Myths, Misconceptions and Misunderstandings
Separation of Church 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. It simply isn't possible to come to a reasonable understanding about the nature of how religion and government should interact when people do not have all of the facts - or, even worse, when what they think are facts turn out to simply be errors.
Listed here are, then, a number of those myths and errors which come up from time to time - some more often than others, but all relevant and worth understanding. Many are related, so the explanations will be similar, but I have tried to include as much unique and original information in each section as is possible. Also, some myths are repeated in more than one section to make things easier to find. If you come across any misunderstandings about the separation of church and state and the relationship between government and religion which you think merit inclusion here, be sure to let me know.
Myths about United States 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 principle of the Separation of Church and State
You have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion
This "separation of church and state" is anti-religion
The "separation of church and state" is unbiblical
This "separation of church and state" is a communist plot
The phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution
The First Amendment only prohibits "establishing" a national church
The First Amendment only prohibits the state from interfering with churches
The First Amendment only applies to the Federal Government
Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists is not important
Myths about American law and government
The United States is a Christian Nation
Religion is necessary for good government
Our "National Day of Prayer" shows that this is a religious nation
Chaplains in the military and Congress prove that there is no separation of church and state
Our national motto is "In God We Trust," proving we are a Christian Nation
The Pledge of Allegiance contains the words "under God," proving that we are a Christian Nation
Presidents have given proclamations calling on days of thanksgiving, fasting and prayer.
What about the Declaration of Independence?
The Supreme Court has declared that Secular Humanism is a religion
Myths about School Prayer
An atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair, removed God, the Bible and prayer from public schools
School prayer and Bible reading took place in all public schools before 1962
Students should be allowed to pray in school
God was expelled from public schools in 1962
After prayer was removed from schools, performance has declined and social problems have increased.
Glossary: Religion & Philosophy
This extensive glossary provides detailed information on philosophical and religious concepts, from
abandonment to
Zeno of Elea!
(over 2400 entries total)
