Why Separation Still Matters
I have been a long time supporter of the American tradition of the separation of church and state.
Some people have translated this tradition as a matter of separating religion and life or religion and politics. I think that is a bad application of the tradition. But the tradition is worth maintaining. For me, the separation protects not only the state but also religion. Bad religion can be imported into our common life when the separation is not maintained. I know that many school districts have to these days negotiate this tradition, and I would support those who are reluctant to have certain styles of Christianity impose their views on public school students. Do I want kids to learn about religion? You bet I do, and I think it is too bad that we don't have more open, public conversation about the role religion and religious faith play in our common life. But that kind of conversation should not be driven by a narrow, parochial agenda. And there are lots of folks these days who are ready to impose their agenda.