SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE — WHAT DID THE FOUNDERS ACTUALLY MEAN? “Separation of church and state” is one of the most repeated phrases in American political and religious discussions—but where did it actually come from? In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, we go back to the beginning and examine the First Amendment, the Founding Fathers, and the historical origins of the idea commonly called the “separation of church and state.” What does the First Amendment actually say? Did the Founding Fathers intend to remove religion from government and public life—or were they primarily protecting Americans from the government establishing a national religion while also protecting the free exercise of religion? We’ll look at the wording Congress actually adopted in 1789, the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, and the historical circumst ...