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Absolutely. You are right. I was not referring to the Establishment clause of the Constitution, but rather the general idea of separation of church and state. But to your point, the Establishment clause is violated when legislators start dictating that Christian ideology be a part of the public school curriculum. That is, indeed, 1)making a law respecting an establishment of religion and 2) prohibiting the free exercise [of any student's non-Christian religion].

I opine with you that creationism is junk science. But that's my opinion, just as valid as any Christian's opinion that God made the world in 7 days. I also agree that Christianity has played a major role in the history of the United States.

Here's the deal, Casual Observer: The Constitution does not require a "separation of church and state." That concept first appeared in a letter written by Thos Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists. What the Constitution does say is that Congress can't establish a state religion or prohibit people from freely practicing their religion. As long as the government refrains from doing either of those things then there isn't a legal problem.

That stated, "Creationism" should not be taught in public school biology classes because it's junk science. As far as history classes are concerned I'm not sure how you could teach European or US history without mentioning the role of Christianity.

I should say, that's *one of* the reasons we need separation of church and state. Honestly, I feel that non-Christians need a whole lot more legal protection from Christians (the pushy, legislating variety) than Christians do from secular society.

Here's what I don't get about Christians who push for their ideology to be taught in the public school classrooms: why don't they understand that the whole "separation between church and state" is there to PROTECT THEM just as equally as it is there to protect non-believers?

If creationism and other religious topics are introduced into the curriculum, Christians still won't be happy. Why? Because then who's going to decide who gets to teach it? What if the science teacher is a Methodist, but your kids are Baptist? Or heaven forbid the social studies teacher be one of those Episcopalians, but your kids are Catholic. Do you see what I mean?

That's why we need separation of church and state. In the public schools, let's please stick to the facts of history and science. Then, if it's what you and your family have decided, please teach your children all about how God created the world in 7 days in your SUNDAY SCHOOL class. Instill in your children the ways God was involved in the establishment of this country. But I guarantee you that when you start going down this slippery slope of allowing religious doctrine to be part of the public school curriculum, nobody is going to be happy because THEIR version of what's right, is not necessarily everyone else's. Even if everyone is a Christian. Which, hey. WE'RE NOT. And that's OK.

Lay off, you Legislatin' Christians! Try leading by example for once, and doing that whole "BE the change you want to see in the world."