The Modern Corruption of Separating Church from State

American Thinker ^ | 1 May, 2025 | Susan Quinn

[MtnClimber]

From the outset of forming our country, our Founders were determined to keep religion as a foundational element, given that many people had left their homes in Britain to be able to practice their religions as they chose. The goal was not for the government to reject faith, but for it to be prevented from dictating doctrine.

But over the years, the Left has distorted the meaning of “separation of church and state” (a phrase that’s not written into the Constitution) and now the country feels obligated to ban religion from every nook and cranny. How did a country founded in part by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment find itself dominated by secularism?

The Danbury Baptist Association was one of the first organizations in 1802 to ask Thomas Jefferson about the protections of their religious practice. Here, in part, is Jefferson’s reply:

‘I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State,’ Jefferson said.

The metaphor of a ‘wall of separation’ was not intended to say that religion should not influence opinion on government issues. Rather, it was used to affirm free religious practice for citizens.

The First Amendment was written to ensure that Congress would not create legislation beyond civil matters, again prohibiting the creation of a state religion:

The First Amendment prevents congress from creating or establishing a religion, and thereby prevents the power of the government from expanding beyond civil matters. The First Amendment also protects people’s right to worship however they choose, or to not worship at all. Protecting people’s right to decide what is right for themselves without government interference

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TOPICS: Religion; Society
KEYWORDS: 1a; 1stamendment; firstamendment; freedomofreligion

[MtnClimber]

The left seems to want people to worship the government.

[pgyanke]

The left seems to want people to worship the government.

Correct. They are imposing their own religious views on the country—anti-Christianity—and abortion is their sacrament.

[Alberta's Child]

How did a country founded in part by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment find itself dominated by secularism?

This was caused by a failure of the religious institutions, not a hostile, secular government.

[SaveFerris]

(The Left seems to want people to worship the government.)

Including all Globalists.

Daniel 7:23 says they will get their wish for a short season.

Along with a little surprise...

[SaveFerris]

(anti-Christianity)

They do love such

[Carry_Okie]

From the article: Even though the SCOTUS decision was a pitiful interpretation of the Separation Clause, which only prohibited the establishment of a state religion, they sent a clear message that religion and its values should not appear anywhere near our citizenry.

Someone must challenge this decision and rectify this injustice. Our country is desperately in need of revitalizing our spiritual and religious climate, and our important institutions should support that effort.

Good luck with that. The Muslim contingent makes this most problematic.

[ViLaLuz]

It’s gotten so corrupt society now sees open and promoted worship of Satan, and is blind to re-emergent secular humanism and all its flavors.

[circlecity]

They want to interpret separation of church and state to a separation of faith and state. Meaning you can never legislate on principals informed by your faith.

[Alberta's Child]

The Kentucky case cited in this article is a terrible example for the author to use. If anything, it demonstrates that these arguments completely miss the bigger point. The problem isn’t the secularization of public institutions. The problem is that most of these public institutions shouldn’t even exist at all.

Public schools, for example, have no place in a free nation.

[Carry_Okie]

Could not agree more. Public schools were set up in the first place to concentrate power in the hands of financial oligarchs, particularly the Rockefellers. The goal was a more capable, uniform, and compliant workforce.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

:: abortion is their sacrament ::

And “separation of church and state” is their confession and creed.
Their sanctified prayer is, “Do what thou will’d.”

[Brian Griffin]

“Public schools were set up in the first place to concentrate power in the hands of financial oligarchs, particularly the Rockefellers.”

Public schools became widespread circa the 1840s and were meant to block the spread of Catholic schools to serve German and Irish Catholic immigrants.

Fear of ‘Popery’, Catholics following every command of a pope, most especially at ballot boxes, was widespread among Protestants.

Public schools were also intended to acclimate young folks to unending factory work. Having young folks do schoolwork day after day for no money at all was thought to be a good start.

[Brian Griffin]

Children, please turn to page 52 of your Koran.

Be careful what you wish for.

[Brian Griffin]

The Church of England still runs many schools in England.

https://snobe.co.uk/best-islamic-schools/england

[Brian Griffin]

In 1872, Florida law required public school teachers to teach every Christian virtue as part of their job.

[Brian Griffin]

“Meaning you can never legislate on principals informed by your faith.”

Our federal politicians should follow the Constitution and not try to buy their way into Heaven with our money.

Handing out charity is not a federal government responsibility or power.

[Carry_Okie]

Public schools became widespread circa the 1840s and were meant to block the spread of Catholic schools to serve German and Irish Catholic immigrants.

Regionally perhaps, but not the nationwide, unionized, and credentialed system we have now. Rockefeller set up the General Education Board, and was key to the AFT via John Dewey and the University of Chicago, which he had endowed. Then there was Teachers College at Columbia University, upon which Rockefeller Center was sited. Those two institutions were by far the largest sources of credentialed teachers and administrators. Indeed, Dewey was the bigwig at the New School which was housed at Columbia and rendered four of Rockefeller's kids dyslexic.

[Openurmind]

“Good luck with that. The Muslim contingent makes this most problematic.”

Exactly right. Over 50% of the population of this country is at least sympathetic to Muslims over Christians. Government imposed religion is NOT going to be Christian for very long if it is indeed instated.

Right now separation very well could be helping protect Christianity from forced Islam. We impose a State Religion and we might not like what we actually do end up with because of the numbers. And it would eventually extend to the legal system and Sharia law will be imposed.

I think we might be careful what we ask for... It is most likely to backfire and be even worse.

[Openurmind]

“Children, please turn to page 52 of your Koran.

Be careful what you wish for.”

Exactly right. In their blind zeal they just do not fathom this very possible reality. Why is it every religion feels it should be imposed on others against their will? And sometimes even against all logic and rationality.