The wall of separation between church and state, a metaphor attributed to Thomas Jefferson, is in danger of crumbling in the nation that first built it. There are multiple ironies in this danger. Unlike the broken wall which separated East and West Germany, the wall between church and state in America is not broken. Originally designed to protect the church against the secularizing intrusions of the state, our wall is working extremely well. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are thriving in this land of separation.
Religious attendance is higher than in any Western democracy with an established church.
Belief in God is widespread throughout the land. Yet the right to disbelieve or to be skeptical is accepted-at least in theory. The successful status of American religion is to be contrasted with the sorry state of religion throughout most of Europe. When my family and I travel to Europe, we love to visit the old churches-not for prayer, but for artistic appreciation. Our favorite time to observe a church is on Sunday morning, when it is being used as intended.