Church & State Polls: Opinions on the Separation of Church and State
The separation of church and state is an important issue many different societies. Should the government actively support and endorse any particular religions or religion generally? Should the government suppress religion in public so as to prevent sectarian strife? Or should the government remain generally neutral, neither helping nor hindering any religions? These questions come up in a lot of different specific issues - and you can make your opinion known by voting in some of the polls.
Should We Ban Things Contrary to Some Religious Doctrines?
Some religious conservatives think that they are being discriminated against when society refuses to discriminate against people and behavior they disapprove of. Thus, it's discrimination against Christians when gays are treated as equal citizens. Should we be more "fair" to such religious conservatives and ban behavior which contradicts their religious doctrines?
Some religious conservatives think that they are being discriminated against when society refuses to discriminate against people and behavior they disapprove of. Thus, it's discrimination against Christians when gays are treated as equal citizens. Should we be more "fair" to such religious conservatives and ban behavior which contradicts their religious doctrines?
Should Religious Groups Follow the Same Laws as Others?
Some religious organizations don't just want to be exempt from laws like anti-discrimination laws, but also building codes, tax laws, and so forth. They apparently think that the separation of church and state means that churches should be independent of all state actions, including neutral laws. Are they right?
Some religious organizations don't just want to be exempt from laws like anti-discrimination laws, but also building codes, tax laws, and so forth. They apparently think that the separation of church and state means that churches should be independent of all state actions, including neutral laws. Are they right?
Should Christians Distribute Free Bibles in Public Schools?
Some Christian groups would like to use public schools to distribute their religious material. The Gideons have been distributing Bibles in public schools for decades, though more and more schools are ending this unique relationship. Should schools allow this to happen to any groups or should it be prohibited?
Some Christian groups would like to use public schools to distribute their religious material. The Gideons have been distributing Bibles in public schools for decades, though more and more schools are ending this unique relationship. Should schools allow this to happen to any groups or should it be prohibited?
Should Religious Groups Give Secular Programs in Public Schools?
It's becoming increasingly popular for religious groups to give secular programs in public schools, but then invite the students to attend more explicitly religious services in the evening. Thus the programs may provide a service to the schools, but they are essentially being used as advertising to a captive audience. Is this appropriate?
It's becoming increasingly popular for religious groups to give secular programs in public schools, but then invite the students to attend more explicitly religious services in the evening. Thus the programs may provide a service to the schools, but they are essentially being used as advertising to a captive audience. Is this appropriate?
Should Museums Display Art That's Pro- or Anti-Religion?
The separation of church and state should prohibit the government from promoting or denigrating religion - for example, by erecting displays on public grounds that endorse some religion or attack some other religion. What about institutions like museums where art is displays - can such art express pro-religion or anti-religion perspectives?
The separation of church and state should prohibit the government from promoting or denigrating religion - for example, by erecting displays on public grounds that endorse some religion or attack some other religion. What about institutions like museums where art is displays - can such art express pro-religion or anti-religion perspectives?
Should the Laws and Constitution Reflect / Enforce Religion?
Democratically elected representatives are typically expected to swear to uphold the laws and the Constitution. Some, though, act like part of their job is to uphold their particular interpretation of their favored religious scriptures - as if being an elected representative were somehow the same as being a religious leader. Is this appropriate?
Democratically elected representatives are typically expected to swear to uphold the laws and the Constitution. Some, though, act like part of their job is to uphold their particular interpretation of their favored religious scriptures - as if being an elected representative were somehow the same as being a religious leader. Is this appropriate?
If the Government Can Acknowledge God, Then How About Jesus?
It's common - far too common - for public officials to introduce god-talk into their public statements or speeches. This is often defended on the basis of most Americans believing in God and, therefore, it's appropriate to integrate that belief into public acts of government. Well, most Americans believe in Jesus, too - so why not put 'Jesus' in the places where they say 'God'?
It's common - far too common - for public officials to introduce god-talk into their public statements or speeches. This is often defended on the basis of most Americans believing in God and, therefore, it's appropriate to integrate that belief into public acts of government. Well, most Americans believe in Jesus, too - so why not put 'Jesus' in the places where they say 'God'?
Should the Government Create or Permit Roadside Religious Memorials
It's common to see roadside memorials put up where there are accidents and people have died. These memorials are usually private and not technically permitted %u2014 when the state cleans up along the roads, they take down the memorials. Some would like the see such memorials protected, even if they are large and send a religious message.
It's common to see roadside memorials put up where there are accidents and people have died. These memorials are usually private and not technically permitted %u2014 when the state cleans up along the roads, they take down the memorials. Some would like the see such memorials protected, even if they are large and send a religious message.
In God We Trust as the American Motto, On American Money
The American motto, which appears on American money and other government contexts, is "In God We Trust." This isn't just a generic "god," but a particular conception of god as a personal agent who can be trusted to help us. Christians immediately perceive the motto as referring to their god and not to other gods, like Zeus or Krishna.
The American motto, which appears on American money and other government contexts, is "In God We Trust." This isn't just a generic "god," but a particular conception of god as a personal agent who can be trusted to help us. Christians immediately perceive the motto as referring to their god and not to other gods, like Zeus or Krishna.
Should Voting Booths be in Churches?
Many states allow churches to house polling stations - but such churches could banned from its property advertisements against for or against particular initiatives that are on the ballots. This makes sense from a church's perspective, but is illegal for a polling station where all views must be treated equally.
Many states allow churches to house polling stations - but such churches could banned from its property advertisements against for or against particular initiatives that are on the ballots. This makes sense from a church's perspective, but is illegal for a polling station where all views must be treated equally.
Should Halloween be Banned as a Violation of Separation?
As part of their battles against all things secular and all things pagan, Christian Right activists have been working to eliminate Halloween celebrations in public schools. They don't like the idea that Halloween appears to be promoting witchcraft and think that they have a church/state separation case to make.
As part of their battles against all things secular and all things pagan, Christian Right activists have been working to eliminate Halloween celebrations in public schools. They don't like the idea that Halloween appears to be promoting witchcraft and think that they have a church/state separation case to make.
Should Clergy Have Any Sort of Employment Protection?
Exemptions from basic employment laws and rights is a holdover from the %u201Cspecial status%u201D traditionally accorded to religion. Religious organizations are saying that the effects of this discrimination are irrelevant, what matters is who is engaging in the discrimination. Exemptions have been eliminated in most other areas, but should it ended be here as well?
Exemptions from basic employment laws and rights is a holdover from the %u201Cspecial status%u201D traditionally accorded to religion. Religious organizations are saying that the effects of this discrimination are irrelevant, what matters is who is engaging in the discrimination. Exemptions have been eliminated in most other areas, but should it ended be here as well?
Taking Private Land and Giving it to Religious Groups
I wrote about how a New Jersey town using eminent domain to seize a bar and turn the property over to a Catholic school. They argued that it is a better 'public use' of the property if the school can expand its football field. Tan's case is still working through the courts, but do you think that his case is right or does the church have the better argument?
I wrote about how a New Jersey town using eminent domain to seize a bar and turn the property over to a Catholic school. They argued that it is a better 'public use' of the property if the school can expand its football field. Tan's case is still working through the courts, but do you think that his case is right or does the church have the better argument?
Should the Mt. Soledad Cross be Removed?
The Mt. Soledad Cross was supposed to be moved, but defenders have managed to keep their legal battle going. The city voted to transfer ownership of the cross to the federal government so that it could stay in place, but Judge Patricia Yim Cowett barred this. Who knows how long this fight will continue. Do you think that the cross should finally be taken away?
The Mt. Soledad Cross was supposed to be moved, but defenders have managed to keep their legal battle going. The city voted to transfer ownership of the cross to the federal government so that it could stay in place, but Judge Patricia Yim Cowett barred this. Who knows how long this fight will continue. Do you think that the cross should finally be taken away?
Appropriate For City Councils To Begin Meetings With Prayer?
We regularly read about city councils and other small government entities like school boards insisting that they should begin their meetings with official, organized prayers - often sectarian prayers to Jesus. They believe this is appropriate because most citizens are Christians who agree with the prayers; others argue that no government entity should favor Christianity in this way.
We regularly read about city councils and other small government entities like school boards insisting that they should begin their meetings with official, organized prayers - often sectarian prayers to Jesus. They believe this is appropriate because most citizens are Christians who agree with the prayers; others argue that no government entity should favor Christianity in this way.
Do Governments In Utah Favor The Mormon Church Too Much?
The Salt Lake City government sold a plaza to the Mormon Church, leading to a lawsuit that alleged the sale to be a sham, giving the church power to limit free speech in a place that should be open to the public. This wasn't the first time when Utah government has shown apparent favoritism to the Mormon Church and Mormonism - but is it something that happens too often?
The Salt Lake City government sold a plaza to the Mormon Church, leading to a lawsuit that alleged the sale to be a sham, giving the church power to limit free speech in a place that should be open to the public. This wasn't the first time when Utah government has shown apparent favoritism to the Mormon Church and Mormonism - but is it something that happens too often?
Should Coaches At Public Schools Lead Their Teams In Prayers
No one says that students can't pray, but there is a problem when coaches put their stamp of approval on any prayers by initiating or participating with them. If students want to have prayers on their own, that's fine. If not, that's also fine - the school, through the office of coach, shouldn't take a position on the matter.
No one says that students can't pray, but there is a problem when coaches put their stamp of approval on any prayers by initiating or participating with them. If students want to have prayers on their own, that's fine. If not, that's also fine - the school, through the office of coach, shouldn't take a position on the matter.
Catholic Leaders Covering Up Sexual Abuse By Priests?
Even worse than priests sexually abusing children, at least in the minds of both Catholics and non-Catholics, were the persistent efforts of Catholic leaders to cover up that abuse - even to the point of shuffling around predatory priests, putting more children at risk. Kids were sexually molested as a direct result of the immoral, and even illegal, actions of Catholic bishops and others.
Even worse than priests sexually abusing children, at least in the minds of both Catholics and non-Catholics, were the persistent efforts of Catholic leaders to cover up that abuse - even to the point of shuffling around predatory priests, putting more children at risk. Kids were sexually molested as a direct result of the immoral, and even illegal, actions of Catholic bishops and others.
Should Religion get Special Privileges, like with Anti-Blasphemy Laws?
Religion, and especially Christianity, is often treated as though it should be immune from criticism, much less harsh attacks. Simply calling into question whether Christianity is true or rational is scoffed at by others who think nothing of lambasting political ideologies like liberalism or socialism. Is such a double-standard justified?
Religion, and especially Christianity, is often treated as though it should be immune from criticism, much less harsh attacks. Simply calling into question whether Christianity is true or rational is scoffed at by others who think nothing of lambasting political ideologies like liberalism or socialism. Is such a double-standard justified?
Chaplain of the House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives pays to retain a chaplain at all times - but there has often been bitter disputes over the office. Catholics have complained about the lack of Catholic chaplains in the post while others argue that such funding violates the separation of church and state.
The U.S. House of Representatives pays to retain a chaplain at all times - but there has often been bitter disputes over the office. Catholics have complained about the lack of Catholic chaplains in the post while others argue that such funding violates the separation of church and state.
Ten Commandments as a Historical Document
In order to get approval for monuments dedicated to the Ten Commandments, many communities will try to include other historical documents (Constitution, Magna Carta) as well. A display of historical documents seems legitimate, but most of the time this just looks like an excuse to get government endorsement of the Decalogue.
In order to get approval for monuments dedicated to the Ten Commandments, many communities will try to include other historical documents (Constitution, Magna Carta) as well. A display of historical documents seems legitimate, but most of the time this just looks like an excuse to get government endorsement of the Decalogue.
Should Politicians Who Don't Recite the Pledge Be Recalled?
The Estes Park Town Board in Colorado has been opening meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance and one member has refused to stand or participate. Well, some people are so upset over this show of defiance that they have launched a recall effort. Are they justified?
The Estes Park Town Board in Colorado has been opening meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance and one member has refused to stand or participate. Well, some people are so upset over this show of defiance that they have launched a recall effort. Are they justified?
Should Churches Get Special Privileges?
Non-profit organizations in Massachusetts have to release their financial records to the public. Churches are exempt from this provision and attempts to force them to toe the line with everyone else are being blocked. Should churches be held to the same standards are all other non-profit groups?
Non-profit organizations in Massachusetts have to release their financial records to the public. Churches are exempt from this provision and attempts to force them to toe the line with everyone else are being blocked. Should churches be held to the same standards are all other non-profit groups?
Should a Judge Have Ten Commandments On His Robes?
Judge Ashley McKathan in Covington County, Alabama, has begun appearing in his court wearing a robe embroidered with the Ten Commandments. He did it with his own money, but he says it's to make a statement about his personal religious convictions.
Judge Ashley McKathan in Covington County, Alabama, has begun appearing in his court wearing a robe embroidered with the Ten Commandments. He did it with his own money, but he says it's to make a statement about his personal religious convictions.
Should Boy Scouts Recruit in Public Schools?
One of the problems facing the Boy Scouts is that their discrimination against atheists and gays makes it difficult for the government to help them recruit or endorse their group. Thus, recruitment in public schools is made harder. Should public schools help Boy Scouts recruit new members?
One of the problems facing the Boy Scouts is that their discrimination against atheists and gays makes it difficult for the government to help them recruit or endorse their group. Thus, recruitment in public schools is made harder. Should public schools help Boy Scouts recruit new members?
Should City Council Meetings Open with Prayers?
Many city councils around America open their meetings with prayers - often sectarian prayers that reference or promote specific religious beliefs like that Jesus is the Son of God. These prayers are defended as mere civil religion or, sometimes, as the will of the majority. Should official prayers be allowed at government functions?
Many city councils around America open their meetings with prayers - often sectarian prayers that reference or promote specific religious beliefs like that Jesus is the Son of God. These prayers are defended as mere civil religion or, sometimes, as the will of the majority. Should official prayers be allowed at government functions?
Should Judges Swear to God?
The oath required of all federal judges and justices ends with "So help me God." That sounds like a religious test, doesn't it? If so, doesn't that make the oath unconstitutional?
The oath required of all federal judges and justices ends with "So help me God." That sounds like a religious test, doesn't it? If so, doesn't that make the oath unconstitutional?
When is a Religious Employer Not Religious?
In California, Catholic Charities have to fund contraception in their insurance coverage because they don't qualify as a 'religious' employer. They don't take religion into account in whom they hire, whom them help, or what they do. So is that fair?
In California, Catholic Charities have to fund contraception in their insurance coverage because they don't qualify as a 'religious' employer. They don't take religion into account in whom they hire, whom them help, or what they do. So is that fair?
Should the Pledge of Allegiance Be Exempt from Court Challenge?
Religious conservatives want to bar federal courts from hearing any challenges to the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance. They want to ensure that no one can have the phrase 'under God' removed. Is this a good idea?
Religious conservatives want to bar federal courts from hearing any challenges to the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance. They want to ensure that no one can have the phrase 'under God' removed. Is this a good idea?
Will America Fall Under the Control of the Christian Right?
George W. Bush owes his reelection largely to the huge turnout of supporters from the Christian Right. It is unlikely that he would ignore these voters in his policies, so does that mean that they will gain greater control over American law and society?
George W. Bush owes his reelection largely to the huge turnout of supporters from the Christian Right. It is unlikely that he would ignore these voters in his policies, so does that mean that they will gain greater control over American law and society?
Are Bible Displays in Government Buildings Unconstitutional?
The display of a Bible at the Houston Court House has been defended as promoting religion - the right religion, specifically because America is a Christian Nation. Should the government promote use displays of religious scriptures like this to promote specific religions?
The display of a Bible at the Houston Court House has been defended as promoting religion - the right religion, specifically because America is a Christian Nation. Should the government promote use displays of religious scriptures like this to promote specific religions?
Should College Groups Be Allowed to Discriminate?
Should religious groups always be treated exactly the same as secular groups? That seems to make sense because the alternative involves discrimination against religion - or does it? If a religious group discriminates, shouldn't it be treated like a secular group that discriminates?
Should religious groups always be treated exactly the same as secular groups? That seems to make sense because the alternative involves discrimination against religion - or does it? If a religious group discriminates, shouldn't it be treated like a secular group that discriminates?
Should Church Directories Be Used by Political Parties?
The Bush reelection campaign made news by asking both for Protestant church directories and Catholic parish directories. Both efforts sparked complaints from religious leaders - even some religious leaders who supported Bush. Did the campaign cross the line with such requests?
The Bush reelection campaign made news by asking both for Protestant church directories and Catholic parish directories. Both efforts sparked complaints from religious leaders - even some religious leaders who supported Bush. Did the campaign cross the line with such requests?
Should Federal Funds Pay for Programs Run By Religious Groups?
Some say that if the government funds private groups running social programs, it is discrimination not to let religious groups participate - even if those programs are explicitly religious in nature and even if the groups discriminate on the basis of things like religion. Many argue this would violate church/state separation.
Some say that if the government funds private groups running social programs, it is discrimination not to let religious groups participate - even if those programs are explicitly religious in nature and even if the groups discriminate on the basis of things like religion. Many argue this would violate church/state separation.
To What Extent Should Church and State Be Separated?
Not everyone agrees that church and state should be separated, but even among those who do agree on this there is disagreement on the exact extent to which separation should exist. Some argue for strict separation, others argue for varying levels of accommodation. Where do you fall?
Not everyone agrees that church and state should be separated, but even among those who do agree on this there is disagreement on the exact extent to which separation should exist. Some argue for strict separation, others argue for varying levels of accommodation. Where do you fall?
Is Church/State Separation a Valid Constitutional Principle?
Because the phrase 'separation of church and state' doesn't actually appear in the text of the Constitution, some argue that it isn't a valid or real constitutional principle and simply doesn't exist. Others argue that it is implied in the text and is as valid as the principle of a 'fair trial' being required. What do you think?
Because the phrase 'separation of church and state' doesn't actually appear in the text of the Constitution, some argue that it isn't a valid or real constitutional principle and simply doesn't exist. Others argue that it is implied in the text and is as valid as the principle of a 'fair trial' being required. What do you think?
Do You Approve of Religious Monuments in Public Areas?
Many people fight to have religious monuments installed in public areas, like parks and court houses. All these monuments are, coincidentally, Christian in nature - there's no outcry for Muslim or Hindu monuments. Do you think that these monuments should exist and, if so, should they only be Christian?
Many people fight to have religious monuments installed in public areas, like parks and court houses. All these monuments are, coincidentally, Christian in nature - there's no outcry for Muslim or Hindu monuments. Do you think that these monuments should exist and, if so, should they only be Christian?
Should Religious Leaders Play a Greater Role in World Affairs?
Many religious believers look up to their religious leaders as authorities not just on religious matters, but on all sorts of things in life. As a consequence, they would like to see those leaders play a greater role in world affairs, for example by having a voice at the UN. Do you agree that religious authorities should be given more attention?
Many religious believers look up to their religious leaders as authorities not just on religious matters, but on all sorts of things in life. As a consequence, they would like to see those leaders play a greater role in world affairs, for example by having a voice at the UN. Do you agree that religious authorities should be given more attention?
Should Religious Leaders Play a Greater Role in World Affairs?
Many religious believers look up to their religious leaders as authorities not just on religious matters, but on all sorts of things in life. As a consequence, they would like to see those leaders play a greater role in world affairs, for example by having a voice at the UN. Do you agree that religious authorities should be given more attention?
Many religious believers look up to their religious leaders as authorities not just on religious matters, but on all sorts of things in life. As a consequence, they would like to see those leaders play a greater role in world affairs, for example by having a voice at the UN. Do you agree that religious authorities should be given more attention?
Should Nontheistic Groups Get Religious Tax Exemptions?
Some people believe that the only way a group can be 'religious' is if they believe in some sort of god - thus, nontheistic groups should be denied the same tax-exempt status given to traditional religious groups. Is this position justified?
Some people believe that the only way a group can be 'religious' is if they believe in some sort of god - thus, nontheistic groups should be denied the same tax-exempt status given to traditional religious groups. Is this position justified?
Define Civil Marriage According to Christian Standards?
Many conservative, evangelical Christians insist that civil marriage laws should be written to match the way they believe marriage is also defined in traditional Christianity - thus imposing Christian marriage standards upon everyone - non-Christians, atheists, liberal Christians, etc. I this justified?
Many conservative, evangelical Christians insist that civil marriage laws should be written to match the way they believe marriage is also defined in traditional Christianity - thus imposing Christian marriage standards upon everyone - non-Christians, atheists, liberal Christians, etc. I this justified?
Corporal Punishment for Religious Reason: Permissible?
Although corporal punishment may be legal, there are those who believe that their religion authorizes or even mandates much more severe corporal punishment than most would administer - for example, beatings with a belt. Should more severe punishments be allowed if done for religious reasons?
Although corporal punishment may be legal, there are those who believe that their religion authorizes or even mandates much more severe corporal punishment than most would administer - for example, beatings with a belt. Should more severe punishments be allowed if done for religious reasons?
What Do You Think About the National Day of Prayer?
The National Day of Prayer has become very popular among evangelical Christians - for them, it is a reaffirmation of what they believe to be the Christian nature of American society and government. Others, though, see it as a violation of the separation of church and state (at least in some cases).
The National Day of Prayer has become very popular among evangelical Christians - for them, it is a reaffirmation of what they believe to be the Christian nature of American society and government. Others, though, see it as a violation of the separation of church and state (at least in some cases).
Should there be Religious Exemptions to School Rules?
Religious students in public schools are sometimes faced with rules or requirements which might cause them to violate their religious beliefs. Should they be exempted from the same rules and standards that apply to everyone else?
Religious students in public schools are sometimes faced with rules or requirements which might cause them to violate their religious beliefs. Should they be exempted from the same rules and standards that apply to everyone else?
Is Religion the Answer to Today's Problems?
There are those who feel that the only real way we will be able to solve today's problems is by turning to religion because religion (their religion, naturally) holds all the answers. Others dispute this, including people who are religious themselves. Is there anything in religion which is needed to deal with problems today?
There are those who feel that the only real way we will be able to solve today's problems is by turning to religion because religion (their religion, naturally) holds all the answers. Others dispute this, including people who are religious themselves. Is there anything in religion which is needed to deal with problems today?
How Have Courts Treated Christians and Christianity?
Some Christians have claimed that American courts have been hostile and prejudiced against Christians and Christianity - treating them unfairly in ways that other groups aren't treated. Others, however, say that Christianity is simply not being given preferential treatment. What do you think?
Some Christians have claimed that American courts have been hostile and prejudiced against Christians and Christianity - treating them unfairly in ways that other groups aren't treated. Others, however, say that Christianity is simply not being given preferential treatment. What do you think?
Should Door-to-Door Religious Proselytization be Legal?
Some local governments would like to force anyone who does door-to-door selling or canvassing to register with authorities first - but the Supreme Court has ruled that that is an infringement on free speech. Do you agree?
Some local governments would like to force anyone who does door-to-door selling or canvassing to register with authorities first - but the Supreme Court has ruled that that is an infringement on free speech. Do you agree?
Religious Use of Psychedelic Drugs
Many religions require the use of drugs, including psychedelic drugs, in various religious ceremonies. This obviously conflicts with laws against the use of drugs - so what should be done? Should the government prevent such usage, or allow it as a religious exception?
Many religions require the use of drugs, including psychedelic drugs, in various religious ceremonies. This obviously conflicts with laws against the use of drugs - so what should be done? Should the government prevent such usage, or allow it as a religious exception?
Should the Pledge of Allegiance say 'Under God'?
Ever since the 1950s, the Pledge of Allegiance has included the phrase 'Under God.' Some have challenged this, arguing that the addition of those words was unconstitutional. Others say that they simply acknowledge the nation's religious heritage. What do you think?
Ever since the 1950s, the Pledge of Allegiance has included the phrase 'Under God.' Some have challenged this, arguing that the addition of those words was unconstitutional. Others say that they simply acknowledge the nation's religious heritage. What do you think?
Should Religious Mottos Be Allowed?
A number of governments in the United States have had religious mottos. The motto of the state of Ohio, for example, is 'With God All Things Are Possible.' Should governments be allowed to adopt theological declarations as secular mottos?
A number of governments in the United States have had religious mottos. The motto of the state of Ohio, for example, is 'With God All Things Are Possible.' Should governments be allowed to adopt theological declarations as secular mottos?
Should polygamy be legal?
Many religions in the past have included polygamy as a valid, if not dominant, form of marriage. In America today only marriage between a single man and a single woman is legal, but should that remain the case? Why not legalize polygamy so that people who want to practice it may do so?
Many religions in the past have included polygamy as a valid, if not dominant, form of marriage. In America today only marriage between a single man and a single woman is legal, but should that remain the case? Why not legalize polygamy so that people who want to practice it may do so?
Should the Government Fund Religious Proselytization?
Many people think that it would be appropriate for the government to take money that comes from all taxpayers and give it to religious groups that proselytize to the people it serves - for example, churches that preach to poor people it serves. Is this a fair use of government funds?
Many people think that it would be appropriate for the government to take money that comes from all taxpayers and give it to religious groups that proselytize to the people it serves - for example, churches that preach to poor people it serves. Is this a fair use of government funds?
Should Christmas Be a Government Holiday?
Christmas has long been a popular holiday in America - largely due to the predominance of Christianity. Should it, however, remain an official government holiday? After all, the religious holidays of other faiths are declared official holidays - so isn't this a form of favoritism towards Christianity?
Christmas has long been a popular holiday in America - largely due to the predominance of Christianity. Should it, however, remain an official government holiday? After all, the religious holidays of other faiths are declared official holidays - so isn't this a form of favoritism towards Christianity?
School Vouchers for Religious Schools
According to some, the best way to deal with failing schools is to let parents send their kids to private schools - and that the government should pay for it. Some also contend that the government should provide vouchers even for religious schools and religious education. Is that constitutional?
According to some, the best way to deal with failing schools is to let parents send their kids to private schools - and that the government should pay for it. Some also contend that the government should provide vouchers even for religious schools and religious education. Is that constitutional?
Ten Commandments in Government Buildings
Many religious people take the Ten Commandments very seriously and would like to see the government display the Ten Commandments in public buildings like schools. This would appear to be a way for the government to support and endorse the Ten Commandments - but isn't that unconstitutional?
Many religious people take the Ten Commandments very seriously and would like to see the government display the Ten Commandments in public buildings like schools. This would appear to be a way for the government to support and endorse the Ten Commandments - but isn't that unconstitutional?
Official Prayers Before School Events
Prayers are, for religious believers, very important - so important, in fact, that some wish to incorporate prayers into every aspect of their lives. This can conflict with the rights of those who don't believe the same things, for example when people try to have official prayers at public school events.
Prayers are, for religious believers, very important - so important, in fact, that some wish to incorporate prayers into every aspect of their lives. This can conflict with the rights of those who don't believe the same things, for example when people try to have official prayers at public school events.
Should there be an official Day of Rest?
Many religions have a "day of rest" when no work is to be done. In America, the traditional Christian sabbath became an official "day of rest" for everyone, mandated by law. This has eroded over the years, but some wish to return to having an official government sabbath. Is that constitutional?
Many religions have a "day of rest" when no work is to be done. In America, the traditional Christian sabbath became an official "day of rest" for everyone, mandated by law. This has eroded over the years, but some wish to return to having an official government sabbath. Is that constitutional?
Should Schools Have a Moment of Silence?
Courts have firmly established that public schools cannot mandate or even recommend that students pray. In place of prayer, some try to have schools enforce a "moment of silence" at the beginning of the day. Is this just a way to get around official prayers and should it be banned?
Courts have firmly established that public schools cannot mandate or even recommend that students pray. In place of prayer, some try to have schools enforce a "moment of silence" at the beginning of the day. Is this just a way to get around official prayers and should it be banned?
Government Funding of Religious Programs
Is it discrimination for the government to fund a secular soup kitchen but not a church soup kitchen where people have to listen to a sermon in order to get their soup? Some say it is, but others argue that the government should pay for such forced sermons.
Is it discrimination for the government to fund a secular soup kitchen but not a church soup kitchen where people have to listen to a sermon in order to get their soup? Some say it is, but others argue that the government should pay for such forced sermons.
Government Funding of Religious Schools
Some say that if the state funds a secular program, it should fund religious equivalents equally. What would happen if the state were required to provide the same level of aid to parochial and church schools that they provide to public schools?
Some say that if the state funds a secular program, it should fund religious equivalents equally. What would happen if the state were required to provide the same level of aid to parochial and church schools that they provide to public schools?
French Secularism & Ban on Headscarves
The French government has decided to ban "conspicuous religious symbols" in public schools, although everyone knows that it is aimed primarily at the headscarves of Muslim girls. Is this a justified attempt to maintain the secularism of the schools?
The French government has decided to ban "conspicuous religious symbols" in public schools, although everyone knows that it is aimed primarily at the headscarves of Muslim girls. Is this a justified attempt to maintain the secularism of the schools?
Prospects for a Theocracy in Iraq
Although one of the reasons commonly offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq is that the people needed to be liberated from Saddam Hussein, there are concerns that the new government will be theocratic in nature - which isn't very liberating.
Although one of the reasons commonly offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq is that the people needed to be liberated from Saddam Hussein, there are concerns that the new government will be theocratic in nature - which isn't very liberating.
Government Funding of Faith-Based Discrimination
Bush's proposed faith-based initiatives are about more than letting religious groups get government funding and administer government services - they can already do that. What is being sought is to allow them to discriminate for religious reasons while using government money. Many argue that religious groups should have to choose between public funding and discrimination.
Bush's proposed faith-based initiatives are about more than letting religious groups get government funding and administer government services - they can already do that. What is being sought is to allow them to discriminate for religious reasons while using government money. Many argue that religious groups should have to choose between public funding and discrimination.
Future of the Separation of Church and State
There are always a lot of battles over the separation of church and state - sometimes those who seek to preserve separation win while other times those who seek accommodation or even the union of church and state win. Is either side doing better than the other, though?
There are always a lot of battles over the separation of church and state - sometimes those who seek to preserve separation win while other times those who seek accommodation or even the union of church and state win. Is either side doing better than the other, though?
Chaplain of the House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives pays to retain a chaplain at all times - but there has often been bitter disputes over the office. Catholics have complained about the lack of Catholic chaplains in the post while others argue that such funding violates the separation of church and state.
The U.S. House of Representatives pays to retain a chaplain at all times - but there has often been bitter disputes over the office. Catholics have complained about the lack of Catholic chaplains in the post while others argue that such funding violates the separation of church and state.
Ten Commandments as a Historical Document
In order to get approval for monuments dedicated to the Ten Commandments, many communities will try to include other historical documents (Constitution, Magna Carta) as well. A display of historical documents seems legitimate, but most of the time this just looks like an excuse to get government endorsement of the Decalogue.
In order to get approval for monuments dedicated to the Ten Commandments, many communities will try to include other historical documents (Constitution, Magna Carta) as well. A display of historical documents seems legitimate, but most of the time this just looks like an excuse to get government endorsement of the Decalogue.