The issue of separation of church and state is one that is in the media a lot. To me it seems to more prevalent now then it was years earlier. I don’t know if that is just because the media is making a big deal out of it, or if that is because the issue really is being discussed more. I believe it to be a combination of both. I have little idea as to why this is so. The first amendment has exists for hundreds of years, but it seems to be only in the past few decades that parts of this amendment have been called to question. Does this come for the “liberal media” and the twenty-four news networks looking for more stories? Or are people seriously offended by religion? For the most part, I don’t think people are bothered by religion and the use of the word God in the pledge of allegiance.

People seem to be twisting the words of the first amendment around. Carter stated in paragraph 2 “Simply put the metaphorical separation of church and state originated in an effort to protect religion from state, not state from religion” (103). So if this is what the first amendment means, the why are people getting so upset over a three letter word in the pledge of allegiance? The word does not hinder religion, so it should be allowed. I am aware that God was not always in the pledge of allegiance, but there is little reason for it to be taken out now that it is put in. One can be patriotic by saying the pledge of allegiance or by doing other things. So if some says that they can not by patriotic because they do not say the word God when saying the pledge of allegiance, I think they are mistaken.

The founding fathers came here to escape religious oppression so they wanted to protect religion. I think that is the reason why the first amendment exists. It is designed to protect our rights. The word God does not hinder the rights of anyone. It is simply a three letter word that means a lot to millions of people. I know why we have the amendment, what I don’t know is how/why the issue is so controversial today. It has lead me to a few questions.

How much does the media have an effect on what American’s consider to be controversial issues? If the media is affecting the issues being talked about, is that good or bad? Are there issues that should be brought up, but because the media does not bring them up, they are not as widely known? Are those who are not Christian really offended by the presence of God in our society? How do other nations, besides the US deal with this topic? Does the debate over church and state happen else where, or is it limited to the US? Just some thoughts that came upon me while reading and writing this blog.