The Mythical "Wall of Separation": How a Misused Metaphor Changed Church-State Law, Policy, and Discourse
Publication Date: January 2007
Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
Author(s): Daniel L. Dreisbach
Research Area: Culture and religion; Law and ethics
Keywords: Political philosophy; discourse; constitutional
Type: Report
Abstract:
The Supreme Court's conception of Jefferson's "wall of separation" is all too often used to separate religion from public life, but the founders viewed religion as an indispensable support for social order and political prosperity. Serious consideration must be given to whether that wall accurately represents constitutional principles and usefully contributes to American democracy and civil society.
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