The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1955-08-26

a Senate subcommittee on cOnSttlutlondl Iishes
Is asking the American public to indicate what II be-
eyes are 'sore spots" in the observance of religious
freedom and ChurchS State separation in this country
Senator Thomas C. Hennings Cd. Mo- is chairman
Of the subcommittee which has prepared question
naire on these matters to be sent to all persons VINO
request il as we'll to selected expert witnesses
At the subcommittee hearings.
This could prove made-toorder opportunity 10
hit on the head the false and tortured Interpretation
Of the First Amendment on freedom Of religion
which has been gaining much ground IN recent
years The constitutional clause stating that con
sress shall make no law respecting Inc estaphsh-
ment Of religion or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof has been roughly interpreted by many as
meaning "hands off anything religious. No aid, dl'
rect or indirect may be given any or all rehglons
by the government.
Some may hold this extreme view because of
simple historical ignorance. Others, it may be fear
ed deliberately misconstrue the clause through
active hostility towards religion
One devoid of all historical and political knowl-
edge might he excused for not knowing that the
phrase establishment of religion" had technical
end specific meaning for the trainers of The Con
stitution Establishment" did not mean a RELIGIOUS
organization" or "a religious institution. Estab-
lishment" "a process" legal enactment Where-
bv particular religion became the official" religion,
the legally adopted religion of nation or state.
The Anglican Church is the established church OF
England The Lutheran Church enjoys the same
position In Sweden, just as the Cathohc Churcn mas
similar status in Spain.
The trainers of our Constitution wisely decided
e bar such establishment Of religion" in the Unit
ed States.
The idea Of binding the u. s. Government to
complete neutrality as between religion and lr-
religion was the farthest thing from the minds OF
the Founding Fathers They would have been no
more susceptible to that notion than they would
te the suggestion that the government should be
aeutral between health and illness prosperity and
poverty
was understood as matter OF common sense
fand indeed often expressly stated that the flour
ishine ~ religion among the citizens was hlghy
desirable development. The plain intent OF the con
xt,t,itiona clause was TO avoid sectaran pickering
h= favorng one religious group al the expense OF
others and to prevent any person group from be
ing persecuted or handicapped because of religious
beliefs.
The subcommittee should have trouble dig
rinF np evidence that secularistS hortsighted sec
tarians and eager atheists are conSpring TO TWIST
the First Amendment into an obstacle to religious
freedom in this nation
In numerous instances the First Amendment has
heen cited 10 deny 10 all religious believers free
dom NJ expression which is cheerfuy guaranteed
to atheists II = professor in public university
defends religion he can he stopped by legal means;
but IL person were To teach atheism or make al
tacks on religion, there is no legal way to stop
him.
person wants his children TO receive an edu-
cation devoid of all religious elements he has but
10 enroll the child in the public school and threaten
TO "eall the law" il any religion is allowed to en-
ter.
The person who wants his child to receive an
education in which religion is an integral factor not
only must forego the of public schools Tor
: which he is taxed but must even see his children
denied the right to ride unsupported school busSeS
to their own schools He them deneid health
services and Tree non-rellgious textbooks available
10 the atheists child
He can hardly he blamed If he feels that some
hou the Constitutional protection Of his religious
freedom is not working II should The suh-com
mttee should he implored eloquenty to find way
for religious minded citizens 10 get an even break
With the atheists
(Ipdidnd Catholic and RecOrd)