Guest Blogger: Ramon B

Recently we have been discussing the issue of the separation of state and religion and using it as an example for our Argumentation unit. We have written essays, outlines, and had discussions about the issue. My personal belief is it is impossible to completely divide and separate religion and government. The articles that Mr. Edmonds provided us that talked about the issue of the separation of church and states provided different views and beliefs on the issue. The side that I stand for is the right and acceptance to combine religion and government together. Religion and government are things that cannot be separated. Whenever a law is created, society adopts and honors a belief that is rooted to religion. The law such as murder is wrong and an act not tolerated in society is a law that is based on the beliefs of almost all religions around the world. When we celebrate the activities of Christmas Anonymous at our public school we are celebrating the holiday of Christmas which is celebrated by Christians around the world. As a nation the celebration of Christmas is widely celebrated by the majority of Americans around the world by Christians and non Christians. If we celebrate Christmas which is a Christian holiday that celebrates our savior’s birth, then how come many people in America argue that the Pledge of Allegiance should not be said in schools because of the phrase “one nation under God.” We live in a society where people choose to include religious ideas and beliefs but deny the fact that it is rooted to a religion. I think that we live in a society where most people do not fully understand the fact that most of our government leaders that sets our society’s laws and standards belong to a religion which serves as their guide when they perform their job. The First Amendment to the Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” I interpret this statement as the government cannot make a national religion that everyone is forced to follow and worship, however they have the right to incorporate different religious beliefs in their government and at the same time give their citizens the freedom to practice any religion. Religion is something that will always be the guide to how a government is run and the laws and standards that it sets. Religion will always have an influence on how a government is run even if the government bans religious phrases and statues in public buildings the ideas and beliefs of religion will always be incorporated in government laws and standards. It would just be the people’s choice if they want to admit it or not that it is based on one or more religious belief.

Ramon F Banzon