Believe Quote by Sam Ervin
“I believe in a wall between church and state so high that no one can climb over it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate testimony, 1970s on church‑state separation
Advocates for a very high, impermeable separation between church and state to prevent any overlap.
In simple terms: A high wall keeps church and state separate.
Key Takeaway
Maintain strict separation to protect both institutions.
Themes
politics
law
separation
rights
government
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court cases
- public policy debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
constitutional law
civil liberties
secularism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any interaction between church and state ever beneficial?
- How high should the wall be?
A Different Perspective
Absolute separation may ignore beneficial collaborations between faith groups and public services.
![“The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach. [Progressive]” quote by Hugo Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd4/hugo-black-10272_amendments_the-first-amendment-has-erected-a-wall-b_2474628.jpg)
![“I do not make decisions [as governor] based on what have I learned through my Bible studies, what have I learned in my religious classes in school. I'm a big believer in separation of church and state, and I think that's what . . . the law is.” quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a18/arnold-schwarzenegger-657_believer_i-do-not-make-decisions-as-governor-base_18031.jpg)
