Religion and the state have always been linked by invisible threads. Religion remains a social institution whose influence on the state cannot be measured in exact figures. Finally, there is no exact boundary between the state and religion, and even among the US population, there is no consensus on whether it is necessary to separate the church from the state or not.

Recently, a new wave of discussions has begun because the US Supreme Court has adopted new laws regarding the use of religious symbols, prayers in public schools, and the allocation of funds to support religious schools.

In this article, we will tell you about the most interesting facts through which you can trace how the state and religion are connected.

Religion is Outside Politics

At the state level, according to the Johnson Amendment, religious institutions cannot be politically active or participate in events of political orientation. This decision is also supported by the US population, as about 70% of people are in favor of the church not interfering in politics. However, sometimes this rule is violated, since during the presidential elections, news constantly appears about the holding of sermons in favor of one of the candidates.

Prayers in Schools

Exactly 60 years ago, the Supreme Court passed a law according to which teachers in public schools are prohibited from teaching children prayers and giving special time for prayers. More than half of adults supported this decision, while almost 40% of children aged 13 to 17 years expressed the opinion that this is an appropriate practice.

The First Official Religious Holiday

Along with Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year, Christmas is a public holiday during which all working people are entitled to rest. At the same time, Christmas is a religious holiday, which nevertheless does not oblige citizens to engage in religious activities during its celebration.

Christian Presidents

The history of the United States developed in such a way that the vast majority of American presidents were Christians. Only two presidents had no religious affiliation (Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln), and two were Catholics (Joe Biden and John F. Kennedy). Kennedy). It is also interesting that the leaders take the presidential oath on the Bible and accompany the speech with the phrase “so help me, God.”  

Religious Symbols

For many years now, opinion polls have shown that there is no consensus among the population on whether religious symbols should be placed on state facilities.

The situation looks like this:

• 39% of people believe that it is necessary to allow the placement of religious symbols in public places and at state facilities.
• 35% of people oppose this measure.
• 26% of respondents do not support either of the two positions.

Interestingly, despite the fact that there is no mention of God in the US State Constitution, however, in all state constitutions, there are references to the divine principle. In addition, there are mentions of God in the Declaration of Independence, the Oath of Allegiance, and the American currency.