Religion vs. Politics

By: Daren Copely
College Press Staff Writer

    America has long been a land of faith. Founding documents, which still govern this land, speak of Judeo-Christian beliefs and laws based on those beliefs. The word of GOD was once feared and followed every day by Americans. They channeled their actions according to what GOD may think.  Today, in America, this feeling has changed. GOD is now a word that many in this country do not wish to have in their lives.  Actions have been taken to remove this word from daily view. Removers argue that laws regarding separation of church and state preclude religious displays in the public realm.

     Drafters of the Federal Constitution immediately addressed the relationship between the state and the church, for the First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This simple line prohibits any government entity from involving itself in any church matter or decision. Government involvement in removal of these images appears as if everyone has not been playing by the rules. The early lawmakers stated their intentions clearly.

    "Declare church and state forever separate and distinct; but each free within their proper spheres." Ulysses S. Grant, Seventh annual message, Congress December 7, 1875.

    "Thank God, under our Constitution there was no connection between Church and State, and that in my action as President of the United States I recognized no distinction of creeds in my appointments office." James K. Polk (sic)

    "I hold that in this country there must be complete severance of Church and State; that public moneys shall not be used for the purpose of advancing any particular creed; and therefore that the public schools shall be non-sectarian and no public moneys appropriated for sectarian schools." Theodore Roosevelt, Address, New York, October 12, 1915.

    As the discussion grows, there are those who begin to fight from every angle. In 2004, devout atheist, Michael Nedow, led a citizen protest, through the high courts, to remove any religious reference on American currency and education systems when his daughter was made to say with her class the pledge of allegiance mentioning the word GOD. The courts later shot down his appeals.

    “I brought this case because I am an atheist and this offends me, and I have the right to bring up my daughter without God being imposed into her life by her school teachers,” said Newdow.

    On the other side of the issue, there are those fighting to keep the word of religion in our society. In 2003, Former Alabama Chief Justice, Roy Moore, held tight to his position that the word of GOD and the 10 commandments should stay in public view on public property.

    “Anytime you deny the acknowledgment of God you are undermining the entire basis for which our country exists,” said Moore.

    Moore was later removed from office by unanimous vote from Alabama’s Court of the Judiciary. With public outcry gaining momentum in the legal system, will the issue stop at the annihilation of religion in American culture? Prominent religious leaders such as Rev. Jerry Falwell have always fought to “rise up and reclaim those religious freedoms our founding fathers assured for us.”

            With all the political infighting going on behind and in front of the scenes, what do the public tax payers have to say about the presence of religion in public view?

    “I think Nedow and people like him are ignorant. I would love to sit and talk to him and ask him where does he think he came from? Where does he go in his time of need?” said Chritian church goer Teresa Mandese

    “I'm neutral on that.. I think its frivolous that people make such a big deal about it.. I think there are more pressing issues to be concerned about like if we are going to have a woman president or a black president who used to be muslim.” said Catholic church goer Meredith  Dreyer

    No matter what the future may hold for the presence of religion in America, you can be sure that there will be passionate opposition. Wars of religion have long plagued this earth. People have fought, killed and loved in the name of a higher power.