It's time we got into some more religious topics! More details to follow, but this one will be on the separation of church & state. If you have suggested readings or websites, post them in the comments.
A good current topic to focus our discussion on: the recently tabled 'conscience exemption' to otherwise mandatorily covered health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Max also came up with some other great resources:
A blog on developments/news related to the religion clauses: http://religionclause.blogspot.com/ This is much more about current events than general information. I haven't been keeping up with it lately, but it was recommended by my above-mentioned professors and when I read it in school it was pretty good. Given that this has been in the news lately because of Santorum's comments, JFK's speech on the Houston Ministerial Association: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkhoustonministers.html The original source for the phrase "separation of church and state," Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_the_Danbury_Baptists_-_January_1,_1802
more from Max:
This site has a pretty good overview of the state of the law on various issues concerning religious freedom: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/category/religion It also has good explanations of the judicial interpretations of both the Establishment Clause: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/establishment-clause and the Free Exercise Clause:http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/free-exercise-clause . At the first link, they also have subcategories within each of the Clauses and a section on religion in public schools.
an analysis of public opinion on 'Conscience Exemption' from the Pew Forum: http://www.people-press.org/2012/02/14/public-divided-over-birth-control-insurance-mandate/
Our group is focused on learning more than honing debating skills. The goal is to hear viewpoints you never would have been exposed to in your normal circles, and to hopefully get a little deeper than the sound bytes we hear on the news. Do feel free to play devil's advocate and argue the other side.
Note: a lot of us eat dinner during the meetup, feel free to do so as well. This also makes the venue happier.
There's an optional $2 fee for this meetup. This helps cover the $180 annual meetup cost.
March 6, 2012
Kia, next topic is on Iran and Syria.
March 6, 2012
Lively, thought-provoking discussion. The group leader set a good tone to keep things from getting too heated. I met lots of new people and am looking forward to the next one!
March 6, 2012
Great conversation with interesting and intellectual people! Comments: Within the mth's particular topic, distribute discussion ideas via email. Having outline of discussion will help participants focus their research and come up with additional ideas, that hopefully they will share with Scott who can then share with the group.
March 6, 2012
It was a fascinating discussion among thoughtful and articulate individuals.
March 6, 2012
Good source for many articles: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment01/
March 4, 2012
I'll be driving back from an out of town trip. Sure miss you guys!
February 29, 2012
Check out this commentary on separation of church and state in the current political climate.
February 28, 2012
This article has history of the goverment banning:
Mormans practicing Polygramy, Native Americans using traditional customs, Catholics with their schools http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_the_United_States
February 23, 2012
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Excellent discussion with many views.