reply to post by infinite
I thought they couldnt
force a religion. I dont think it says anything about supporting or endorsing.
OK...just went and checked...from About.com (take it for what its worth)
atheism.about.com...
Thus, a more accurate phrase than “separation of church and state” might be something like “separation of organized religion and civil
authority,” because religious and civil authorities are not and should not be invested in the same people or organizations. In practice, this means
that civil authority cannot dictate to or control organized religious bodies. The state cannot tell religious bodies what to preach, how to preach or
when to preach. Civil authority must exercise a “hands off” approach, neither helping nor hindering religion.
.....
Thus, the separation of church and state ensures that private citizens, when acting in the role of some government official, cannot have any aspect of
their private religious beliefs imposed upon others. School teachers cannot promote their religion to other people’s children. Local officials
cannot require certain religious beliefs on the part of government employees. Government leaders cannot make members of other religions feel like they
are unwanted or are second-class citizens by using their position to promote particular religious beliefs.
***Click on link for more...I just took a couple of pararaphs from it***
I find this a very confusing topic....because diff people seem to interpret what it means differently.
And does this mean, that all those cities and businesses and schools that dont allow Christmas celebrations/decorations, will be forced to allow it
now?
[edit on 12-12-2007 by greeneyedleo]