Kirby Wilbur
Young America's Foundation
National Conservative Student Counsel
On the Separation of Church and State: Government & Religion
The historical documents he refers to are all well and good, but not legally binding nor constitutional. They are peoples' opinions expressed in accordance to principles of individuals' rights and liberties.
And no, the words “separation of church and state” are not in the constitution, but the constitution does say the congress cannot legislate the establishment of religion nor limit the liberties of people to freely exercise their religion. If the government cannot legislate for religion nor against (any) individuals' religion. That to me seems a clear divorcement of religion from government.
Wilbur's argument that there is no morality outside of religion is absurd. Religions establish their own morals. Morality varies from one religion to another and from one denomination to another. Morality based on inalienable individual rights and liberties is the constitutionally based. This morality includes not legislating for religion or against individuals' religion.
Wilbur claims students can't pray in schools. Students are allowed to pray on their own accord in public schools provided they do not disrupt the studies.
Wilbur claims there is a universal and unchanging truth on which the constitution and the United States is based on. The constitution allows for changes made to it and to our nation because the founders knew they did not know an absolute Truth. The changes made in regards to divorcing the church from the state is based upon the original Bill of Rights as expanded by the Fourteenth Amendment. Rejecting the changes based upon clinging to historical and antiquated opinions is retrospective and contraindicated by the constitution.
