Most U.S. citizens tend to get confused on this issue. It is clearly stated in the U.S. constitution that any form of church or religion shall be separated from the federal gov't. However, the constitution also states that citizens also have the the right to practice their own religion. Citizens have their rights to religion as well. These fatcs, along with the fact that the country was founded on judeo-christain philosophy...not religion), is where all the conflict dealing with such issues stems from. It is important that people understand these concepts and not to get them mixed up like so many do.

Given all the other comments here my two cents won't amount to much... but I think it goes without saying that one's religion and one's government should not be one and the same thing. Each needs to be completely free of the other.. for both their sakes.

Separation of church and state is a tricky and confusing issue for most people. This confusion is largely due to the difficulties citizens, courts and lawmakers all have in reconciling the two constitutional mandates of no establishment of religion and no discriminating against religion. For a long time, there was no real issue here since the question had largely been settled with the First Amendment; however, two factors have brought the issue back into play and to the courts, namely 1) the changing demographics in American society which now includes large percentages of non-believers and non-Christians and 2) the exponential growth of government so that the state is now intruding in areas that were once primarily private and/or church dominated. (This latter factor suggests that the problem may also be too much government as opposed to too much religion.) Nevertheless, these changes are now forcing the courts to reconcile these constitutional requirements which means growing pains in the law (ie poor decisions resulting in extreme positions which will ultimately be reversed over time). Proper reconciliation of the mandates requires that the state not only keep from directly subsidizing religion, but also requires that the state allow religious organizations to utilize public resources on the same level and under the same circumstances as secular organizations (eg parks and schools). The bottom line is that while separation of church and state is extremely important, the issue has largely been settled as much as women's suffrage has, notwithstanding the recent growing pains, and the only reason my rating is three stars instead of one is strictly because of the current judicial flux in this area.

Nobody here that finds this to be of importance actually understands what is meant by separation of church and state and me restating it won't help. I find it funny to see how many people think this is a huge issue.

Phrase separation of church and state is found nowhere in the US Constitution. Found in a personal letter from Jefferson. 1st amendment is clear. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Basically a self-imposed gag order on the subject. People acting as individuals get to make the choices. Most of the failed nations of world history lacked tolerance and diversity of religious thought. They didn't stamp it out of society.

The seperation of church from state ensures that christians won't be getting burned alive anytime soon.

I'm not American, but I admire what the USA has become. I also believe that if the USA is the great country it is, it's because of its strong Christian background. Having said that, I believe what is at question here is not and I repeat it is not, the separation of church and state it is the separation of church from Society! Religious ideas, especially Christian ones, have lost their social significance because you can no longer bring them about in the public arena. It is not about state issues like government or the sponsorship of a religion that secular humanists are fighting against it is the possible influence church or religion can have in the the social sphere.

This should be one of the most important political issues of today. Over the past half-century, conservative Republicans have been taking over the country. Now certain people have declared that America is a Christian country. It is not. America is a country where people of all religions can worship freely, and the government and state are not based on religion. Some people may claim that religion encourages good morale, but the government cannot promote that, because if they promoted Christianity, or any other religion, that would be unconstitutional. If the government starts promoting the Christian religion, and the Bill of Rights is thrown out the window, the United States will lose one of its great virtues. Before you know it, prayers will be led in public schools, with students being required to take part, and Ten Commandments statues will crowd the streets of government buildings. Remember that America is governed by the Constitution, not the Bible.

One nation, under God, indivisible...

Why should church and state stay seperated. Let's look at modern day governments that base laws on religious principle. Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emerites, Jordan, Egypt, Syria....Does anyone else see a pattern here. Now lets look at old governments. The Puritans of Massachusettes (witch burnings and Indian slaughter), All the monarchies of Europe claimed their power to rule came from a divine mandate from God, THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE cause of 4 crusades to Isreal and the Inquisition in Spain, the Ottoman Empire forced women into the emperors harem, the Empire of Japan was led by the Living God emperor until the end of WWII. When religious laws and principles become state law only bad things happen.

Our government was not founded by wholly Christian men. Many of them were Deists. This Deist influence is profoundly apparent throughout the founding documents and actions of this country. Even if it was founded by Christian men, that doesn't mean that we should work toward a country that disrespects the diversity of thought and religion we have. Our laws should reflect how we can best live in a society together while respecting freedom and equality as best as possible. If that so happens to coincide with some religious beliefs, that's fine. However, archaic and impractical rules and mythology that infringe upon the practical freedoms of others are wrong and have no place in our government.

Separating the church and the state is very important, but unfortunately, this issue is so widely misunderstood. What the idea of the Separation of Church and State symbolizes is that, as it says in the Constitution, the government shall make no laws establishing a state religion. By the same token, the Constitution also states that the government shall not prohibit the free exercise of religous expression. Indeed, separating the church and the state is very important, but protecting religious freedom is equally important. This means that I have every right under the Constitution to engage in prayer, and you have every right to do the same, whether you practice Christianity, Judaism or Islam.

Every country in the world is known, at least in part, by it's religion or lack of. The concept of separating a people's government from their beliefs would've made even the creation of simple laws difficult. This country has a very old association with Old Testament principles. Sodomy was illegal, adultery was illegal, buying and selling goods on Sunday was illegal, etc, etc,. The forefathers made note of the year of our Lord in the constitution. But now we've moved away from those types of things being illegal as we attempt to separate church from state. It hasn't always been this way although many of the forefathers were hypocrites. Separating church and state has been a chief cause of declining moral values and associated criminal behavior. True there are many religions but most all agree that lying is wrong, stealing is wrong, murder is wrong. Anyone in this country is free to worship as he/she chooses but the government that they live under was founded with a belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and ultimately in Jesus Christ. I got no problem with that cause I certainly believe in HIm too.

Separating religion from the activities of the government is essential, so as not to impose the majority superstition on an otherwise free people. The First Amendment is one of the most important documents in world history. Fortunately, most judges still know how to read.

government should not be able to hold back religion the way that it does. Our Constitution says nothing about the separation of church and state, instead it claims that we will have the freedom of choice in our religion, not the freedom to keep otheres religion in a place where we won't even see it.

Just keep in mind that not everyone practices the same religion. We should start considering the feelings of others since most people get offended easily when it comes to religion. Otherwise we get a situation in a small town that gets blown way out of proportion when it could have been resolved by the locals.

Religion is a misconcepted idea brought forth by those to ignorant to gain followers any other way.

OK, why is there still a debate on this issue. I though this matter had been laid to rest over two hundred years ago when it was one of the bases for the formation of the country. The founding fathers were convinced that religion had played too large a role (and a destructive role) in the regime that they were rebelling against. I'm going to say it again: this was more than TWO CENTURIES ago, people. I'm an atheist, and have absolutely no personal use for religion of any kind, but I do not begrudge others their beliefs or lack thereof. I wish the same courtesy would be extended to me, and for the more than thirty million Americans like me. It is my dream that one day humanity will grow up and realise that they do not need antiquated and unnecessary belief systems in order to lead fulfilling lives. Most people stop believing in Santa Claus when they are about eight or nine years old. God is merely an abstract extension into adulthood of the whole Santa model - a nice old man with a beard who loves us and gives us things (toys and such) if we're good and who punishes us (with lumps of charcoal, many of which may presumably be found in Hell, where the fires never stop) if we're bad. We would not tolerate a government that coerces us (which does not necessarily imply physical force) to accept Santa as the only undisputed giver of gifts, so why should we allow them to impose their own narrow views on such a diverse populace? This is a matter that is extremely emotional and important to me, is what I'm saying.

I'm an advocate of this policy, but I was dissapointed to see the commandments memorial removed.

"CONGRESS shall pass no LAW regarding religion."

I rate it a "3" based on it being an important political issue or not--it's not really all that important of an issue, compared to some of the other topics on this list. My feelings on the topic are, however, quite clear--I agree with the separation of church and state fully. I would NOT want the US to become a theocracy. I'm not a religious person myself, but I don't mind other people that are: Though I don't feel offended by people saying "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers in public, or even that ten commandments statue that was out in the Alabama Judicial Building, I do wish things were fair for everyone of every faith. Even if you try to take the argument that our laws are founded by "Christian" beliefs and morals (which appear to be about the same as pretty much most of the belief and morals of other groups, anyway), there are MANY types of Christianity who all believe in slightly different ways of life. Which type is the "right" type? What if the government chose to endorse one specific religion . . . and it wasn't yours? It wouldn't be fair.

Those at this site who are opposed to the separation of church and state are all Christians, and most appear to be conservative Christians of one stripe or another. It is easy for them to oppose the separation of church and state, because the church they presume the state will support is their own church. Perhaps they should consider for a moment how they would feel if the teachers in their schools stood up every morning and led prayers to Ganesha, or if coaches prostrated themselves before statues of the Buddha before football games. Yes, there are a few occurrences of the word "God" in this country's founding documents, but I defy anyone to find any substantive Christianity in there, or even to prove that the founding fathers really meant to express any religious feeling or conviction when they referred to "God".

WE ARE ONE OF THE ONLY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD THAT ATTEMPTS TO SEPARATE THE CHURCH FROM THE GOVERNMENT.THERE IS LITTLE CHOICE ELSEWHERE AND YET WE ARE BASICALLY MORE RELIGIOUS THAN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES. LET'S CONTINUE TO SEPARATE CHURCH FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

What's so bad about limiting religious displays in public, tax-funded places? There are 2 ways to handle this: 1. Allow equal time and space for every religion (impossible) or 2. Limit religious activities to private places. Besides, all of these public displays of religion seem fake and staged anyways. The real believers don't need to say "God" in the pledge of allegiance or pray during football games, because faith is something you carry inside you at all times.

Freedom from religion. America was founded on the extremist religous values of the Quakers and Puritans, which is why America is so screwed up to this day. It is also why Jefferson was fortuitous enough to fight for separation of church and state. It is disconcerting to see G.W.Bush use God for political gain or congress say a prayer before they start a session or to force public school children to pledge allegance to God. Its also bizarre to see Congress cover statues with loin clothes in the Capital rotunda or to host Judeo-christian art exhibits and prohibit other forms of religious art. For people who think its okay to pray in public schools, would they mind if I was a Holy Roller and practiced my form of prayer too. Or if I was into Voodoo and put my little talismans on public buildings? No, it is better to keep religion out of politics and keep it in the churches, after all isn't that what they are built for?

Mind your own religion!

This means there is no state sanctioned church and that's a good thing. But there should not be any arbitrary laws telling me I can't pray at a football game or practice religion anywhere else I please. Taking prayer out of schools because a few atheist bastards threw a fit is about as unamerican as Iraq. A true separation of church and state would be for the government to never pass any law regulating, restricting, or forcing a religion. But if someone wants to pray in public or include religious ideals in a speech, article, etc. then more power to them. Like it or not, the first people to purposefully settle in the US were seeking Christian religious freedom. And anyway if you can't deal with that, then you can move to the Middle East, I hear they are real tolerant of all types of religious thinking.

The Constitution says nothing about "separating" church and state. What it does say is that there shall be no laws establishing a state religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Liberals claim to embrace the "separation of church and state" idea, but the opposite is true: they're all in favor of having the Government outlaw nativity scenes in public places, outlaw student-led prayers at graduation ceremonies & football games, and in general just meddle, interfere with, and prohibit outward religious expressions wherever possible.

Religion should have any bearing on any governmental decisions. It's in the constitution and there should be no change to it. Decisions based on faith or religion are sometimes irrational and illogical and that is something that we don't need in government policy. There are some countries who combine religion and government and needless to say, many of these countries are not stable.

Better debate this now because it will be a non-issue soon if the White House has it's way. I'm not oppossed to religion, or mention of God in the government or even meditation time in schools (I don't think many kids would use it constructivly however). I have a big problem with ruthless politicians like Bush, Cheney, Asskoft and Rumsfeld using the name of God for their warmongering, hawkish behavior. An administration that bullies the rest of the world in the name of peace and God is very misguided. I am so sick and tired of Bush mentioning God or saying he's Jesus's biggest fan. Bush has done nothing to even suggest that he has any grasp over what Christ was about. Enough with the "Christian" crap. I'm not buying it.

True, we as Christians should not wage war against another nation because they happen to be Muslim (which we aren't, liberals). The tricky thing about politics is NOBODY is ever going to be completely satisfied, especially millions of diversified people. However, most religions have a base core of believes that are set around ethics, morals, and common sense. Being conservative and being religious is almost a dirty word these days. Morals keep our society from decaying from the inside out. One does not have to have religion to have morals. It just seems that most people relate morality and religiong together. And by saying "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" is not saying "ONE NATION UNDER CHRIST." God is whatever you make of it, whether it be Allah, Jesus, Vishnu, whatever. People are way to sensitive sometimes.

Of course there should be "separation of church and state" (even though, as it's been said, it is not in the US constitution) but all it means is that a church can't rule the nation or tell the government what to do, and the government can't establish one religion or tell the religious organizations what they can or cannot do. The former has never happened in the US and I doubt ever would, and I certainly hope the latter would never happen. So, I don't think this issue should be in the top 10 most important.

Simply put: it works. It is good for the church and good for the state. The U.S. has the most religious citizenry in the Western world, and the most religious diversity. Only someone who despises religious diversity would advocate changing the system. Breaking down Jefferson's "wall of separation" is not, as some have suggested, a means of promoting faith and morality. It is a means toward granting temporal power to a particular faith, to the detriment and denigration of others (as well as to the nonreligious). We've seen the "benefits" of such practices in Iran and Afghanistan.

This is a phony disingenuous ploy by the left to silence people of faith from using their right of free expression informed by their faith. The tenet is not separation of church and state but the establishment of a state religion. Morality is the basis of all law. What is purported to be a separation of church and state is actually the establishment of a secular faith antithetical to Christianity.

Until there is evidence that religon is proven right; this must be done. Why should our government have a link with chuch if there are thousands of beliefs? Religon and government are two totally different issues, and it should stay that way.

Crucial.

An essential, fundamental American value, and one of the cornerstones of liberty. The freedom to worship as one chooses, coupled with the freedom FROM compulsory subjection to any one religion. This principle (Clearly articulated as a "wall of separation" by Jefferson and not, as one commenter put it, the product of modern liberal imagination) has been under relentless attack from the Christian Right over the last twenty years, and is today more threatened than at any time in recent history--with a corps of evangelicals in the White House and the Christian Right-dominated Republican party in command of the Congress. The right has falsely characterized this important constitutional protection as anti-religious, when if fact its principal purpose is to PROMOTE the free exercise of religion. Our American Ayatollahs, establishmentarians, and other theocrats should be careful what they wish for. They might do well to note that in other Western countries--Britain and France, for example--that have an officially established religion, the public is far LESS religious than it is here. Clearly, the separation principle works--placing all religions in a free marketplace of ideas and making them compete for the souls of the faithful--a rising tide that lifts all boats (not to mention filling all collection plates).

The seperation of Church and State is one of the most powerful principals upon which this country was founded. This is in no way similar to the USSR's forced atheism, and it's really silly to compare it to that because that is not even an example of seperation of church and state. It's important because if the government endorses any religion then it inherently imposes on the rights of people of different faiths to raise their children as they wish.

liberals are ripping God out of America... damn them to hell.

I could go on for ages about this one, but I will simply say that I don't want anyone telling me when and where I can pray, and who I have to pray to for that matter.

We are one nation, under God. Religion is a part of all our lives, regardless of what the ACLUers and the libiots say.

SEPARATE, SEPARATE, SEPARATE!!!!!

America has a very diverse community across the country. Not everyone is a Christian, there are Muslims, Catholics, Quakers, Mormons and a whole ton of other religious beliefs and people who have none at all. America may have started out as a Christian nation, but its a melting pot of different faiths and races, so how could you have a purely Christian government? The country would not be truely represented, and I am sure that if the system became corrupted (like all governments seem to be to a degree) then wouldn't persecution of other religions and non religious people occur? Quite a lot of comments I have read about religion in this site have been "You have to believe in this religion...." and so on and so forth. Believing in religion is a personal choice and a personal experience, so I don't think it should be included in running a country.

I belive the church, ANY church or religion should have NOTHING to do with the government. It is religion that has caused most of the violence and problems throughout history.

I am all for it as long as we interpret it the way the authors of the constitution meant it. "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion..." That is the part of the constitution we get the concept of separation of church and state from. It was meant to prevent the government from using its power to force people to follow one sanctioned religion underwritten with tax dollars. It was actually meant to give people wide religeous freedoms. It was not meant to keep religion totally out of government. How could it? The founders themselves invoked God in government meetings and sanctioned Bible teaching in public schools. Religious (or non-religious) freedom should apply to Christians, athiests or whoever. I am just opposed to the common misinterpretation of separation of church and state, which attempts to hinder the freedom of religious expression. For further comments related to the subject, see what I wrote about Fundamentalism.

Churches thrive the most when they aren't given government money. BTW, for you people out there who say, "That phrase is not in the constitution", I'll remind you that the phrase "Freedom of religion" isn't either (but the context is).

Until recently I had never fully comprehended the true importance of seperating church and state. A religious fanatic has been corroding the minds of kids in a school setting. He is advertising his religion quite blatantly. This is very wrong. As American ideologies include freedom to pick whatever religion you want to practice this is infringing on the rights of the future generations. I have no problem with religion. But there is a time and a place to engage in such beliefs. I have also noticed that we live in a secular government not a religious one. Lets try to keep it that way.

WOO, I'm with THE FREAK all the way!! There was a few others that made sense concerning the separation of church & state. If U want 2 pray keep it 2 yourselfs. A person wrote about all the places that the 10 commandents are hanging, {courts rms,white house,the congress, senate, the house of reps,} LOOK at those people. Rat Robertson on the $$$ making 700 club & OLD fat Jerrys remarks. Blamed all the {gays,pro abortists,NOW, feminists, & others} for the bombings on 9-11-01. Now there is true christain love!! I'll take my moral upbringing & try 2 B a good person, as I am. HEALTH 2 ALL, SHORTS

i don't see how things like public christmas decorations and support of faith-based charities infringes joe shmoe's right to practice whatever religion he wants to. unless he's really poor, i suppose. but faith-based charities aren't limited to christian charities, it can be any congregation that wants to participate.

I have an extremely large objection to the far right-wing conservative Christian religious zealots who force their religion upon others who may not feel that way. It is hypocritical of what religion is supposed to be about: peace, harmony, and tolerance.