I think that our founding fathers did recognize the problems of mixing church and state. Madison's words echo today in all the 10 Commandment flaps. Since the versions of the commandments differ between religions how do you post one version without placing that particular Christian sect above another?
"Who is it who cannot see that the same who would consecrate Christianity above all other religions would then have to consecrate a particular sect of Christians above all other sects?" - James MadisonThe Framers actually had two reasons to embrace Separation. One of course was the ethical. As true religious belief is completely voluntary and government is inherently based upon compulsion, the two really don't mix.I think that our founding fathers did recognize the problems of mixing church and state. Madison's words echo today in all the 10 Commandment flaps. Since the versions of the commandments differ between religions how do you post one version without placing that particular Christian sect above another?
There was also a more pragmatic reason. The former colonies were a religiously diverse place, and already quite fractious. Placing religion in the sphere of government simply would have given them something new to argue about.
As a result, they created the safest place in the world to belong to any faith, as long as one agrees to the codicil that one does not have the right to act against those one finds to be "heretical" or "pagan". While this theory has occasionally lapsed in practice (as Mormons and Catholics can attest through history), overall its been extremely succesful.
Baptists in particular should appreciate it. In colonial times, their faith was an occasionally oppressed minority.
-Eric