Liberal Vs. Conservative: Religion

Liberal Vs. Conservative: Religion

Where do you stand on the issue?

Religion in America

Religion: What is the issue?

Americans have been debating where to draw the line between religion and government since the country’s founding.

View of Group #1

• Support the separation of church and state. Religious expression has no place in government.

• The Bill of Rights implies a separation of church and state therefore the two should be completely separate.

• Government should not support religious expression in any way. All reference to God in public and government spaces should be removed (eg., the Ten Commandments should not be displayed in Federal buildings).

View of Group #2

• The phrase “separation of church and state” is not in the Constitution. The First Amendment to the Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” This prevents the government from establishing a national church/denomination. However, it does not prohibit God from being acknowledged in schools and government buildings.

• Symbols of Christian heritage should not be removed from public and government spaces (eg., the Ten Commandments should continue to be displayed in Federal buildings). 

• Government should not interfere with religion and religious freedom.

Poll

Who do you agree with on the issue of Religion?

• Group #1: Support the separation of church and state.

• Group #2: Government should not interfere with religion and religious freedom.

Open Ended

Why did you choose View #1 or #2?

So that you know.....

• Group #1 was the Liberal View (usually Democrat)

• Group #2 was the Conservative (usually Republican)