Draw the Line: Should religion play a role in American Politics?

This week's question seems particularly appropriate during the current election season. With every pundit in town probing the issue, we thought it would be interesting to see what our visitors had to say about the issue. Here is a breakdown of their responses:



Of the 85 people to respond to the question at the museum since we posed it, approximately 79% selected "No"

Here are some thoughts from our visitors:

YES
"Americans are religious people. Religion should play a role in politics after all the 1st Amendment protects freedom of (sic.) religion not freedom from religion." -G. M., Natick, MA

"Yes- if your religion is important then it should be a controlling factor in every part of your life and having a national leader with a lifestyle that upholds religions freedoms and sets an example for others to follow." -Rebecca, Rockton, Il.

NO
"Separation of church and state is a very important part of American politics... it should stay that way." - Ahava, Dover, DE

"It informs your values but should not be used as a mallet on others." -Barbara, Belleville, IL

UM
"Yes and no. It should be mostly no." -Holly, Reading, MA

"Sometimes it should, sometimes it shouldn't." -Jeremy, New York City, NY

What do you have to say about the issue? Can you highlight a specific example from the current campaigns? Let's discuss!

Looking for more information? Try these articles, which have been selected for their diversity of opinions:
Religious, and Right
Good Faith
For 3 Candidates, a Test on Religion

Hello Fall!

While it may not feel like it (thanks Philly humidity!) it's that time of year again. Classes have restarted, Back-to-school sales have ended and,for those of us still in school, the question that automatically pops out whenever you run into anyone is,
"How was your summer vacation?"

Here at the Shaping Space, Making Meaning blog we too took a summer vacation. It was lovely and relaxing and all but boy, are we happy to be back!

For us, one of the most exciting things about returning to Philly after a two month hiatus was to see the progress on the new NMAJH building. Those of you who live in here can track the changes live every time you pass by the corner of Market and 5th but for the rest of you, we encourage you to check out our Flickr site, where we are following the construction.

Another exciting change that occurred over summer is that we have new questions for our Draw the Line feature! The current exhibition features the following six questions:

1. Should religion play a role in American politics?
2. Are Jews white?
3. Is intermarriage a significant threat to the religious community?
4. Are opportunities for advancement equally available to all ethnic and religious minorities?
5. Is Israel the homeland for all Jews?
6. Does anti-Semitism exist in the United States?

We hope these questions will provide some interesting food for thought and lots of lively discussion this fall. So sharpen your (metaphorical) pencils and let the semester begin!