The method for determining what the framers of the constitution meant are really quite simple. Use their actions measured with their words. Re; Dam S post above , When the constitution was enacted and for quite a few years after there we no restrictions on firearm ownership. Some towns restricted carrying firearms inside the city but there was no restriction on ownership. So it is reasonable to assume that the founders meant we could all own firearms, as many and as varied in type as we deemed right for ourselves. Second the separation of church and state issue. There was a church in the halls of congress that was regularly attended by many of the framers on the constitution. Again it would be reasonable to assume that the framers had no issue with this because it was not state sponsored it was created and attended by individuals of their own free will. The problem with SCOTUS opinions as the litmus test for interpretation is political influence. Remember when the constitution was written the intent was not to have political parties because of their influence on the process. That dream only lasted a few months however.