Introduction
In three controversial decisions this year, the Supreme Court reignited a long-running debate: How should the First Amendment's clauses on religion be interpreted? Critics say the court's rulings in favor of religious legal claims have significantly eroded the separation between church and state. Supporters of the decisions say they simply recognize the right to religious free expression that is also guaranteed by the First Amendment. The rulings have encouraged some activists to push for a greater religious presence in public schools. The dispute over the role of religion in public life was also stoked by earlier court rulings allowing businesses to deny some services and opt out of government health care mandates based on an owner's religious beliefs. Some conservatives are going further, saying the United States should officially be declared a Christian nation and should reflect Christian principles. These calls come at a time when public polling shows Americans are less religious than ever.
Joseph Kennedy, a former football coach for Bremerton High School in Washington state, prays in front of the U.S. Supreme Court after his case on religious freedom was argued on April 25. The court ruled he had the right to pray at midfield following football games at his public high school. Some say recent court rulings have diminished the separation of church and state. (Getty Images/Win McNamee)
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Oct. 28, 2022 |
Church and State |
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May 29, 2020 |
Christians in the Mideast |
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Sep. 28, 2018 |
Christianity in America |
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Jun. 23, 2017 |
Future of the Christian Right |
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Jun. 07, 2013 |
Future of the Catholic Church |
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Jan. 2011 |
Crisis in the Catholic Church |
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Sep. 21, 2007 |
Rise of Megachurches |
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Sep. 14, 2001 |
Evangelical Christians |
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Feb. 26, 1999 |
Future of the Papacy |
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Dec. 11, 1998 |
Searching for Jesus |
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Jul. 22, 1988 |
The Revival of Religion in America |
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Dec. 02, 1983 |
Christmas Customs and Origins |
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Jun. 10, 1983 |
Martin Luther After 500 Years |
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Aug. 08, 1975 |
Year of Religion |
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Jul. 26, 1972 |
Fundamentalist Revival |
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Jan. 04, 1967 |
Religion in Upheaval |
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Aug. 03, 1966 |
Religious Rivalries in South Viet Nam |
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Nov. 11, 1964 |
Church Tax Exemption |
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Aug. 05, 1964 |
Catholic Schools |
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Oct. 14, 1963 |
Churches and Social Action |
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Jun. 19, 1963 |
Vatican Policy in a Revolutionary World |
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Jan. 05, 1962 |
Rome and Christian Unity |
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Mar. 26, 1958 |
Church-Related Education |
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Dec. 18, 1957 |
Church Consolidation |
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Jun. 05, 1957 |
Evangelism in America |
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Jun. 23, 1955 |
Religious Boom |
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Aug. 13, 1952 |
Church Unity in America |
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Feb. 12, 1947 |
Relations with the Vatican |
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Dec. 21, 1923 |
The New Schism in the Church and the Immaculate Conception |
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