Is There a Crisis Between Church and State? From the Ten Commandments to Chaplains in Schools

Wayne Ince
The Polis
Published in
11 min readJul 10, 2024

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The connection between the church and state has long been debated, and legal battles have occurred throughout history. Our society has grappled with the balance between freedom and a secular government. I am deeply intrigued by this issue, and thus, I thoroughly researched the background of this relationship to explore the conflicts surrounding religious practices in public institutions. I studied religion as part of my humanities studies while attending college.

Additionally, I analyzed recent court cases that have significantly impacted the dynamic between church and state. I also look at the relevance of the Ten Commandments in today’s world. I recommend a review of the laws regarding chaplains in schools in Florida and Texas. Last, it offers guidance on navigating the intersection of religion and government.

Exploring the Historical Bond Between Church and State

To comprehend today’s challenges with church-state relations, it’s essential to trace their origins. From civilizations like Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to societies such as ancient Athens and the Roman Republic, religion has played a significant role in governance systems. The belief system often regarded rulers as intermediaries…

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Wayne Ince
The Polis

I write about social justice, mental health, and politics. Military Veteran USAF. Defense Meritorious Service Medal & Joint Service Commendation Medal 🎖️