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In the constitution our founding fathers created the religious clause, which states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of" (Constitution, Amendment 1). Basically this set up what Thomas Jefferson called "a wall of separation between church and state."

The first part of the clause is the establishment clause. This states that the government can't favor any religion, or lack thereof. This was in opposition to England which had Anglicanism as its official religion. This gave Americans the freedom to choose their own religion, or none at all, autonomous of the government. This clause not only restricts the government from interfering, it also restricts public schools from interfering in someone's religious beliefs. Because of this public schools are not able to teach or promote religion or creationism of any kind. While religion cannot be taught in public schools, students are allowed to lead prayer groups and exercise their religion freely. This is the key, individuals can express their beliefs, but the schools (a government institution), must not promote a specific set of religious beliefs.

The free-exercise clause makes up the other half of the religious clause. This clause protects an individual from government interference into their personal religious beliefs. Although, this clause allows an individual to hold their own beliefs, it does not grantee an absolute right to act upon them; individuals are still subjected to state and national laws regardless of their religious ideas.

The founding fathers had intentions of making religion a free choice in America. While there is, in essence a separation of church and state, the line dividing the two is thin and in many ways up for debate. The courts face a battle of both not infringing on religious beliefs, and not allowing religious beliefs to effect law. This debate has been ongoing throughout the history of our country and most likely will continue indefinitely. The general consensus is that Americans have the right to believe in whatever they choose as far as religion goes and the government will leave them alone. They can practice as they want as long as it doesn't interfere with laws regarding public safety and the property and safety of another person. There is no set religion in America, and because of this all religions should hold an equal legal standing, including the lack of religion.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Bartelmo.
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