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
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: Suggested Citation