church and state don't mix. because in this country the state's job is to ensure individual freedoms; which specifically means freedom of, or from, religion.
From the page: "Mr. Hayashi argued that instead of divorcing Japanese Buddhism further from its spiritual roots, his business attracted more people with its lower prices. The highest-ranking posthumous name went for about $1,500, a rock-bottom price.
I know that, originally, that's not what Buddhism was about, Mr. Hayashi said of the top name. But it's a brand that our customers choose. Some really want it, so that means there's a strong desire there, and we have to respond to it."
Rep. Monique Davis to atheist Rob Sherman: `It's dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists!'
apparently atheism isn't treated with the same respect as a religion... no matter how unbelievable any given religion may seem to people who don't follow it. :-/