Separation Of Church And State

The United States today is a very religious country with many American's professing to identify with some sort of religion. Therefore, it is obvious that religion is a significant factor in American politics and that the issue of the proper role of religion is important in politics. The separation of the church and state not only means the church staying out the state, but the state staying out of the church. Where the term is labeled separation of church and state, it truly means separation of religion from state, not just churches. This phrase was actually coined by Thomas Jefferson on January 1, 1802 when he felt that the government had no business getting involved in religion. The separation was to assure that the government never dictated to the church how, when, and where to worship.

Being said, I think it's a good thing to keep the two separate. I don't think we need congress interfering with personal religious practices. Nor do I feel that the church should directly control the state. However, I do believe that religion does play a large part of state. Politicians will use religion to win the votes of the people and use issues such as saying the Pledge of Allegiance or such issues. Another topic that religion continues to influence politics would be the subject of abortion. I truly believe that keeping religion out of the state is a way to eliminate chaos and that a strong unbiased government is the key to a successful nation. There are far too many religions, beliefs and thoughts to intertwine the two. Thomas Jefferson separating the two was in my opinion an elimination of what could have been disastrous outcomes.