Tacenda Posted Monday at 11:31 PM Posted Monday at 11:31 PM I just found out about this. Not sure what to think, my first reaction was that it isn't a good thing. I would love some opinions on it. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/religious-commission-urges-bridges-church-state-sweeping-draft-report-rcna352015
smac97 Posted Tuesday at 04:45 PM Posted Tuesday at 04:45 PM 17 hours ago, Tacenda said: I just found out about this. Not sure what to think, my first reaction was that it isn't a good thing. I would love some opinions on it. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/religious-commission-urges-bridges-church-state-sweeping-draft-report-rcna352015 A Grok summary: Quote Main Story A Trump administration advisory commission (the Religious Liberty Commission) released a sweeping draft report that calls for replacing the traditional American principle of “separation of church and state” with the idea of building “bridges” between religion and government. The 224-page report argues that strict separation has been misused to suppress religious expression and that religion and government should mutually support each other. Okay. But the perennial concern is what "religion" means in this context, and whether we will slide into a "all religions are equal, but some are more equal than others"-style problem. Quote Key Recommendations & Themes Greater religious expression in public life: More religious symbols, prayers, and opt-outs in schools; broader exemptions for religious objections (e.g., to vaccines, pronoun usage, or certain curriculum). A mixed bag here. Quote Repeal the Johnson Amendment: Remove restrictions on tax-exempt churches engaging in political activity (a longtime conservative goal). I'm sort of ambivalent about this. Quote Public funding for faith-based groups: Easier access to government money for religious organizations providing social services. Would like to better understand this. Quote New honors and education: Create a Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty, “First Freedom Hero” awards, and historical markers celebrating religion’s role in America. This is great. Quote Combat perceived anti-religious bias: Hotlines, “Know Your Rights” posters, and stronger enforcement against what the commission sees as persecution of religious Americans. Sure. Quote Focus on Christianity: The commission is composed almost entirely of conservative Christians and emphasizes Judeo-Christian heritage. Yeah, some warning bells here. Quote Context & Criticism The commission was created by Trump and is heavily tilted toward evangelical and conservative Catholic voices. Progressive groups (e.g., Interfaith Alliance) criticize it for lacking ideological diversity, downplaying issues like Islamophobia, and advancing a far-right religious agenda (school vouchers, Bible lessons, Ten Commandments displays). The report comes amid a broader conservative push in states like Texas to integrate more religion into public schools and spaces. It aligns with recent Supreme Court decisions expanding religious rights in public settings. Tone of the Report It portrays strict church-state separation as a modern distortion rooted in secular “God is dead” ideology, while arguing that religion strengthens families, society, and even government as a moral “conscience.” The draft is open for public comment. It is non-binding but reflects the administration’s priorities and signals potential policy directions. Overall: A bold conservative reframing of church-state relations that seeks to roll back secularism in favor of greater religious influence in public institutions. I love the First Amendment and its protections of religious belief and practice. I'm not too keen on religions getting more involved in State affairs (and money). Thanks, -Smac 1
Tacenda Posted Tuesday at 06:45 PM Author Posted Tuesday at 06:45 PM 1 hour ago, smac97 said: A Grok summary: Okay. But the perennial concern is what "religion" means in this context, and whether we will slide into a "all religions are equal, but some are more equal than others"-style problem. A mixed bag here. I'm sort of ambivalent about this. Would like to better understand this. This is great. Sure. Yeah, some warning bells here. I love the First Amendment and its protections of religious belief and practice. I'm not too keen on religions getting more involved in State affairs (and money). Thanks, -Smac Thanks, I feel less alone in my worrying.
Calm Posted Tuesday at 10:56 PM Posted Tuesday at 10:56 PM (edited) 6 hours ago, smac97 said: I'm not too keen on religions getting more involved in State affairs (and money). Amen to that. I don’t want them to repeal the Johnson amendment, but it appears it isn’t being enforced anyway. Edited Tuesday at 11:04 PM by Calm
longview Posted Wednesday at 12:02 AM Posted Wednesday at 12:02 AM 6 hours ago, smac97 said: Quote Repeal the Johnson Amendment: Remove restrictions on tax-exempt churches engaging in political activity (a longtime conservative goal). I'm sort of ambivalent about this. If Hillary Rodham Clinton could mount vigorous campaigns in black churches and the First Amendment prohibits government from stomping on free speech rights or infringing on free exercise of religion, then I am ALL for the churches to engage in political dialogue anywhere including the public square. While the LDS church wisely makes it a rule for keeping politics OUT of meeting houses, it did from time to time ask for members to participate in "crusades" for important moral causes such as stopping ERA amendment back in the 1970s and fighting the dilution of basic marriage covenant in California. 7 hours ago, smac97 said: Quote Public funding for faith-based groups: Easier access to government money for religious organizations providing social services. Would like to better understand this. NOT a good idea. From time to time, the government will use funding sources as a weapon against certain elements of society. Hillsdale College wisely refuses any government funding and will not accept students using government scholarships or loans. Just private sources. 7 hours ago, smac97 said: I love the First Amendment and its protections of religious belief and practice. I'm not too keen on religions getting more involved in State affairs (and money). We seriously NEED to get government OUT of the education business. If there is a need for funding, then vouchers should be given to parents strictly without strings attached or bureaucratic mandates. This can be done thru private foundations and standards bodies. All without enforcement powers.
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