The debate on the role of religion in American public life has a long history. Students are confronted with it on a daily basis in the public schools. The pledge of allegiance, moments of silence, prayer meetings at flag poles, student club activities, decorative preparations for holiday festivities, and the way issues regarding religion are discussed in the classroom all are relevant examples of the current interpretation of the difficult relationship between freedom of religion and non-establishment of religion as stated in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. This paper attempts to shed some light on the historical development of this relationship by examining the philosophical and theological arguments, as well as the complexities of the American experience, that have changed American society from Medieval harmony between the spheres of religion and state to clear separation in modern times.