Amendment 1: religion

I received a message about this post. It simply stated, "Religion doesn't belong in the government or politics." This was one of those quick slams that happen from time to time and, when I sent a response, I never heard the from the person again. I guess those types of people really don't want to have a discussion. So I'll share my response with you all. If you have anything further to add, please feel free to do so as a response here in the thread.

A government entity which allows the freedom of religion is not in any way in violation of any set laws, so there's no reason religion can't be found within the government or politics. If the freedom of religious expression doesn't exist, there are many government practices which should no longer be used. Using their freedom of choice, Presidents may take the oath of office with their hand on the religious text of their choosing. Each session of Congress opens with a prayer which may be said by a Christian, Muslim, or by a clergyman of some other religion and the members may choose whether or not they participate. Government officials are shown on the news as the attend prayer vigils, memorial services, and church services. They do these things based upon their religious choices and aren't forced to participate. The only time any of these practices would be classified as illegal would be if they were made mandatory and participation by every member is forced upon them.

Or does your statement reflect an idea that politicians should never let their religious beliefs have any influence on the decisions they make through their office? Anyone who is a true adherent or follower of any religion can't separate what they believe to be true and right from the decisions they make in their life, whether that be their personal life or their political position. The only people who can usually separate the two parts of their lives are the people who don't strictly follow the teachings of their chosen religion. The religious people who are swayed in their decision making by their religion are not acting any differently than non-religious people who are swayed by their set ideologies or personal philosophies such as socialism, Marxism, etc.

When it comes to the government and politics being mixed, the easiest solution to any problem is compromise, not the elimination of one thing in favor of the other. But then again, politicians aren't known for being able to agree on the true middle ground on most issues.