Religion in the Public Square: The Debate

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES, Routledge Reference, Taylor & Francis Group, Forthcoming

9 Pages Posted: 17 Sep 2005

See all articles by David E. Guinn

David E. Guinn

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

Abstract

The place of religion in the public square has generated great controversy. In essence, the debate centers on one fundamental question: in a religiously pluralistic country with a policy of separation between religion and the state, what place should religion have in a forum in which state action is debated, shaped, and, to some extent, implemented? That is to say, if we accept that the state should not adopt or implement religious positions or policies, to what extent should religious language, concepts or beliefs be used to publicly justify, support or oppose government actions or policies? How do we distinguish between religious advocacy in the public square and state implementation (if that occurs)?

This paper reviews the various arguments offered by both sides and suggests that the conflict reflects a deeper political malaise that needs to be addressed.

Keywords: Religious Freedom, Public Square, First Amendment

JEL Classification: K19, K40

Suggested Citation

Guinn, David E., Religion in the Public Square: The Debate. THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES, Routledge Reference, Taylor & Francis Group, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=801385

David E. Guinn (Contact Author)

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy ( email )

State University Plaza
Albany, NY 12246
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.albany.edu/rockefeller/faculty/david-e-guinn

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
201
Abstract Views
1,498
Rank
273,651
PlumX Metrics