Separation of Church and State
MYTH: Prayer isn't allowed in public schools.
FACT: Prayer is allowed in public schools as long as it is not disruptive. What is unconstitutional is a public institution-- such as a school--endorsing or mandating prayer.
More info:
AlabamaAtheist.org
AtheistParents.org
American Atheists
Pledge of Allegiance
MYTH: The words "Under God" have been in the Pledge of Allegiance for a long time.
FACT: The Pledge of Allegiance, as it is recited today, was modified in 1954 with the addition of the words "Under God." The change was made during the "Red Scare" when anti-Communist sentiments were running high.
More info:
AlabamaAtheist.org
ReligiousTolerance.org
"In God We Trust"
MYTH: "In God We Trust" has always been the Unites States' National Motto
FACT: The motto IN GOD WE TRUST first appeared on the two-cent coin in 1864. The phrase was made the National Motto by presidential decree in 1956. The following year, it first appeared on paper currency.
More info:
US Department of Treasury
Great Seal and Motto Origins
Founding Fathers
MYTH: The Unites States was founded by Christian men on Christian principles.
FACT: The founding fathers are best described as Deists, and were not "Christians" by any stretch of the imagination.
More info:
Theology.edu
AlabamaAtheist.org
Infidels.org
Ten Commandments in Government Buildings
MYTH: If displays of the Ten Commandments are not allowed in public spaces, it will infringe on freedom of religion.
FACT: No branch of Christianity or Judaism requires the use of government resources to display the ten commandments. Therefore, failure to display or view the document does not inhibit the practice of those religions.
MYTH: United States law is based on the Ten Commandments
FACT: The first four commandments would be unconstitutional because they promote recognition of a particular god. Of the remaining six, three (adultery, envy, obeying parents) are based on moral codes that are not enforced by United States law. Lying is only legally prohibited under oath or (in certain circumstances) to the government. Finally admonitions not to kill or steal are universal in all civilized societies, regardless of religion.
More info
FindLaw's Writ
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