It is one of the great American paradoxes: few countries have a stricter separation of church and state than the USA, yet religion pervades both public life and politics to a degree unknown in most other democracies. This talk examines the historical and political dimensions of church and state in the US, with a focus on the development and effects of religious diversity in America as well the political controversies driven by religious issues such as contraception, abortion, school prayer, teaching evolution, and same-sex marriage. Political satire helps to bring a sense of humor to these otherwise serious topics.
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