Christians: What is your opinion on "separation of church and state?"?

Question

The first ammendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," This one small statement is interpreted to mean that there is NO interaction between government and religion. There are even some people who think christians should not even hold public office.

From a christian point of view, how do you view "separation of church and state, knowing that separtion of church and state is interpreted from the above excerpt of the 1st ammendmant and taken from a letter written to the Danbury Baptists rather than an actual statement in the constitution?

Religious existance in the U.S. is summed up by the government in 16 words.

Would you like to see a fundamentalist christian country?

Answer 1

Lots to answer - I have been a Christian for 20 years, have a Master's Degree - so here goes...

Of course there has to be"Interaction" between churches and the government - they are non-profit organizations and are subject to the laws that govern them. What I think you allude to is the relationship of influence between churches (not just Christian) and the government. What the Constitutional ammendment is designed to do is to prohibit a theocracy - a government run or substantially influenced by the church. The founders were smarrt enough to know that doesn't work - you cannot force beliefs on people - even though most of them were Christians and the principles we have in government are based on Christian principles.

It also means people are free to practice religious beliefs without government interference.

The government CAN acknowledge and support the good that the church does ( disaster relief, funds for the poor, etc, and they wisely do so).

The Constitution is brilliant and holds up in a world the founders could never have envisioned.

The most important thing in my life is my belief in God and following Jesus, however I would not like to see a Christian country (state). As God does, let each decide their own beliefs without pressure or force. That is what liberty is. It is also what God gives.



Really good question!

Answer 2

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.



Have you actually read these words?



The prohibition is Congress from doing two things

1) Making a law respecting any establishment of religion

2) prohibiting the free exercise thereof

3) or abridging the freedom of speech...



This is basically saying that Congress is not to bother religion. It does NOT say that Religion can not enter into congress. Congress can NOT prohibit the free exercise of religion.



This law is put forth so that Congress would leave churches alone. This is for the protection of religion, not the separation of church and state. There is nothing in the first amendment that mentions anything about a separation of church and state. The only blockade is government trying to destroy religion.

Answer 3

There is NO separation of church and state in the United States Constitution.



Separation of Church and State actually is and what it means in reality. First, where did the statement originate? In our society the populace has been educated to believe that the Separation of Church and State is a doctrine which was carefully crafted by the founding fathers to make sure that the church and the religious community should have no say whatsoever in anything which even remotely touches the political spectrum. They believe that the phrase “separation of church and state” is a legitimate doctrine which is contained in our founding documents when in actuality it is not. One can search until the proverbial “cows come home” and they will not find that phrase or any such doctrine in our Constitution. Just for the record, the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” No mention is made of a “wall between church and state.” So, where did the phrase “separation of church and state” originate?



In 1802, Thomas Jefferson received a letter from the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut which was very concerned about the fact that the government might affect the free expression of their faith by formally establishing a state church. Thomas Jefferson was sympathetic with their concerns and within the body of his letter answering them, he reassured them that they would not be restricted in the free expression of their faith by employing the metaphor “wall of separation between church and state.” His actual quote is: “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”, thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.” It should be noted that what Jefferson was writing in reference to was the fact that the Danbury Baptist Association should have no fear of the “national” government imposing a religion on a state. He saw that as a states rights issue. Jefferson’s letter had nothing to say about limiting public religious expression, but dealt with government’s interference in the public expression of faith.



Interestingly, Jefferson allowed….and even attended….church services in the U.S. Capitol, the Treasury and the War Department buildings, and the Supreme Court. In fact, he wrote his letter to the Danbury Baptists on Friday and two days later he rode his horse to the Capitol Building and attended church services in the Capitol Building with about 2,000 other people. Now, I ask you, does that sound like someone who was concerned about the government’s participation in the expression of religious faith as some would say? I think not!



So, the expression “wall of separation between church and state” was a part of a private letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association. In his letter it is nothing more than a metaphor, a figure of speech but it has now been inculcated into our society in such a way that it literally means that secular society must be sanitized from the presence of religious influence.



It might also be valuable to remember the situation our forefathers were recalling when the fear of a state church became a question for them. They had just come from England where there was a state church, The Church of England. They had to worship under the aegis of that church or else suffer the consequences and they did not want that to happen over here in the new country. Just as an example, the original pastor of Abilene Baptist Church was a man named, Loveless Savage. He had been the high sheriff for the British Crown in this part of the world. A preacher named Daniel Marshall came into the area preaching that a person should be baptized only after conversion. This was against the Church of England practice and so it was considered against the law to preach it even though the Bible affirms what Marshall was preaching. Daniel Marshall, the preacher was arrested by Loveless Savage, the sheriff for preaching against the Church of England’s teachings. A short time later Savage was converted and God called him to preach. Marshall ordained him and then formed Abilene Baptist Church with the old sheriff as the first pastor. The point being that there was persecution from a state church in those days and the people wanted to be free from that. That is why the first amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Answer 4

The phrase separation of church and state is of itself a positive thing. However, it does not mean what the ACLU and others have attached to it, i.e., that God is to be taken out of every facet of our society. Religion should not be taught in public schools but neither should evolution be taught as a proven FACT. The state also should not place demands upon the church, they (church and state) indeed should be separate. The comment about Christians not even being able to hold office doesn't even come into play for simply being a 'Christian' is not establishing or promoting religion. I think our culture is too politically correct and when it comes to 'let's take in God we Trust' off our money in the name of separation of church and state we need to sit down and really think about the sanity of such acts.

Answer 5

i fully support the constitution-no establishment, and no law prohibiting free exercise...THAT is the law of the land...and as for the view that Christians should not hold public office, that would be unconstitutional...religious tests for officeholders is specifically prohibited...and, no, i do not want to see a fundamentalist christian country-people are free to follow their own beliefs, and i wouldn't want to live in a country where people don't have that freedom.

Answer 6

try examining the writings of the founding fathers. Then examine the form!! It states that there will be no regulations made touching directly to faith (to paraphrase). which skill the two entities are separate! for this reason the separation of church and state. Now run alongside and vote for Catherine and verify out to get some greater supporters for the bush. they're going to savor your lies and efforts!

Answer 7

Regardless of what separation of church and state means, I personally feel that the government, and voters, should separate their beliefs somewhat when voting on things. For example, gay marriage. (This is not an attack on Christians) Christians believe that we should ban gay marriage because it's a sin. But, that is not a good foundation for the government. If we let gays marry, they wouldn't be hurting anyone, so, why not? By not allowing them to get married, a right of theirs is being taken away from them. Now something like rape and murder, we all know that that's wrong because it's hurting someone else. It's not just because thou shalt not kill. So, anyway, I think that people need to think more about what they know, for sure, to be wrong, rather than just what they believe to be wrong.

Answer 8

Boy did you botch what that meant!! Most people don't understand what that means.



It means that the government will not dictate an individuals right to choose what religion they practice. THAT'S IT!!! It has nothing to do with religion in schools, governments, etc..



The constitution was written as a document designed to protect the citizens of this country from a dictatorship and prevent the goverment from taking over the personal choices its citizens make with respect to religous freedom, freedom of speech, etc..



even if they did pray in congress before starting a session, the government could not stop it.



the entire document is a contract between the government and its citizens. That's it.





In England the law was that all citizens must practice what ever religion the king chose, and our founding fathers did not want future Americans to have no say over our own personal choices when it came to religion.

Answer 9

Don't forget that it clearly states that congress shall NOT prohibit the free exercises of religion. This article only states that congress shall not establish it.

Answer 10

it means we can't have an "official" state religion like England has with the church of england. it also means that the government can't force you to worship or not worship in any way shape or form. there's nothing wrong with being religious and holding office, what's wrong is trying to shape laws according to religion, and especially what YOU BELIEVE your religion says you should do. this is why bush's faith based iniatives violate the oath he took , and why politicians break the law every time they start a meeting with a prayer and so do schools with having prayer in school.

Answer 11

Contradictory to what man believes God made the earth and owns everything in it. Nothing happens that God is not aware of nor allows. Including elections. God is in the Church and he is in the state. Man may feel that it is no place for God in anything,for he thinks he makes all the choices. Yes, God gives free will. He allows you to have your own way be it good or bad. But man can not do anything without him. Man does devise his way but believe, God directs his or her steps to evil if that is what she or he wants or to good if she or he is looking for him. Satan goes to and thro looking for a weak link. In the State and the Church. Man may say we have separated Church and State but when it all comes to God we are all in this together. Why does bad things happen? Because we think we have done God a favor for separating the very thing he wants to stay in agreement. God knows every one of us billions and zillions of us. Earth is in the palm of his hand. He knows our thoughts and ways. Nothing man says or does surprises God. When the media comes and says events that occurred.The world gasps! God is not gasping,he knew it and he allowed it. The earth and environment cries out to man "Stop!" listen to the wind and hear the voice of God.Yet he says we need know one over us we are on our own Gods. So Satan laughs and he is eager. God looks and says you will need me and you will look for me,please come while I may be found. But man says know because he wants to do it his way.

Answer 12

It's a bad move. The last two hundred and fifty years have shown that. But then there are non so blind as those who have eyes and will not see.

Answer 13

I'm a Christian and I believe in the separation of state and church:



as long as it is "STRICTLY IMPOSED" on each



and every religion without any exceptions



whatsoever!!

Answer 14

In my country, religion doesn't interfere in other problems and it's just great

Answer 15

The church and state should be separated. This is because Christians should (by their belief's) not seek wordly power or material possessions, rather they should seek to please God the Father.



81. Jesus said, "Let one who has become wealthy reign, and let one who has power renounce ."



110. Jesus said, "Let one who has found the world, and has become wealthy, renounce the world."

Answer 16

Anyone can go to church! No matter what state they live in!



=)



I'm sure God doesn't care...





DUDE!! Did you know you are like... realted to me! Everyone is related in teh whole world!! We all came from Adam and Eve's children.. and their children .. and so on! so



Hey what's up my cousin.. who i don't even know!



=)

Answer 17

It means the government can't set up a religion that we have to follow, but that don't mean they can't support a religion

Answer 18

Its has been an excellent idea, however hasn't been practiced.

Answer 19

the answer is simple

Answer 20

this country was made solely on religious beliefs. so taking it out of congress is suicide to our structure we have worked hard to make.

Answer 21

I would be scared.

Answer 22

Research by David Barton, founder of Wallbuilders, Inc. exposes the alleged separation of church and state for the myth that it really is. The words separation of church and state don't appear in any official government documents authored by the founding fathers. This concept and these particular words were fabricated by an ACLU attorney named Leo Pfeffer in 1947 in the Supreme Court case of Everson versus Board of Education of Ewing Township. That liberal supreme court imposed it on the nation by a 5 to 4 vote. The ACLU and other anti-Christian organizations and individuals have used it to harass Christians with ever since. It is also used by evolutionists to try to keep a theistic explanation of origins out of the public schools. Many young people today are not aware of the fact that this concept is an ACLU invention, and that it is a concept our founding fathers would have been appalled at.



Our founding father were deeply religious and knew that christian morals were important to the success of our govt.



Early Years

The First Charter of Virginia (granted by King James I, on April 10, 1606)

• We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God…

Instructions for the Virginia Colony (1606)

Lastly and chiefly the way to prosper and achieve good success is to make yourselves all of one mind for the good of your country and your own, and to serve and fear God the Giver of all Goodness, for every plantation which our Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted out.



William Bradford

• wrote that they [the Pilgrims] were seeking:

• 1) "a better, and easier place of living”; and that “the children of the group were being drawn away by evil examples into extravagance and dangerous courses [in Holland]“

• 2) “The great hope, and for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world"

The Mayflower Compact (authored by William Bradford) 1620 | Signing of the Mayflower painting | Picture of Compact

“Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together…”



John Adams and John Hancock:

We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus! [April 18, 1775]



John Adams:

“ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”

• “[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”

–John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress



"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798



"I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened means, and my busy life, would allow; and the result is that the Bible is the best Book in the world. It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen." December 25, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson



"Without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell." [John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1817] |



Samuel Adams:

“ He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all… Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.” [ "American Independence," August 1, 1776. Speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia]



“ Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity… and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” [October 4, 1790]



John Quincy Adams:

• “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?

--1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.



“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.”

John Quincy Adams. Letters to his son. p. 61



Charles Carroll - signer of the Declaration of Independence

" Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." [Source: To James McHenry on November 4, 1800.]



Benjamin Franklin:

“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” –Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech



“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered… do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?” [Constitutional Convention, Thursday June 28, 1787]



In Benjamin Franklin's 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."



In 1787 when Franklin helped found Benjamin Franklin University, it was dedicated as "a nursery of religion and learning, built on Christ, the Cornerstone."



Alexander Hamilton:

• Hamilton began work with the Rev. James Bayard to form the Christian Constitutional Society to help spread over the world the two things which Hamilton said made America great:

(1) Christianity

(2) a Constitution formed under Christianity.

“The Christian Constitutional Society, its object is first: The support of the Christian religion. Second: The support of the United States.”



On July 12, 1804 at his death, Hamilton said, “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me.”



"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." [1787 after the Constitutional Convention]



"I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man."



John Hancock:

• “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness… Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May…to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions, and a spirit of repentance and reformation …and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God]…That the people of Great Britain and their rulers may have their eyes opened to discern the things that shall make for the peace of the nation…for the redress of America’s many grievances, the restoration of all her invaded liberties, and their security to the latest generations.

"A Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, with a total abstinence from labor and recreation. Proclamation on April 15, 1775"



Patrick Henry:

"Orator of the Revolution."

• This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”

—The Last Will and Testament of Patrick Henry



“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]



“The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.”