Pros and Cons of Separation of Church and state Review
Government

Pros and Cons of Separation of Church and state

According to the constitution of the United States, there must be a separation of church and state. The establishment clause states that ‘the congress shall not make any law regarding the establishment of religion or prohibit any free exercise thereof. It gives the citizens the right to religious liberty and the freedom to reject religion if they wish to.

Pros:

1. No election of politicians based on religion: Separation of church and state ensures that no politician is elected based on religion. The citizens elect leaders freely without influence from religious leaders.

2. Freedom to choose religion: It gives an individual the right to choose religion without the state dictating him/her. If the state and the church have unresolved issues, the state cannot force any citizen to join a particular religious sector.

3. Helps make decision-based on one experience rather than perspective: Sometimes people tend to believe what feels right according to their perspective or faith. Although everyone is different, individual perspectives cannot be applied in society. Separating individual perspectives from real-life experiences benefits society.

4. Ensure churches do not take an active role in governing: Allowing churches to participate in governance can affect the implementation of certain government policies. Therefore, separation ensures the government focuses on its mandate without interference from the church.

5. Encourage discussion: Separation of church and state encourages discussion among different groups since each person is different. This brings togetherness and cooperation among different people.

6. Public schools won’t be forced to a particular religion: Separation of state and church ensures certain religion is not imposed on children in public schools. Children have the right to choose their own religion.

7. It stops influence: church and religion and can be compared to a couple who need separation in order to live well. Moreover, they become more effective when they protect one another. The separation of church and state has helped to prevent national religion. This could make parents take children to schools that have a national religion. As a result of this, employment would only be issued to those who belong to this religion. Other individuals could not get equal rights and freedom like the one in the national religion. Separation has helped families to make the right decisions when it comes to faith.

8. Promotes respect: respect is the paramount thing that should be practiced by individuals. Government and church are like parallel lines. However, independence makes the two become effective. In addition to that, it promotes respect between the two. The government can make laws without being criticized by the church. Also, the church can make decisions without interference. This helps to carry out efficient duties without fear. Without respect, the two will divide citizens. The division of people can cause political instability and crimes in a country. Most country fails because the church and state are fighting.

9. improves social services: the government funds churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious organizations. Additionally, political leaders fund money to churches. This money is used to develop social services for the community. Church helps the needy, orphans, sick, and homeless people to get basic needs.

10. Protects the minorities: the separation helps to protect minor churches whose voices cannot be heard.

11. Prevents division: the good state is not supposed to take one side. It should support all regions. Similarly, religious groups should not support a candidate and oppose others. Believers should have the freedom to participate in politics and vote for their preferred candidates. People are church and division will affect the country.

12. improves moral behavior: the government cannot establish enough jails for lawbreakers. Therefore, moral behavior can only be promoted by the church. The community depends on religion to bring morality. It is not easy for the state to control desires and hope in the human heart.

Cons:

1. The government takes advantage of separation: If the church is not involved in the lawmaking process, the state will have absolute power to make and execute some unjust laws that may lead to hatred and segregation of people.

2. Limits individual freedom: Individuals can seek employment through local, state, and national governments. If an employee acts as a government representative, he cannot work as a religious representative at the same time.

3. Debate on establishment clause: Some individuals argue that the establishment clause is not an actual separation and has no clear distinction between the two entities. When the constitution was first established, its main purpose was to protect the church from the government. It should not separate the church from the government.

4. Creates limitation to both the church and state: Separation limits the scope of work each entity accomplishes. As a result of separation, some religious education may not be enforced in schools. As a result, children will not learn good morals in schools.

5. Churches take advantage: Churches may take advantage of this and encourage the church members not to support the state in certain matters.

6. Creates division: Separation may create the vision within the society since some people in the society will only support individuals of a certain faith.

7. Corruption: the major challenge that faces the government and church is corruption. Leaders misuse the funds for their own stomachs. For instance, government representatives can claim to have donated money to church which is not true. On the contrary, the church can be given funds by the government and end up misusing the funds.

8. majority wins: it is hard for the government to put laws and programs that people wish. The majority wins despite the effects of the decision on the rest of society.

9. CLack of national agreement: it is not easy to come up with a national decision on ethics and moral standards. For example, the church does not accept taking life. on the contrary, the state can argue that anyone who kills must be sentenced to death.

10. Misappropriation of funds: churches are not included in income taxes. The governments help the church by giving out the taxes collected. However, religion can use this money to get rich instead of using it for charitable activities.