In our Constitution, the Establishment Clause prohibits that the government impose a specific religion on the American people. This is to protect the religious freedom of the American people and allows them to practice whatever religion they desire. This in general, has been an excellent law and has given many Americans one of many fundamental rights. No one is arguing against that. But what I would like to discuss is that over time, and especially in recent years, the lines of a separation of church and state has been blurred, and many laws are attempting to be enforced in the name of God and morality. I believe that this is wrong, and not moral.
It is no secret that religion is a significant portion of many Americans' lives, and for many, their religion influences their morals. This is normal, and for many, allows them to be the best person they can be. My argument is that morals can be influenced by religion, but religion and scripture of any sort does not automatically equal impeccable morality. But this value has been twisted, especially in the recent administration.
The prime example that comes to mind are the extremely stringent abortion laws that have been enacted mostly in the South. Abortion is an extremely sensitive topic, and regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is hard to deny that the basis of these laws is religious in nature, regardless of how politicians want to paint the picture. In Alabama, the official that signed the legislation in place stated that the law's basis was "Alabamians deeply held belief that all life is a gift from God." This is the issue I have with including religion behind why laws were created. This law was created under the belief that it is immoral to get an abortion, and the basis of the moral was found in the Bible. To me, this seems plain and simple. This is not in line with the Establishment Clause. And yet, many people in the South (aka the Bible Belt) are okay with it.
But beyond the hot button issues that can easily result in religious discussions, it is the belief that one does not have solid morals if they do not practice any particular religion. Some religious people (in America mostly Christians) will state that all sins such as murder or adultery are highlighted in the Ten Commandments, and thus religion determines moral value. But I would argue that you don't have to believe in a God/gods to know that killing someone or cheating on someone is wrong. Doing any of those things makes you a terrible person, and I don't think anyone has to follow the rules of books written thousands of years ago to know that.
The purpose of this piece was not to criticize the way people interpret scripture or their religion. They have the right to do this however they please. But just because others don't subscribe to the same religion doesn't mean they're going to Hell or that they are terrible people. It's time that as a people, we disconnect religion and morality.
