1A 'If You Can Keep It': Church And State, Continued
Jun 30, 2025
Catherine Stewart, a journalist and author focusing on the intersection of faith and politics, joins Ian Millhiser, Vox's senior correspondent on the Supreme Court. Together, they delve into the rising challenges to the separation of church and state, particularly during the Trump administration. The discussion highlights the politicization of religious liberty and recent Supreme Court rulings favoring Christian nationalism. They emphasize the need for grassroots engagement to protect democratic values and maintain a secular public sphere.
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Political Tool, Not Bias Fighter
- The Office of Religious Liberty is a political tool, not designed to solve real bias.
- It amplifies a persecution narrative among certain Christian reactionary groups to suppress dissent.
First Amendment's Religious Balance
- The First Amendment protects free exercise and forbids a state religion.
- Historically, public religious endorsements, like crosses or teaching doctrine in schools, are considered unconstitutional.
School Opt-Out Ruling Challenges
- Schools must notify parents and allow opt-outs from lessons offensive to religious beliefs.
- This creates logistical chaos due to diverse, idiosyncratic religious objections.