This website will examine and provide an alternative to the interpretations of the religious provision of the First Amendment that have dominated discussion for more than six decades. The first posting, A Church-State Manifesto, is an introductory overview of the issues to be addressed on this forum. This posting is located at the bottom of the list of postings on the left tool bar. The remaining/subsequent postings will each delve more deeply into specific issues/interpretations alluded to in the manisfesto.
The Manifesto is informed especially by the historical background of the First Amendment. It will challenge (1) the misreading of historical sources; (2) ideological biases that sacrifice evidence for desired results; and (3) applications of the First Amendment that confer powers on government over religion that are beyond government jurisdiction.