is designed and determined to make people better than they are. It isn't that taking religion out of the picture makes people evil, but rather that the lack of religion tends towards a pointless existence. When we have no sense of purpose, which religion brings to us, then we don't really know what to do from one situation to the next. When we allow religion to influence our government, we allow the values that most of us place stock in to influence our lives in general.
Posted by: MariaRWeaker support than expected
The government does not go all out to support religion, specifically, that which is for the Christian God. At times, it is all too willing to step on toes and wrestle whatever it can out of people in general. Separation of church and state can act as a cover for an agenda aimed at gaining more power, plain and simple.
Posted by: AnonymousThere is not too much religion in government.
There is a certain amount of religious influence on the government, but not too much. Our constitution is based on Judeo-Christian values, but most of those values are common in all religions. Sometimes government gets a little too deep in religion, such as the prohibition era and the current prohibition on marijuana and prostitution. Some religious influence in government is alright, as long as it doesn't support one religion over another. Currently, I think we have just the right amount of religious influence.
Posted by: jaayfarleyThe Bible contains valuable moral thought
The Bibles influence can be justified by its valuable moral thoughts and ideas. Laws need to be influenced by something. Whether it is philosophy or the Bible or a combination of both. Laws state what is right and what is wrong. You can tell someone they are wrong because they gain their moral insight from the Bible just as they can tell you that you are wrong from gaining your moral insight from your experiences and knowledge. Everything should be taken into account.
Posted by: AnonymousToo much disrespect for diversity in religions.
We're starting to kick religion out of the country. We're forcing our children to believe in so called "facts" and scientist are starting to control us. Many of the pilgrims that came to America were very religious so why can't we appreciate them? I agree that religion shouldn't run the government but we shouldn't have the government control religion.
Posted by: Anonymous