Seperation of Church and State

In modern society, religions have become an outlet for people who remain in power. This outlet provides them with means to influence not for the sake of religion, but for personal ambitions and desires. This hypocrisy is in direct conflict with three influential enlightenment philosophers Locke, Voltaire, and Jefferson, all of whom strongly agree that the Church and State should remain separate entities. I cannot help but agree with them. Tolerance is a movement which everyone is "familiar" with in modern society, it even has its place in the U.S Constitution. However, in the U.S and all over the world people have been deprived of their basic constitutional and human rights simply because of conflicting beliefs. Religion, I feel, has not been separated from the state. Thus contrary to its original purpose, a terrible burden to our society as a whole.

It is commonly known that, in theory, the United States practices the separation of church and state. But is this really true? We are a country that is based on a large respect for one’s individual preferences. The first amendment of our constitution gives citizens the freedom of religion, press, and expression, stating “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” ( ) I feel our government is supposed to base it’s decisions solely on what is right or wrong, not on religious doctrine. However, there are many instances in the American government where this proverbial “line” has been crossed, and religion has made it’s way to the forefront of our country and, in turn, affected many laws and policies in the United States.( ).

The words “In God We Trust” is the official motto of the United States and the state of Florida, and it is required to be printed on all currency produced by the United States treasury as of 1955. The term “Under God” is also written in the pledge of allegiance; which is practically force fed to all...