The Separation of Church and State Essay Example

Separation of Church and State: Great American Debate Throughout history, there have been many Supreme Court cases dealing with the separation of church and state. Since 1960, about 86 major Supreme Court cases regarding Church and State issues have transpired. That is quite a large number but it’s such a relevant debate that most would say they’re necessary. The main issue is the separation of church and state within the United States, is dealing with the First Amendment and how Americans respond to the freedom of Religion part. The debate over the separation of church and state is constantly raging over one issue or another. Legalized gay marriage and the constitutional amendment opposing it has been in the news recently. A few months ago the phrase "One nation under God" was the hot topic. Before that it was evolution vs. creation in the science classroom and prayer in school. Laws need to be placed marking the Church and State separation line bold.
Many times in the United States, we hear the term Separation of Church and State and usually we can guess it’s a new case or issue in the news. According to civiced.org, the actual term Separation of Church and state is defined as a concept that religion and government should be separate and is the basis for the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Most of all Americans would attest that to be true. “When religious groups control or too strongly influence governments, the results are not good. History is full of examples: the Dark Ages in Europe, the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, the Taliban in Afghanistan.” (Ferguson 1) If you really want to know about the dangers of an American theocracy, you need look no further than the state of Utah. The Mormon Church, or church of Latter Day Saints (LDS), dominates public life in Salt Lake City. Ties between Utah public schools and the LDS church make life difficult for non-Mormon kids. Many of them convert just to escape the pressure. Parents who don't like