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Separation of Church and State: Giving to Caesar and Giving to God

“The government we mean to erect is intended to last for ages.” Those are the prescient words of James Madison. One of the reliable safeguards that gives the Constitution durability and longevity is the fact that it can be amended. If the government established in 1787 was indeed to “last for the ages” provision for amending the Constitution was seen as essential. Once an amendment has been passed by two-thirds of Congress and ratified by three-quarters of the state legislatures, it becomes a part of the Constitution. So far twenty-seven amendments have been approved. These amendments are seen as improvements in the original document. It was this right to propose and pass amendments that reassured many Americans that the new Constitution would be a permanent and reliable instrument of government for a new nation. Many historians point out that the Founding Fathers were too wise to regard the Constitution as perfect, and they were also too humble to expect perfection. So we now have the approval of twenty-seven amendments, the disapproval of about a dozen proposed amendments, and the ongoing discussion of various issues that some citizens are eager to see amended in the Constitution.

The First Amendment
The First Amendment makes it clear that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercises thereof, or abridge the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

All three recent Supreme Court nominations highlight considerable and pointed discussion regarding one of the bedrock principles of American life—the separation of church and state. Endless ads and blogs—some sponsored by liberals, some by conservatives—flood the mass media. Depending on one’s political leanings, there are opposing views over school prayer, government displays of the Ten Commandment, the death penalty, abortion notification, assisted suicide, and what can be taught in science classes in the public schools. This diversity is what makes First Amendment issues so divisive. Strangely, all sides delicately agree that separation of church and state has to be respected. The rub comes when considering to what degree a person should separate his or her faith and beliefs from actively and vocally participating in the political process.

Respect for Religious Diversity and Freedom
The United States Constitution was established in 1789. It is the oldest written national constitution currently in effect. It adapts to our changing society through the addition of amendments. The First Amendment protects many of the freedoms that we exercise on a daily basis, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to freely practice religion, and the right to assemble peaceably. The first ten Amendments, otherwise known as the Bill of Rights, outline the basic freedoms that make this country a bastion of freedom and democracy.

History tells us that when people hold views that are narrow minded, the possibility of discrimination and violence can be the result. History also tells us religious understanding and respect increase when diverse religious groups have contact with one another. One of the strongest proofs of this very fact is interfaith families. They are examples of how different religious views can work in harmony. On a larger scale, the ability of people to share beliefs is one of the benefits of religious freedom. It is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Consider the consequences of living in a nation where one religious group has so much power that it can force its beliefs on others. It would not allow any form of religious pluralism and religious freedom. It would not serve the common good but only its own good. It would deny human dignity.

The concept of religious pluralism and freedom is also raising serious questions worldwide. Many countries violate religious freedom, in some cases by showing insufficient respect for religious freedom, in some cases by controlling and monitoring religious activities, in other cases by showing hostility toward minority religions and not permitting people to practice their religion privately. Earlier this month the U.S. State Department issued a survey of 197 countries and territories regarding their record in safeguarding religious freedom. The report indicated that the religious situation is deteriorating in these specific countries: Saudi Arabia, Israel, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, China, Burma, North Korea, Sudan, and Vietnam. By naming countries that systematically violate the right to religious freedom (no matter whether the country is ally or foe), the Human Rights Subcommittee in Congress hopes to develop solutions that will guarantee the right to religious freedom to all people.

How the U.S. Supreme Court Works
The Founding Fathers believed that an independent judiciary is essential in order for democracy to succeed. For that reason the Court is an extraordinary and essential part of our government. It begins its regular session on the first Monday of October and ends it in June or July. The power of the Supreme Court is based on its unique responsibility to interpret the Constitution, which is the basic document that guides the U.S. government. As long as legal conflicts and controversies exist, the U.S. will need a court system to settle them. And as long as the U.S. has a Constitution, we will need the Supreme Court to interpret and protect the rights that it grants. The Court consists of nine justices who are appointed for life by the President with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. The Court hears arguments for about 170 cases each year. If you lose your case in the federal court of appeals, you can ask the Supreme Court to hear your appeal. Unlike a court of appeals, the Supreme Court doesn't have to hear all cases. In fact, the Supreme Court hears only a small number of the thousands of cases it is asked to take each session.

Vatican II and Religious Freedom
Vatican II’s discussion on religious freedom is the most extensive in church history. It included moments of great debate and moments of great clarity. Finally, the Declaration on Religious Freedom was approved by an overwhelming margin: 2,308 Council Fathers favored the document and only 70 opposed it. The final document states that all humans have a right to religious liberty. This right should be assured constitutionally in all countries since religion is a voluntary act. It is the desire of all modern people to have religious freedom. No one should be forced to act in ways that are contrary to his or her beliefs.

What Difference Does This Make in My Life?
1. What promotes religious freedom in the U.S.? What are the national consequences when religious freedom is not safeguarded in the United States?

2. What are some specific steps that will make it possible for all countries to safeguard religious freedom? Why is the worldwide right to religious freedom for all people so crucial for global harmony, peace, and justice?

3. There is an increasing number of interfaith marriages today. What do you think are the reasons why the Church encourages both spouses to learn about each other’s religious beliefs and practices?

4. What are some of the religious motives that beckoned people to immigrate to the New World? Is there any experience in your family history where religious freedom was lacking?

5. If indeed the main job of the Supreme Court is to interpret and protect the Constitution, what do you see as important qualities for a person nominated for a position on the Court to possess?

6. The Nineteenth Amendment was passed by Congress in 1919 and ratified by the States in 1920. This amendment gives women to right to vote. Why do you think it took so long to give women the right to vote?

7. The Declaration of Independence includes a list of complaints against the King of Great Britain. Among these complaints are:

• He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices and the amounts of their salaries.
• He has quartered large numbers of armed troops among us.
• He has imposed taxes on us without our consent.
• He has deprived us of trial by jury.
• He has plundered our seas and towns.

Which of these complaints by the Colonists was the most serious infringement of their rights?

8. Read and discuss Matthew 22: 15-22. Background: The Pharisees set a verbal trap for Jesus. They send their followers to ask Jesus a politically sensitive question, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus cuts through the hypocrisy by asking to see the coin that pays the census tax. In effect, Jesus is avoiding the false dilemma and reminds the questioners they have already solved that problem. The accepted Jewish practice was to “Pay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Question: What is the meaning of Jesus’ reply? What do we owe to our government? What do we owe to God? Why are there so many different ways that Americans express religion in their public lives?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Theme: Working for the Common Good
Kindergarten, chapter 20
Grade 1, chapter 22
Grade 2, chapter 18
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 18
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 19
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 12
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 2
Junior High, Morality: Life in Christ, chapter 5
Junior High, Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 10

Connecting to Faith First®
Theme: Working for the Common Good
Kindergarten, chapter 20
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 19
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 17
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 22
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 24
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 18