Principle of Separation - Myths About the Principle of Church/State Separation

1. The Phrase "Separation of Church and State" isn't in the Constitution

That is true, the phrase "separation of church and state" does not actually appear anywhere in the Constitution. There is a problem, however, in that some people draw incorrect conclusions from this fact. The absence of this phrase does not mean that it is an invalid concept or that it cannot be used as a legal or judicial principle.

2. You have Freedom of Religion, not Freedom From Religion

This claim is common, but it rests on a misunderstanding of what real freedom of religion entails. The most important thing to remember is that freedom of religion, if it is going to apply to everyone, also requires freedom from religion. Why is that? You do not truly have the freedom to practice your religious beliefs if you are also required to adhere to any of the religious beliefs or rules of other religions.

3. This "Separation of Church and State" is a Communist Plot

Arguing that the concept of a "separation of church and state" is an attempt by communists to control the United States used to be more common during the Cold War, but it still gets trotted out occasionally by opponents to church/state separation. As with other things labeled "communist," this is more an attempt to discredit through association than any serious critique of separation, it's merits, or its actual history. In reality, church/state separation is very, very American.