The separation of church and state is a principle of American government that most of us learned in grade school. We were taught that it was a cornerstone idea of the founding fathers and serves as an important hedge against undue religious influence on our system of laws and justice.
Rod Parsley thinks we were taught a lie.
The much-renowned Protestant pastor believes that while the founders did not want one denomination to take over the government, they fully intended for the population as a whole -- which was then, and is now, overwhelmingly Christian -- to inject religious beliefs into the political process.
Parsley cites the same documents so often mentioned by those who argue for the separation: the Constitution, letters from the nation's founders, and other historic records. The difference is, he believes references to separation are primarily about protecting the church from government interference; not the other way around.
Both Democrats and Republicans are actively seeking the support of religious voters this election. A recent Pew Forum study found that 51 percent of Americans think churches and other houses of worship should be engaging politicians on issues, while 46 percent think churches should mind their own business and leave politics alone.
So what do you think: Should religious communities have more or less influence on the government? And is either party more welcoming to those with religious views?
-- By Tom Foreman, CNN Correspondent
