In much of the world it seems that religion diversity constantly fosters national civil strife. But America, one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, is relatively free of religious discord. What accounts for this unusual absence of conflict? To what extent does it sem from the separation between government and religion?

Do we pay a price, through a weakening of religious influence in our national life, for maintaining that separation? Some argue that we do and that the nation ought, therefore, to support and encourage religion. Does this Constitution prevent this?

Robert A. Goldwin is a resident scholar of constitutional studies at AEI.