Let’s try a little history quiz to test your knowledge. Off the top of your head, do you know in which article of the Constitution or in which amendment in the Bill of Rights you will find the phrase “separation of church and state?” I can almost guarantee you that you’re wrong! It is not to be found in either. According to the Constitution’s First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The first 16 words of the amendment have generated a multitude of arguments and laws.

Where did the phrase “separation of church and state” originate? In a private letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists written on January 1, 1802. Jefferson stated, in reference to the opening phrase of the First Amendment, “…thus building a wall of separation between church and state.” Therefore, the common reference to “separation of church and state” is a misquote.

Originally, the intention was to shield the government from being affected too much by religion; it was also meant to protect the rights of citizens to express their religious beliefs without interference or fear of retribution. That part of the amendment seems to have somehow been lost or forgotten.

There are many stories of teachers who have been told it is against school rules for them to read their own Bibles at lunch. Students have received failing grades for choosing to do a book report on the Bible, one of the oft quoted books in literature, while other students receive high marks for Harry Potter books with an emphasis on witchcraft, a religion in relationship to Wicca.

While I do not have verifiable references for these events, there is the story of “The Sneeze”. Back in May, 2001, Washington Community High School in Washington Illinois was banned from having prayer at its graduation ceremony. This was the result of a temporary restraining order by the courts. As the valedictorian strolled up to the podium to deliver his speech, graduate Ryan Brown stopped. When he bent his head in silent prayer, the crowd enthusiastically applauded. Ryan sneezed intentionally during his speech, causing many of the students to shout, “God bless you!” Ryan, thereby, managed to bring God into the ceremony. The May 21, 2001, edition of the Chicago Tribune reported the story.

I am disturbed that the First Amendment is suppressing so many traditions. While doing research for this article, I understood that the Founding Father’s original intent was to keep one person’s beliefs from being foisted onto others via the agencies of the government. I can imagine how it would feel to be a practitioner of a religion that was not that of the majority and be forced to take part in observances that were in opposition to my own faith. If I was asked to swear to Allah to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth with my hand placed on a Quran, I would be unwilling to do it. So, the idea of a Muslim being uncomfortable doing the same with the Bible is understandable.

The government websites of the Library of Congress and the National Archives contain a rich history. Fortunately, we live in a time where the internet provides us with ready access to our heritage.