Church-State Separation: What Does the Constitution Really Say?

Religious freedom advocate Kristina Arriaga and scholar Stephanie Barclay of Notre Dame Law School join constitutional scholars Erwin Chemerinsky and Howard Gillman, authors of The Religion Clauses: The Case for Separating Church and State, to debate what the Constitution says about the relationship between church and state and provide their take on the most recent religious liberty Supreme Court cases. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

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[ralphvalente]

All religions and non-believers must be treated equally. In God we trust should mean any power that is beyond our grasp. Any religious organization that is preaching politics instead of preaching religion should pay income taxes like any other "business for profit" would do. Beware of the "Christian Nationalist". We are a brotherhood and sisterhood that needs to live together in peace and compassion. "Freedom of Conscience" must be re-instated.

[soxfan]

Would you please have more conversations and debates on this topic? This is the only one like it on YouTube. It's a big hole for education.

[take_the_shot]

Deism - there is a Creator. Whatever religion we follow, or choose no religion, the government will make no law to limit or promote a particular religion. All religions are treated equally. Discrimination is any form is not permitted, not even by religion.

[wkm]

So the issue I thinks is one of funding vs. licensing as posited by one of the panelists. The government by making a monopolistic situation where by forcing compliance by writ of license may not be funding, I absolutely agree all religions/no religion, ought be treated equally. However inescapable the exposure to religious belief or practice is in our society. As a person who chooses a non- religious road map to life, I think that the greater good would be served if Catholic Services wasn’t granted a government contract, but the state ought not require said contract to offer service to anyone who chooses their services.

[arlosmith]

As a Jew I take the position that the law should treat all religions (and non-believers) equally. If the government funds Catholic organizations and allows public Christian prayers, it should also fund Jewish and Islamic institution and allow Jewish and Islamic prayers. The Establishment Clause does not guarantee "freedom from religion" but equal treatment for all religions and non-believers.