To the Point
Are We Separating Church and State?
America was founded as a secular country but, since the 1950's, God has become an official presence in governmental affairs. Is that a threat to the Founders’ promise?
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAmerica was founded as a secular country but, since the 1950's, God has become an official presence in governmental affairs. How did that happen? Is it a threat to the Founders' promise to separate church and state? Also, the shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, and President Obama speaks out on legalized marijuana.
Banner image: Kevin Dooley/flickr
In this episode
3 storiesShooting at Connecticut Elementary School
There's been another school shooting, this time in wooded suburbs near Danbury, Connecticut. Just moments ago, Lt. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police announced that there were several fatalities, including both students and staff. He added that the gunman is dead and that there's no danger to the public.
Read the story8 minChurch and State in 21st Century America
America's founders wrote a Constitution to intentionally exclude God, and their first amendment forbids the government to establish any religion. Thomas Jefferson even called for a "wall of separation between church and state."
Read the story35 minIs Obama 'Evolving' on Recreational Marijuana Use?
Federal law prohibits the use of marijuana, even as medicine. In his first term, President Obama suggested that states might legalize it without federal interference but, then, the Justice Department cracked down in California and elsewhere. Last month, voters in Colorado and Washington State legalized all uses of marijuana.
Read the story8 min