In Stephen L. Carter’s piece, “The Separation of Church and State”, he basically talks about the impact that religion has on politics in today’s society, and whether or not it’s handled correctly. He delivers a compelling argument about his belief that the first amendment in the Constitution was created to protect religion from the state, rather than the state from religion. In many cases throughout American history, it seemed as though the government was trying to protect the country from certain religions, as opposed to protecting religious beliefs from the country. He cites the best known case in which the government struck down organized prayer in public schools. Honestly, I think that the separation of church and state is a good thing, as long as it isn’t taken out of context.
Carter, on the other hand, believes that the government shouldn’t be so intolerant when it comes to religion and religious matters. Frankly, I think Carter misunderstands what the First Amendment was actually put into place for. He believes that government, by upholding the First Amendment, is promoting anti-religion, which I disagree with. In my opinion, any citizen of this country should be able to exercise their religious freedom at any time without consequence from anyone; and, to my understanding, that’s what the First Amendment ensures. I think what Carter was trying to emphasize was his belief that the government should be more accepting of the different religions it’s citizens have, and try to find a better way to handle religious matters.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I agree with you that Carter seems to misinterpret and stretch the 1st amendment to support his opinion. Despite this I think Carter makes some valid points on the way the US approaches religious matters, although he may not be totally correct in his argument.
I also agree that the first amendment does not support anti-religion. Carter makes very good points for his other arguments too. I agree too that the State is protecting religion and not the other way aroung.
It sounds like you had a very good grasp on the points that Carter brought up in his reading. Personally I thought that this reading was difficult, in that it touched on very touchy issues.
religion and government is a very big thing. Carter is one of many to dicuss such an issue. we will see this topic dicussed over and over and over again.
I agree with you about people being able to blelieve in whatever they want, but i don't think that people should be able to do something illegal in order to worship there god. (like animal sacrifice)
Post a Comment