America and Religion

Last week, the Presidential candidates held a quasi-debate with a religious pastor in Southern California. The pastor asked them both a series of questions about several different topics both religious and non-religious. This is not something new to American politics as candidates often tout their religious fealty in order to gain votes. However the constitution specifically forbids a religious test in order to gain office and the bill of rights guarantees us freedom of religion. Not only that, but the separation of church and state suggests that there should be no state sponsored religion.



Consider and discuss the questions below:
Many argue that freedom of religiong means freedom from religion. In other words, when the government and religion mix, it is both dangerous and often excludes non-christian religions and non-believers. Others argue that this government was founded by Christian beliefs and that christians are the majority therefore, the government should acknowledge and celebrate christian holidays, beliefs, and values. What does freedom of religion mean when it comes to the government?

Consider these ideas as well:
1. During the presidential primaries, Mitt Romney, a Mormon, felt the need to prove his christian beliefs by holding a press conference to address his religion. It echoed a similar speech by John F. Kennedy in the 1960's who felt he had to prove he wasn't tied to the Catholic pope.

2. The idea that since the majority of people are christian therefore the government should be too might be a bad precedent as both English and French christians are quickly becoming the minority in their countries as muslim immigrants have become the majority.

3. Many students at Del Oro are non-christian, but the school schedule is built around some major christian holidays such as christmas and easter. How does this exclude them? Consider that Muslim students don't get to eat or drink during the month of ramadan (october during daylight which means they are extremely tired during the school day as they can only eat at night) or Jewish students who don't get days off for their holiest holidays.