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Modern Misconceptions On The Wall Of Separation: An Analysis On The Influence And Misinterpretation Of Jefferson’S Separation Of Church And State, Marissa Swope
Senior Honors Theses
The symbolic concept of separation between church and state defines the relationship between government and religion. While Jefferson did not author the phrase, the third President of the United States promoted the philosophy of a wall of separation between church and state in his letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802. Jefferson’s support for a wall of separation stemmed from a strong belief in liberty of conscience and relied heavily upon the conviction to protect religious liberty. Through an analysis on the contextual history of the phrase, the original intent and application of separation of church and state becomes evident. …