Category Archives: Philosophy

I set out, at the beginning of the philosophy thread, to investigate the proper relationship between government and religion. The phrase “wall of separation between church and state” embodies our current national understanding of this relationship.  It was natural, then, … Continue reading →

Once again, here is the text of the unconstitutional school prayer for reference: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country.” The words in bold below … Continue reading →

The majority opinion in Engel V. Vitale contains the following language in the section discussing the history of the establishment clause: “…the successful Revolution against English political domination was shortly followed by intense opposition to the practice of establishing religion … Continue reading →

I must confess that without having undertaken this blogging endeavor, I never would have come across these words. Blest with victory and peace may the heaven rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then … Continue reading →

My last post concerned the court case Engel V. Vitale, which removed prayer from our public schools. I can’t help but beg that you click the link, and take the time to completely read the Supreme Court opinion, including the … Continue reading →

It is tempting, as the Senate closes in on a final vote for Health Care Reform, to only be concerned with the subjects of Civil Disobedience and Counter Revolution. But I must continue to pursue ideas concerning state and religion … Continue reading →

Here, once again, is the exact language of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” Justice Black, in his opinion for Everson V. Board of Education, recognized the … Continue reading →

After being cited by Chief Justice Waite in 1879, the letter from Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists was largely ignored until 1947, when it was once again cited by a Supreme Court Justice in a written opinion.  This time it … Continue reading →

The words of Jefferson’s wall of separation metaphor, written in 1801, had little effect or staying power in the world he occupied. It is not until 1879 that they begin to impact the way the First Amendment is construed and … Continue reading →

What’s behind this wall? If you were standing on the other side, could you know what’s on this side? The thing about walls is they separate each from the other, completely.  There is no opportunity for interaction, for influence, for … Continue reading →