Let’s say for example that Congress passes a law that says that we’re going to give $10,000 to the First Christion Church of Pennsylvania because it needs repair and we want to save it as a national treasure. Ignoring any fiscal qualms with this, let’s look at it in terms of this amendment. Does it establish a religion. No. We’re trying to fix up the building. Nothing is said about citizens needing to attend, etc. Does it interfere with my right to worship as I please? No. In fact, most likely, I would never even find out about this bill being passed, unless the ACLU or someone else sued to stop it. How ridiculous. The amendment does not bar religion from contact with the state. It forbids the government from passing a law that makes a state religion and/or keeps me from following my faith and conscience with respect to religion.
