Privileged politics : how the United States rejects separation of church and state in favor of Christianity

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Authors
Stemnock, Mary Pat
Advisor
Bauer, Michael H.
Issue Date
2016-05
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The United States has a convoluted legal relationship with Christianity. While the Constitution urges a clear and concrete separation of church and state, the uncomfortable reality is that American Christians have long enjoyed privileges not afforded to members of minority religions. More troubling, however, is the excessive influence this privilege has on American society, government and law. This paper aims to expose the Christian privilege in the United States and to explore several instances in which Christianity has blatantly affected societal function and the lawmaking process. Examples noted will be in the following categories: government, the calendar, blue laws, tax exemptions, politicians, lobbying, women's reproductive healthcare legislation, LGBT rights legislation, and educational legislation. The paper will conclude with a discussion on why it is crucial to be aware of privilege and explain the issues involved with a religiously biased government.