A cursory survey of American politics reveals the enormous and decisive power religion wields in public opinion and voting patterns. Millions of voters respond to the perceived sensitivity of Congress, the President, and (perhaps most importantly) the courts to issues with a religious facet. The power of faith in impelling responses to major social and cultural conflicts is well-documented, but given its influence on politics the question of its philosophical role is far less clear. To what extent do public policy and religion exert mutual influence? In the United States, how should religious elements of society direct the activities of government? On the basis of the relevant political philosophy directing the construction of the Constitution and the pursuant legal interpretation and modification, to what extent should religion and government mingle?
The purpose of this pathfinder is to guide readers to sources from which a rudimentary answer to these questions may be gleaned. Foci will include the writings of Enlightenment philosophers whose writings help form a basis for Western societies and, specifically, the American government; original American law relating to the government’s relationship with religious entities and scholarly interpretations thereof; case law stemming from constitutional conflicts on the role of religion in the activities of government and vice versa; and writings on current conflicts shaping the public’s attitude on the issue and possible manners in which the relationship might change over time.
