Banning religion from politics

[Priran]

Probably, and more than likely. Hopefully someone can suggest something more practical. But fortunately, if we're having a discussion over the Constitution, we have the amendment that separates Church and State, so what's needed is a more generous interpretation of that. What's important, however, is forcing the SC to hear these cases, so it's not a good idea to not present legislation like this because "they might violate the first amendment". Let the Supreme Court decide that.

The "amendment that separates Church and State" is the first. It also stops the government from making any law supporting or suppressing a religion, or keeping people from expressing their religious ideas. So, really, what you're looking for isn't a generous interpretation but for it to be ignored.

[Syntex]

Yeah, we have separation of church and state, but that's ignored for the most part.

"Separation of church and state" Is not in the constitution anywhere or any laws or policies AFAIK. The phrase "wall of separation between the church and the state" was originally coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists on January 1, 1802. His purpose in this letter was to assuage the fears of the Danbury, Connecticut Baptists, and so he told them that this wall had been erected to protect them. The metaphor was used exclusively to keep the state out of the church's business, not to keep the church out of the state's business.

The constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Both the free exercise clause and the establishment clause place restrictions on the government concerning laws they pass or interfering with religion. No restrictions are placed on religions except perhaps that a religious denomination cannot become the state religion.

Thought I should clear that up.

Anyways as for the main issue I don't think it would be possible let alone doable because people use their religious beliefs to help decide their political decisions and as much as it would be nice to sometimes remove it completely, reading what Piriran said is right.

http://www.allabouthistory.org/separ...-and-state.htm

[Kuya]

The "amendment that separates Church and State" is the first. It also stops the government from making any law supporting or suppressing a religion, or keeping people from expressing their religious ideas. So, really, what you're looking for isn't a generous interpretation but for it to be ignored.

You're using a very liberal interpreation of the word suppress. It is absolutely true that preventing certain forms of religious interference in government constitutes limiting freedom of speech, but i'm not so sure it constitutes a suppression of religion.

[alt]

The government is made up of the citizens, who are protected under the first amendment. You basically want to amend the first amendment to exclude citizens when they are in government office to a degree.

I think some of the concepts in the op are good, but like i posted earlier, never gonna happen. And I have no idea what a practical solution would be, i've never thought about it. But this is definitely not it. Everyone will be against you, not only the religious, but also all those in the government.

[Kaisha]

Then propose something practical.

Move to a country that makes more sense?

[Gadritan]

Christ. Thanks for taking that far too literally and giving a completely unnecessary history lesson. Hopefully it'll help someone else.

[Syntex]

Christ. Thanks for taking that far too literally and giving a completely unnecessary history lesson. Hopefully it'll help someone else.

People throw it around like its in bold print on the first line of the constitution whenever religion and government are put together and use it for a basis of their point when it is inherently false.

See Piriran's post.

[Rhinox]

Want to limit christian interference in our government? Enforce or Repeal that tax exempt status Churches get in this country. It's obvious they aren't living up to their end of the bargain when LBJ originally instituted the exemption.

good luck on that though.

[notorious bum]

Step one should be reversing the Citizens United v FEC ruling. If you want to tackle the enormous task of unadulterated politics.

There's no doubt religion plays an important part in politics, sometimes hand-in-hand with certain issues. However, I think its practically a waste of time trying to take a direct approach at removing religion from politics.

No matter how logical banning religion may sound, there is that brick wall called ignorance and how comforting it is and how easily manipulative it can be for those in/seeking power.

The Tea Party is only successful because of religious cultism and its acceptance by the mainstream media despite however many racist/fraudulent/dumbfuck things they may spout. How else can the KKK get newfound members and reach out on a whole new level? Thank god for constant news coverage of important political figures like palin and beck!

Soon as we can fix the election system, the justice system, and our sorry ass economy while we're at it. People might stop prayin to our blue-eyed father and actually take control of the demagogueravy and we can return to the ancient times of gay sex, public baths and hobo philosophers schoolin' people(yes this is one of my long-time RP fantasies).

[Gadritan]

People throw it around like its in bold print on the first line of the constitution whenever religion and government are put together and use it for a basis of their point when it is inherently false.

See Piriran's post.

No different than people talking about democracy. Democracy essentially = mob rule. We live in a republic. There's no need to get literal and technical about it as the basic principal remains the same.

[Kuya]

It is commonly understood here, at least, that religious leaders opining on political matters is both obscene and irresponsible, so i'm looking for a way to turn that commonly understood etiquette into something more concrete. At the very least in Puerto Rico, the Catholic Church's interference in politics is quite troublesome. And you really don't want a powerhouse like the Vatican messing with political affairs. The discussion needs to be about the US, since none of you understand politics here, and i realize that, considering both the stronger love for the Constitution and religion that there is in America, it would be harder to do anything in the US about religious meddling. Still, there's no reason why ideas can't be proposed. Even trying to create crazy legislations against religion is enough, because it forces the Supreme Court to clarify.

[BerenTebogo]

Staying out since I have nothing productive to add besides "fuck religion".

Brb waiting for idiots.

[Denchi]

I feel like if we could figure out a way to legally prohibit Glenn Beck from persuading idiots, that would be our answer for the rest of the country too. Fact is, if people are willing to listen....then....well shucks.

I feel like our education system is where everything needs to begin to change. There is a huge need for education reform on all levels.

[Eratosthenes]

I agree that education reform is necessary. Allowing people to elect school board members and put them in charge of curriculum leads to shit like what happened in Texas recently, where a religious fundamentalist who homeschools her own children is now in a position of power over the whole state's public schools. I would put public education curriculum under the guidance of accredited universities and colleges instead of the average voter.

[Plow]

I really hope this is supposed to be some kind of satire.

[Syntex]

Staying out since I have nothing productive to add besides "fuck religion".

Brb waiting for idiots.

At least your honest about it.

[Rhinox]

1/2 of Religions White knight Wonder twins of retard has chimed in.



How long before Demos11 posts I wonder.

[Egon]

People forget that religious people vote. So why exclude a certain group of people that could potentially vote for you?

[Stumblingdrunk]

nope, you're not missing the point at all

[Gadritan]

Yes, I constantly forget that religious people vote. I mean, it's hard to remember that with all this god talk from the candidates.