The founding fathers of our country saw it as essential to separate the church from the state. Not only was it meant to keep our democracy from becoming a theocracy, the doctrine enabled the freedom of religion to be furthered so that all faiths were honored equally. The Establishment Clause strictly says that Congress may not establish a national religion. Of course, that hasn't stopped people like John McCain from calling us a "Christian Nation" nor Congresswoman Musgrave from trying to score cheap political points either.
From RawStory:
A Republican congresswoman wants to ensure the long-delayed Capitol Visitor Center reminds tourists of America's Christian heritage when it opens.
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) has introduced a bill that would place on permanent display the Pledge of Allegiance -- with its mention of "one nation under God" -- and the motto "In God We Trust." The bill also would prohibit the Architect of the Capitol from excluding exhibits and materials that contain "a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content."
The bill was introduced last week in the wake of a flap over the Capitol architect's refusal to include a reference to God on a certificate accompanying a flag flown over the Capitol. That decision was reversed as lawmakers seek to prevent future censorship of religious messages on flag certificates.
What these wingers do not understand is very simple. It is called the history of the United States. Their narrow-minded view of the country is based on exclusionary principles that help to benefit those of one faith and only one faith, that being Christianity.
Other than trying to appease a fanatical Christian base, there is no good reason to interject God into everything that our government does. The United States has worked very well with the Establishment Clause and it must go on doing so, or else we will continue to lose our image as a benevolent country towards all people, regardless of their faith.
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