Hey buck. There is seperation of church(religion) and state on the one hand, and on the other there ain't. The status quo is a moving target. While God is not allowed in our schools today, religion still controls events, like in Georgia on sunday...not saturday mind you when Jews worship the sabbath...just sunday when the Baptists worship the sabbath. Sorta misaligned if you think about it.
But more to your point, religion and politics go hand in hand. For some, politics is a religion. For some, religion is a tool utilized by some politicians. For some, politics is defined by religion. Still for others, religion is defined by politics.
Bottom line, it is impossible to segregate the two except in our public schools and other public places when convenient for both. But the two are eternally married for now. If not, I could pick up a six pack from the ripmart here in Georgia on sunday for the afternoon barbecue. But the Baptists say I can't and the politicians agree.
So much for the seperation eh? Yea right. Just when convenient for both.
If you're talking about our Founding Fathers, religion very much guided their politics whether in writing the Declaration of Independence (That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator . . .) -- by the way, do you know why the Liberty Bell is called that?-- or the Constitution, where they prayed for guidance using public money to pay for the minister.
I don't think you object to "religion" in politics. I think you object to my religion in politics. And, no, my religion will continue to guide my politics. But as I said earlier, don't despair. There are a lot of people who think like you -- especially in California -- and you very well may end up keeping Gray Davis for another term. Simon, by all accounts, pretty much shares my religious views.