Rocio Romero, Spring 2009 News Editor
Mixing the church and the state is like mixing water and oil – they just do not blend well.
I am not the only one saying this. Let me take you back to ancient or medieval times where they could not work with both politics and religion.
In 1802, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists stating there should be a wall between the church and the state.
For me, religion is something very personal. I practice my religion in various ways, from attending mass and praying before a test or a quiz to just being thankful everyday for everything God has given me.
However, I do not expect anyone to do the same. It does not make anybody better or worse if they follow or do not follow a specific religion. For this reason, I think religious views should be reserved whether it is within the state or in educational facilities.
It should not be included within schools because we are all brought up differently. Some of us do not practice a religion and were never raised within a religion. Others want an out on the beliefs their parents or culture raised them in.
It should not be included in a child’s younger years because parents are the ones responsible to raise and teach faith to their children. Just imagine how confused children will become if they hear their parents preaching about their faith and when they go to school they hear something completely different from their teacher.
I do not think it is fair for the parent or the child. There has to be a wall between the church and the state. If not, then this country would not have the reputation it has. This country is blessed with people from various backgrounds, cultures and religions. It would not be fair for people to be forced to follow something that goes against what they believe in.
We are given the right to believe, practice and follow whatever we choose, without pressure or persecution from anybody.
Finally, keeping the wall between the church and the state is what has made this country unique and different from others.
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