Religion vs. Philosophy: Defining our terms.

Is seems like many of America's quarrels could have been avoided if a simple delineation between the terms 'religion and philosophy' were established. It's quite obvious that the constitution renders the government inept in the establishing of a "national religion." It clearly reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The fact of the matter is that no true Christian would even want the constitution to be changed. We don't want a forced religion any more than we believe that an individual could be forced to love. The constitution stands, and we like that.




The problem arises when one claims that a general belief or even just a public statement (by a government official or school teacher for instance) concerning God, a creator, 'intelligent designer', or moral lawgiver somehow contradicts our constitution. The idea of God should be discussed in our schools and used in moral discussion in congress. Maybe philosophy isn't used in the science classrooms, but it should be discussed somewhere. (for my full idea on this see http://www.youthapologetics.com/philosophy.php ) Why isn't it? Because the ACLU, among others, thinks that coming from a theistic philosophy is somehow infusing religion into our governmental institutions. But is it?



The fact of the matter is that this just doesn't logically follow. The idea that "If you believe in God, then you are religious" is a non-sequitur. Here's the crux: part of your philosophy is how you answer the question "Is there a God?" and your religion is the worship of that before-mentioned God. But one doesn't cause the other. A belief in a being and worship of that being are completely separate. In a ridiculous example, I can believe that A-rod exists, but that doesn't mean I worship him.



Some may argue that this post is simply another attempt at getting Christianity taught in schools but I think that objection misses the point. First, I don't think the tenets of Christianity should be taught in public schools, but I do think the question of God, morals, and origins should be openly considered (even if an atheist teaches the class). Secondly, if we look through history, there have been a multitude of philosophers who have believed in a god, but never worshiped this being. There have been deists that believe in a creator, but think that worshipping this being is fruitless. The fact of the matter is that your philosophy does not automatically conclude in religion and philosophy need not be religious. I mean- atheism is not a religion, but it is a philosophy.



What does Jerusalem have to do with Athens? Maybe nothing. The point is that one doesn't necessitate the other. A religious believer should use philosophy, and a philosopher may indeed be religious; but philosophy doesn't necessarily lead to the worship of any divine being.