Separation of Church & State

Originally Posted by wolf

The country was founded on the principle of not establishing an official state religion. But of course, that fact does not fall in line with your agenda, so I'm wasting my electrons ...

I have never seen anything to back that up.
However, I have read and presented quite a bit that backs-up my assertion.
Please show me your evidence.

Originally Posted by Rexmons

I think it is hard to separate the two because of there many similarities. The two main things, being that they promote community, and try to keep everyone on there best behavior. Unfortunately, it is more prevalent in some places then others. The county which borders mine is a dry county, meaning they do not serve alcohol anywhere in the county on Sunday's.

It is very easy, just do not allow it.
If a store does not want to sell alcohol on Sunday, or at all, that is fine... but no laws based on religion should ever be entertained, much less allowed. Legislating morality in any way is silly.

[xoxoxoBruce]

The framers didn't found this country, the people did.
Our country was founded by the people, when they voted to accept the Constitution as the rule of law, that everyone would abide by. They did not vote on the framers intentions, asides or public/private comments. Nor did they vote on any speeches any politician made before or after.
Therefore what's actually in the Constitution is all that matters.

[wolf]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

I have never seen anything to back that up.
However, I have read and presented quite a bit that backs-up my assertion.
Please show me your evidence.

Your evidence relates to the Jefferson letter to Danbury Baptists, right? The one in which he's assuring them that the government won't be interfering in their ability to worship as they choose?

Where'd I get my funny ideas about religious expression from?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

From Findlaw:

Establishment of Religion

''[F]or the men who wrote the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment the 'establishment' of a religion connoted sponsorship, financial support, and active involvement of the sovereign in religious activity.'' 41 ''[The] Court has long held that the First Amendment reaches more than classic, 18th century establishments.'' Supp.3 However, the Court's reading of the clause has never resulted in the barring of all assistance which aids, however incidentally, a religious institution. Outside this area, the decisions generally have more rigorously prohibited what may be deemed governmental promotion of religious doctrine.