Today, this intent is overlooked or misunderstood by
federal courts. Many historical documents have been misinterpreted at the cost of religious freedoms. The First
Amendment which was intended to favor Christian influence is now
used by courts for the opposite purpose.
The First Amendment is now used to restrict
the rights of Christians. There are numerous examples. Due to
cases such as Stein vs. Oshinsky in 1965, Collins v. Chandler
Unified School District in 1981, and Bishop v. Aarnov in 1991, it is now
illegal for teachers and students to have religious conversations that would
previously have been unrestricted. Reed v. Van Hoven in 1965 declared
that it is unconstitutional for a student to pray aloud over his
lunch. Even a war memorial cannot be built in the shape of a cross due
to Lowe v. City of Eugene.[39]
Misinterpretations have reduced
freedoms and caused restraints. The courts have put religious practice
in a separate sphere where it is allowed to function but is punished if it
does not remain there.[40]