Thoughts in a Haystack

This is something I've posed before but it is so appropriate for this Blog Against Theocracy weekend that it's worth posting again. It is the 10 Commandments of the Establishment Clause taken, with only slight modification, from Justice Hugo Black's decision in Everson v. Board of Education, the case that has been convincingly said to be the event that kicked off the Culture Wars. Justice Black's eloquent explanation of what the Establishment Clause means is an excellent line to draw against theocrats. So here, fully suitable for placement in government offices and courts, are the:

10 Commandments of the Separation of Church and State:

1. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church.

2. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.

3. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will.

4. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can force a person to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.

5. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs.

6. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious disbeliefs.

7. No person can be punished for church attendance or non-attendance.

8. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion.

9. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups.

10. No religious organizations or groups can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of a state or the Federal Government..

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