by David Kramer

Created on: June 04, 2010

Like it or not, religious organizations are in politics, have been in politics, and will remain in politics.  Legislation can remove religion from the process but religion remains within the person.  As long as people are involved in politics therefore, religion will remain in politics.

The separation of Church and State is often wrongfully presumed to mean that religion cannot or should not have influence upon the government.  The intent is, rather, is that no religious view be enforced as the required belief system upon any individual.  

The government, for example, cannot dictate to any individual or institution they must worship or hold to any religious conviction as a requirement of being a citizen living within the law of the land.   A person cannot be told they must be Christian, or Muslim for example; it is up to the individual to decide. 

The separation does not mean that an individual or corporate body cannot voice their opinion or value system upon the government under due process. A religious organization may not require every citizen to pray to a certain god. However, if a religious organization, under due process is able to invoke a moral code of conduct into the law, it cannot be stopped.  

For example, religion states the moral code of "thou shalt not kill".   Even though those who deny a belief in a deity may universally accept this, it is a religious value that if enough people push it, and go through the proper process of enacting a law, then religion can and does have an influence on the government. 

One greatly debated moral code is that of abortion.  Some believe it is not just morally wrong, but an abomination to the land.  Others believe it is the choice not given to the child.   In enacting a law that permits abortion, it does not require someone to violate his or her religious view.  Yet someone with a religious reason why they appose abortion, have the equal right to try and change the law under proper procedure.  

The problem introduced is when two religions with diametrically opposed views conflict (a non-religion is essentially a religion of no definition).   It is possible that one religion, gaining enough mass and support can, through due process, force into law something that can be a violation to another person's belief system.  

For example, requiring someone to an abortion.  This is really where the conflict and controversy exists, not

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