Religion: Its Proper Place in Society

Abstract

From the Spanish Inquisition to the now theocratic state of Iran, the world is constantly adapting to new situations.This paper will explore the boundaries of religion throughout the development of United States culture and its government. Various political theorists, Supreme Court cases, and societal movements have helped to shape the United States’ stance of religion’s place in society. Religious beliefs, while serious and important, have a place in private life. There must be a distinct line drawn between how religion is present in private life versus in a government setting, and this is where the concept of separation of church and state steps in.