“The First Amendment says that congress shall make no law establishing (not regarding) a religion. It doesn’t say that the government should not or cannot publicly acknowledge religion.” said MoodVertigo, in a comment under my entry, Answering a Fifth Comment Regarding the Pledge. Sorry, you are simply incorrect.

Let’s look at the wording of the first amendment, shall we? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Publicly acknowledging religion does “establish” religion. By endorsing religion, the government would claim the validity of religion. From your context, you want the government to proclaim the validity of Christianity. But you see, by saying one is right, it means another is wrong. The government has managed to create a law “respecting an establishment of religion.” I think you’re confusing the issue with creating a national church. Creating a national church is contained within the context of the First Amendment.

If merely the creation of a national church was the issue then how come: A) US officials cannot be required to take religious tests, and B) there is “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” in the First Amendment.

[03/02/04 – EDIT: Started rewriting this entry, will fix later]