Controversy is not new to our nation where religion is involved nor is it something that has evolved in just the past couple of years. The idealistic vision of America’s religious history began long before the colonist took their first steps onto this land. It was not until April 29, 1607 that the first Anglican Church was established for the American colonists. Since then non-religious and religious denominations have emerged. All are forth coming with their own idea(s) of what public religion should look like and entail. As controversy spread between denominations and irreligion sides started to take shape. Religious battles among the people would soon spew into the nation’s court system. Case after case came about from religious and political sides to the established government to theorize and implement justice for all individuals regarding religious freedom. Debates acquired by the government ranged from the Pledge of Allegiance to teacher lead prayers, teaching of the Bible, and religious holidays, to name a few.
Separation of church and state has over the course of time, presented its own controversy within its realm of leaders. Although it is important to remember that church and state are seen as “separate” in the eyes of the government and religious affiliations, it is important to remember that it is the people and their own ideas of how church and state should be perceived that make up these affiliations. To get a first hand perspective on how the sides interpret the law and how individualism plays a part of this controversy I interviewed one religious leader and an anonymous elected official. I also corresponded with a Legislative Assistant and a Legislative Aide to gain insight from all perspectives of this spectrum.