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While the Constitution aims to separate church and state. We see that "church" can be an influential part of a person's life. Some are more strongly led by religion than others. When such a person holds political office, their religious views, sometimes inadvertently, comes to take shape in politics.

DeSoto County Schools, public schools, have been asked to stop allowing Gideon International to distribute bibles to students on the school campus. Some are saying it's not a violation of the separation between church and state or freedom of religion because any religion should be allowed to do the same. However, the real issue is whether or not it should even be allowed because just as everyone has freedom of religion, they should also have freedom from religion.

The right to freedom of religion is so central to American democracy that it was enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution along with other fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press. In order to guarantee an atmosphere of absolute religious liberty, this country's founders also mandated the strict separation of church and state.

Freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, involves two important components. The first is a prohibition on the "establishment of religion" by government - the separation of Church and State; and the second, ensures that the government allows for the practice of religion (Perry, 10).

This site discusses the history of separation of church and state. It also discusses nontheism/atheism. It provides information on ways to become involved in the community.