Alva James-Johnson: Church-state separation - what does it mean?

Church-state separation: What is it?

Religion has dominated the political headlines this week, underscoring an unresolved debate in today's society. Is America supposed to be a Christian nation or a safe haven for people of various faiths?

I had this debate recently with some friends who believe America was founded as a Christian nation and has strayed from its religious roots. I'm no political scholar, but it's my humble opinion that a Christian nation would mean America is similar to a theocracy, which would only lead to tyranny and the persecution of those who didn't adhere to a particular version of the state religion. The history books are filled with such scenarios.

I believe that's what the founding fathers feared most when they stated in the first amendment to the Constitution that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof "

So, I argued passionately that the country was founded on the notion of separation of church and state, which protects people of all faiths, including Christians.

This week, I thought about that debate when news surfaced about GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson's comments regarding Muslims, and then again as I watched Pope Francis visit the White House and speak before both houses of Congress.

Carson was interviewed on Meet the Press last Sunday. When asked his views about a Muslim ever becoming president, Carson said he wouldn't be in favor of such a scenario, and he believes Islam is inconsistent with the Constitution.

Carson overlooked a critical part of the document, which states, " no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

But that's a part of the Constitution ignored whenever political candidates of minority faiths run for office. Questions about Mitt Romney's Mormon faith immediately come to mind.

I found the Pope's visit just as interesting. He's already a popular international figure in both the religious and political arenas. And he struck the right chord this week with his audience both inside and outside the Beltway.

With a soft-spoken voice, he addressed everything from family values to climate change and received a standing ovation from both Democrats and Republicans. That's practically unheard of these days.

But these events raise thought-provoking questions, such as: How much influence should a religious figure have over elected officials? To what extent does an elected leader's religious faith matter? And what does separation of church and state really mean?

There is, of course, one other national document that's important in this discussion. And that's the Declaration of Independence, which refers to each individual's inalienable rights, endowed by a Creator. That suggests that the founding fathers did intend for religion to play a role in public life.

But striking the right balance isn't easy.

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: Church-state separation - what does it mean? ."