Many constitutional experts, among them Vincent Munoz of Tufts University, argue the separation of church and state crafted by the Founding Fathers ensures that religion is not saddled with problems that come with political partisanship. "When the Constitutional Convention put in the provision to say no religious test for office, that was objected to by people who opposed the Constitution. One of the arguments was that if we don't have a religious test for office, Jews or Catholics or Muslims might be elected," explains Munoz.
Munoz adds, "James Madison's response was,'Well, if the people of America want to elect a Jew or a Muslim or a Catholic for office, that's fine.' And so, yes, it is true that at the time of the founding we were a more homogenous nation, but it doesn't mean that the Founders didn't anticipate much of the religious diversity we enjoy today in America."
And most analysts says the role of religion in public life will likely continue to be an integral part of American politics.
Article: http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-03/2007-03-16-voa63.cfm?CFID=227530160&CFTOKEN=33203774
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