Church and State
by Jacob Thomsen, Policy Analyst
Religion and politics go hand in hand. That is a statement of truth that may make some people uncomfortable or spark a debate on the “separation of church and state.” This is something that has been taught to us since grade school, and while there is a separation of church and state, it may not mean what you think.
You may often hear that the founding fathers were against religion or had no beliefs themselves. This is simply not true. The founders believed that what makes a free country free is having citizens with a moral compass. Where does that moral compass come from? Our faith. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other,” said John Adams in 1798. President George Washington, in his first inaugural address, said something similar. “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.”
All of the early states, excluding Virginia and New York, had religious tests for public office. Members of the Pennsylvania state legislature had to recite this, for example; “I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and punisher of the wicked, and I do believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.”
The Declaration of Independence cites God four different times. Not only is this document a notice to the British government that we ought to be an independent country, but it is also an appeal to God. The introduction of the document talks about how we as a people ought to have “separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of Nature’s God entitle them…” This is to say that natural law and morality is established by God and gives us the right to be free from tyranny. The second point is the most recognizable, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” This is an incredibly clear statement that our Rights are a gift from God. The third point is equally important. “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name and Authority of the good people of these Colonies, Solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” This recognizes God as the Supreme Judge and asks for justice in the cause of independence. The fourth and final time God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence is probably the most important of them all. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” This is a common prayer for many of us today as we step into uncharted territory – a prayer for protection.
The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights is where the argument for separation of church and state is based. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This was meant to prevent the United States Government from favoring one religion over another; essentially creating a theocracy. They wanted to make sure that all religions had an even playing field. Some people interpret this, however, as saying that religion cannot be thought about or brought into political decisions and that there needs to be an impenetrable wall between religion and lawmaking or politics.
This nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and morals. People believed you were immoral if you weren’t religious. Today, I’m afraid, there are people who believe you are immoral if you are religious. Because you may not subscribe to the belief that people are the masters of their own bodies or “love is love” or “it’s just a clump of cells,” you are old-fashioned, bigoted, a fascist, etc. The founding fathers would have been appalled at the morals of today.
Religion and politics are different things, but your religion should affect your politics if you truly believe in the importance of each. The founders of our incredible country had that in mind. They specifically believed a free society was one of self-governance. Self-governance does not mean the freedom to do whatever you please. It really means that there is a moral compass (religion) instilled within you that helps you make decisions and distinguish right from wrong.
“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace,” Zechariah 8:16. We are called to speak biblical truth. We are not called to stand idly by as culture takes over what the founders had intended for us. Do not be discouraged when someone tries to silence you for speaking about your religious beliefs and how they relate to public policy. After all, it’s not supposed to be easy (James 1:2-4).