re: What Does Separation of Church and State Mean to You?

means that a caterer does not have to cater to gays. means that a clerk of court has to cater to gays.

Seperation is not a word.

Naively, Cynically, Jokely, Simply...

Churches should get no say in public schools, public events, and other public policies instituted by government unless they are willing to be taxed. Bitch about creationism not being taught in public school classrooms when you are willing to help fund public school science courses.

The First Amendment's religious establishment clause didn't apply to states or municipalities until 1947.

HTH the discussion.

that the state, including the legislature and governor, shall not implement any rules or laws or decisions, based on their respective religions.

not even if they are Muslims.

To me, it primarily has to do with the State not explicitly endorsing any particular religion, as others have said. The passing of any laws should theoretically be entirely unbiased by religious views, and should be passed with the intent of promoting the greatest sense of fairness and opportunity to all... Of course, it doesn't play out this way, and the laws that pass under every administration tend to favor the views of political and moral/religious allies.

I view freedom to practice (or not practice) any religion as related, but distinct from the concept of separation of Church & State. Freedom of religion is that the theoretically impartial State protects the rights of people to worship as they see fit... with the rather large caveat that worship does not interfere with the liberties of others. For instance, old school Aztec style worship with human sacrifices would likely be illegal. And polygamy is illegal, though some Mormons still practice it.

Dat dee gubment can't be establishing a religion or be prohibitin' da free exercise of my religion.

And no making the gubment and church like da Christmas lights in da attic.

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I don't think it would necessarily violate the concept, but it would pose a substantial risk that government could increasingly target churches with messages it dislikes.

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Agree somewhat. Something should still be done about corrupt televangelists and Scientology type churches who solicit tens of millions of dollars tax exempt and then use that money to buy mansions and private jets.

John Oliver had a great story on how fricked up these "churches" are.

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and creationism should be taught as a balance to evolution

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maybe we should also teach mother goose fairy tales as a balance to history

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What it should mean is the state cannot force me to practice any religion against my will nor can it prevent me from practicing any religion that I choose.

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You have only given your definition of religious freedom. Absolutely nothing about what you said has to do with separation of church and state.

However, I would love to hear a definition of "practice." (or "exercise" as someone else quoted earlier) Some people seem to think they can do anything they want because of their religion. We have all seen the news of the Kentucky lady who refuses to do her job (elected and public) citing religious objectives. However, can she break the law because of her religion? There are religions in practice today that advocate the rape of young women to punish them for crimes their husbands committed. Should we allow that under religious freedom??

I believe you may practice any religion you wish so long as it does not break any laws.

As for separation, I think our laws should not be influenced by any religion even though that is impossible to do 100% as the men and women making the laws are undoubtedly influenced by their own religions. However, there should be no direct cross-over. No one should be required to have a religion, abortion should not be illegal just because of someone's religion, etc.