A new school of thought has emerged in society which equates the ideological and religious value of both secularism and Christianity. The emergence of secularism in society today is worth noting. While Christian ideologies have for a large majority been pushed out of politics and the political sphere of influence, a new religion — secularism — is being allowed to creep in and take precedence over Christian values in the public place.

Though many would not consider secularism to be a religion, it has many of the same characteristics as religion and falls under the same ideological value as religion. Renowned philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau even endorsed this idea as he calls for a “civil religion; to provide a non-metaphysical alternative to religion” in his book titled "The Social Contract." In many ways, secularism could be declared a “civil religion” because it seeks to assert its views and thus its political nature over any other view that contradicts it. One instance of secularism taking place of religious ideology can be seen in New York as many churches meeting in public schools are being forced to move out of these meeting places, but other secular groups such as LGBT groups are being allowed to meet in their place (Otterman, Sharon).

The public is for the large part unaware that this movement is taking place. It is undeniable that this specific example is not equality in the least. In fact, it is infringing upon the rights of an entire group of people and beliefs — Christians. “Separation of church and state” should certainly remain in place, but one group that is just as much of an ideology as Christianity should not be allowed to creep in and take authority and power over another “ideology” — Christianity.

In 2001, in a similar instance to the case in New York, the Good News Club, a private Christian organization, was denied access to the public school’s facilities because the group participated in “religious worship, which is prohibited by the community use policy” (Cornell University Law School). However, this restriction by the public school infringed upon the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. Further, it violated this groups right to participate in speech, belief, and expression of a religious holding. All of these restrictions and violations stand in direct contrast to the privileges being granted to many secularist groups such as Gay Straight Alliance groups or etc. that are being allowed to express their speech and views within public school without being restricted.

There seems to be an attack on religious freedoms and expression in the public sphere, but Christians must stand up for and fight for truly equal rights in all areas of society. Religious freedom, after all, is the bedrock of America’s founding. So even if these two ideologies are very different, they should both be able to maintain rights that extend to their conscience and beliefs and not be restricted from the expression thereof. This is constitutional, and this is exactly what our founding fathers envisioned when they established our great nation. If we cannot decipher these bounds of liberty and carry on the vision our Founding Fathers foresaw, we will never be the great democracy we claim to be.

Otterman, Sharon. "Supreme Court Leaves Intact New York’s Ban on Religious Services in Schools." The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 Mar. 2015. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.

"Christian Legal Society v. Martinez (08-1371)." LII / Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.