John Dickenson, founding father
Religion and governments are certainly different things, instituted for different ends, the design of one being to promote temporal happiness, the design of the other, to procure the favor of god and thereby the salvation of our souls. While these are distinct and apart, the peace of society is preserved,and the end of both are satisfied. By mixing them together, feuds, animosities and persecutions have been raised which have deluged the world in blood and disgraced human nature.
Yeah, the founders were actually trying to separate the church and state to save the country, They saw the dangers of religion getting inside the government, It would have the ability to cause strife and conflict, which would be detrimental to the emerging nation. That fear has proven to still exist. Religion causes conflict and should be held at arm's length from the governing process.