Separation and the Constitution

Myths About the Separation of Chuch and State

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When discussing the separation of church and state, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a lot of misinformation, misunderstandings, and myths floating around which distort people's perception of critical issues. Some of the most fundamental problems seem to involve the Constitution itself, the document is strict separationists argue establish the separation of church and state.

Does the Constitution even mention the separation of church and state? Does the Constitution actually embody Christian principles? What does the First Amendment actually mean? These are only few of the topics where people have developed erroneous beliefs - beliefs which have, over time, resulted in faulty arguments against strict separation. Once these myths have been refuted and the misconceptions have been corrected, a more accurate and balanced perspective about the separation of church and state can be developed.

Myths about the Constitution

The phrase "separation of church and state" isn't in the Constitution.
The most basic and perhaps common myth is that, because the phrase "separation of church and state" cannot be found in the Constitution, therefore that principle also does not appear there.

The Constitution reflects Christian principles and morals.
Some argue that the Constitution actually embodies fundamental Christian principles and morals - thus, it is implied that Christianity is the foundation of our government and it would be wrong to try and separate them.

But the Constitution refers to Christianity and Jesus!
If the Constitution makes explicit references to Christianity and to Jesus, it is believed that it would therefore be a mistake to try and take them out of government by separation church and state.

What about the "Sundays Excepted" clause?
The Constitution provides for an Sunday Exception for the time given a president for considering a bill passed by the Congress. Does this indicate that the authors were establishing the Sabbath and showing a preference for Christianity?

Myths about the First Amendment

The First Amendment only prohibits a national church
It has been argued that the First Amendment should be read very narrowly - such a reading means that only the creation of a national church is prohibited, not financial support of all churches equally.

The First Amendment only works in one direction
One common myth is that the separation of church and state only goes "one way" - this means that it keeps the government from controlling religion, but not religion from controlling the government.

The First Amendment only applies to the Federal Government
There are those who believe that, even if the Constitution separates church and state, this only refers to the Federal Government - therefore, state governments can support religion.

Myths about other early documents

What about the Declaration of Independence?
According to some, the Declaration of Independence violates strict separation and, hence, proves that the authors of the Constitution did not advocate the separation of church and state.

What about the Northwest Ordinance?
Some believe that the Northwest Ordinance provides for the government to financially support religion - thus, the authors of the Constitution did not really believe that church and state should be separated.

Glossary: Religion & Philosophy
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