Church And State Separation Examined

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 14: The book "Jefferson's 'Bible' - The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth" (R) is displayed at the bookstore of Thomas Jefferson Memorial October 14, 2004 in Washington, DC. Although the U.S. constitution prohibits an official state religion, references to God appear on American money, the U.S. Congress starts its daily session with a prayer, and the same U.S. Supreme Court that has consistently struck down organized prayer in public schools as unconstitutional opens its public sessions by asking for the blessings of God. The Supreme Court will soon use cases from Kentucky and Texas to consider the constitutionality of Ten Commandments displays on government property, addressing a church-state issue that has ignited controversy around the country. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)