Religion and laws in different countries, the role of the Establishment Clause, and the obligations

The role of religion in laws in different countries

In some countries, like the United Arab Emirates, religion plays a strong role in laws governing how people live their daily lives. For example, during the celebration of Ramadan, it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (even in your car!). In the United States, the Establishment Clause of the Constitution is supposed to prevent religion from playing this sort of political role (although it doesn't always). What reasons might there be for favoring the Establishment Clause? What reasons might there be for opposing it?

More and more Americans, when asked to state their religious affiliation, answer "no religion." Many of these Americans serve in the military. Chaplains are recruited in the military of various faiths to serve the spiritual needs of military personnel. Today there is a call for Atheist or Humanist chaplains to serve the needs of people who do not believe in God and who are unaffiliated with any religion. What sort of obligations do the Armed Forces have to provide religious services for military personnel? Should this include atheists and humanists? Given that the military is a federal organization, what reasons might they have for addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of some soldiers but not others?

Why is the axial age so important in the history of religion?

Define the axial age and tell why it is so important in the history of religion? How is religion different after the axial age from before?