Final answer:
Keeping religion completely private is problematic as it can lead to the marginalization of individuals whose beliefs differ from the dominant ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
While religion is inherently personal and many wish to keep it private, there are challenges associated with the complete separation of religion from the public sphere.
Personal religion often comes under scrutiny or faces opposition, particularly for those in areas where their personal beliefs differ from the predominant religious institutions. These individuals are most vulnerable to marginalization. Addressing this issue requires examining attitudes beginning at an individual level, which can consequently impact institutional religion.
State events often raise questions about where the line is drawn in the debate regarding religious expression versus government neutrality. The conflict lies between the right to freely exercise and express one's religious beliefs and the necessity for a government to maintain a separation of church and state.
Religion manifests not just in personal practices but also within the social context, being influenced by government policies, holidays, and societal norms. Even non-practitioners are affected by religious structures that are interwoven into society, such as on significant holidays like Christmas.
The legal system is continuously addressing what constitutes a violation of the separation of church and state. The spontaneity of religious expression during public events and whether it was planned by event organizers are critical factors that are considered in lawsuits.
Under the U.S. Constitution, the involvement of government in matters of religion is carefully limited, recognizing religion as a private matter. Nevertheless, the government's cautious role and the ideological 'wall of separation' means each individual's freedom to practice their religion should be protected as long as it does not harm others.