I've been thinking about the concept of the "Separation of Church and State." In theory, it means the government gives neither favor nor hindrance to any religion. Yet, in practice it means that the state silences religion when it comes to the matters of public affairs and shows favor to secularism which is antagonistic to religion.
So essentially, in America, we have a view which says institutions which believe in God should have no say in speaking on issues involving legislation while those which either deny the existence of God or else treat it as unimportant are allowed to interfere to the extent they choose without restriction.
So when one considers this, we can see that we have a legal system in America which stands the first amendment on its head. Churches have to be careful about speaking out on abortion or gay marriage lest they suffer tax penalties for "lobbying." Yet non-religious organizations can lobby without concern.
I find it interesting that one common response I've seen in comboxes is the concept that since we're not treated like religion is being treated in China, we're not being treated wrongly. Such a view is an either-or fallacy.
- Either Religion in America is [persecuted like it is in China] or it is [not treated unfairly]. (Either [A] or [B]).
- Religion in America is not [persecuted like it is in China] (Not [A])
- Therefore it is [not treated unfairly]. (Therefore [B])
The error of such a view is that one need not reach the levels of persecution in China to treat religion unfairly.
What is overlooked is that in modern times, religion is viewed as yet another institution when it comes to denying the existence and authority of God (it is not given any special heed) on one hand but treated as "pushing their views on others" when it comes to speaking out on the problems of society.
Essentially this means that a secular group is permitted to seek to influence others but a religious group is not.
When one view is permitted to act and speak freely but another is not allowed to do the same, we call this unjust and showing partiality. We call it partisan.
Yet this partisanship and partiality exists in America today. Religion is not free. This doesn't mean we're overtly persecuted (as some atheists have mockingly used as a straw man). However, it does mean the state has shown itself to show partiality to secularism – giving them a free range to speak and act while restricting how churches may speak out on issues concerning the nation. When secular institutions which favor homosexual couples adopting children and restrict religious institutions which say this is wrong, this is in fact partisan behavior in favor of secular beliefs.
This is why I believe America is no longer a free nation in terms of religion. Yes, I am free to write this blog, yes there is Catholic radio and TV out there which can broadcast without interference. However, when the state shows partiality to one side it follows the other side is either hindered or not given the same rights.
