Essay on Religion and Public Policy - 2873 Words

The place of religion in the public square is a debateable topic. In essence, the dispute centers on the fundamental question: should religious beliefs be excluded from consideration of public policy? That is to say, if society strongly believes that the state should not adopt or implement religious positions, views or policies; to what extent should religious ideologies or concepts be used to publicly support or oppose governmental actions? Or perhaps do religious beliefs and public policy make too dangerous a mixture to even consider? In any vibrant culture, governmental decisions and actions are largely influenced by the public square. Policy-makers discuss, justify and support or oppose public issues in hopes of reaching a consensus†¦show more content†¦In support of my thesis, this argument will show that the exclusion of religion from public policy should be a neutral debate and no religion should be publicly endorsed over another (Guinn 3). Thus, more substantive i nterpretations addressing the Charter’s equality provisions are necessary in order to overlook the treatment of religious minorities. Section 2(a) states: To ensure that the government does not advantage some beliefs and disadvantage others. To ensure equal respect for all religious viewpoints, they argue that the government: (1) must respect an individual’s beliefs and the right to act in ways that are demanded by those beliefs; (2) may not impose the majority’s religious views on minority believers; and (3) may not exclude believers from public benefits for adhering to their beliefs.(Smithey 89). According to this mandate, the government cannot enforce any laws based strictly on a traditional view, nor can a law be repressed solely based on religion (Guinn 3). On a wider spectrum, with hundreds of established religions and thousands of their various sects around the world, it is evident that religious beliefs have been included in consideration of public policy (Dickinson and Dolmage 364). This results in clashes amongst differing religions. All religious beliefs have their accepted doctrine or system of belief that followers of the faith must accept without any questions asked. This, in turn, can lead to a great deal of intolerance inShow MoreRelatedReligious Prayer Within Public Schools1431 Words   |  6 Pages Religious prayer within public schools has been a heated debate for many years and ultimately has caught national attention. Overtime many court cases have challenge this issue. The Constitution itself is on the fence of religious prayer because of the First Amendm ent’s freedom of speech clause which prohibits the government’s involvement with the freedom of exercise of religion. 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