separation between Church and State?
No matter who you are and how old, every citizen in America has one thing in common. From the moment a person begins his education he is told the separation between religion and state is sacrosanct. It is as sure as death and taxes. Any suggestion to the contrary is attacked brutally as an afront to decency and freedom.
Falsely interpreting the real meaning of the Founding Fathers, the promoters of modern-day secularism try to suggest the original intention was no religion, no values, no faith can be a part of any public discourse. They believe two are diametrically opposed, each having its place but never together.
Although the Founding Fathers did mention the separation of Church and State, the intention was in reaction to the King of England who attempting to have a government choose the religion of his choice and foist it upon the citizens. What was also included in the original documents of our country was the insistence of religious freedom for all, to worship whom and how a person deems.
The distinction between a government sponsored religion and religion influencing laws
The distinction between the two positions shouldn’t be missed. In the first case, where it believed there needs to be a total separation of anything religious in public life, creates a situation where government plays a greater role in society then the values and virtues of the citizens. If the government is corrupt, it follows the laws coming from such a flawed institution will also be circumspect. The greatest example of the absence of any philosophical or religious foundation is Roe vs. Wade and the subsequent tax payer support of Planned Parenthood who exist primarily to abort babies. There are many more examples than just these two.
The second interpretation is quite different, and reflects the intent of the Founding Fathers more closely. This position accepts in a self-governing country, the citizens are premier and the government secondary. The government only exists to implement the wishes of the citizens. The government is not another person with human rights, it only a group of citizens working within a framework to enact laws meant to support and defend the rights of the human citizens. The defense or promotion of those God-given rights have to be debated in an environment of philosophical and religious underpinnings. The government is not an expert in philosophy or religion, although it claims it is by constantly legislating laws which have more moral implications for society than legal.
Religion and Faith has a place in the public square
There is a glimmer of hope where virtue and values based upon religious belief are beginning to make their way back into public conversations. In many areas across the country, parents and interested parties are beginning to stand up and speak out against the abuses of the government’s moral crusades. At School Board meetings, the “push back” has started in objection to Critical Race Theory and the explicit teaching of sexualized materials given to young students.
Religious influence through individual citizens has to influence public decisions. The first step you should take is to dispel the notion your faith has no place in the public conversation. By building again the foundation of philosophy and religion as the precursor of good law is absolutely necessary and every Christian has a duty to participate. Without it . . .Well, look at the country today.