That Godless Court?

The religion clauses of the First Amendment, which seem simple and clear, have been and continue to be controversial in their application. In the aftermath of recent Supreme Court decisions such as those regarding displays of the Ten Commandments on government property, church-state issues have never been more complex, controversial, and divisive than they are today. Issues such as religious freedom, government aid to church-related schools, and religion in public schools capture the attention of both the political right and left.

Ronald B. Flowers is John F. Weatherly Emeritus Professor of Religion at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth