How should a Christian view the separation of church and state?

Response

The topic of the separation of church and state has sparked significant debate. Despite the arguments put forth by revisionist historians, the Founding Fathers of America did not aim to eliminate religion. In fact, a vast majority of those who signed the Declaration of Independence considered themselves religious individuals. It might be surprising to discover that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not appear anywhere in the Constitution. The concept of the separation of church and state originated from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. Contrary to the misinformation spread by revisionists, Jefferson’s intention was to safeguard religious freedoms from government interference! Jefferson and the other framers of the U.S. Constitution did not intend to limit Americans’ religious practices in any manner.

Americans reside in a constitutional republic rather than a theocracy—and for a good reason. Historically, state-endorsed churches have become instruments of the government. In nations with state churches, the decrees of fallible humans take precedence over the inspired teachings of Scripture. When the state controls the church, the purity of the gospel is easily compromised.

Christians appreciate the separation of church and state as it is meant to safeguard religious freedom. The initial of the Bill of Rights states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This wording reflects the lessons learned from the authoritarian Holy Roman Empire and King Henry VIII’s power consolidation in the 1534 Act of Supremacy. The purpose of the First Amendment was not to eliminate religion from the nation but to ensure that the federal government does not endorse a specific religion. Americans have the freedom to worship as they choose.

Another common misconception is that individuals of faith should not engage in politics.

It is no secret that George Washington was an active member of Truro Parish, his local Episcopal Church. In the early days of the republic, a church met within the Capitol Building—a church attended, of all people, by Thomas Jefferson. “Within a year of his inauguration, Jefferson began attending church services in the House of Representatives… Throughout his administration, Jefferson permitted church services in executive branch buildings. The Gospel was also preached in the Supreme Court chambers” (“Religion and the Founding of the American Republic: Religion and the Federal Government, Part 2,” www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06-2.html, accessed 4/13/20).

A Christian should view the separation of church and state as a positive development. Those who advocate for the merging of church and state often believe that Christianity can eradicate evil if the church is in control. However, history demonstrates that the fusion of church and state leads to corruption, totalitarianism, and oppression. Christians, like anyone else, can and should participate in the political process. Nevertheless, Jesus stated, “My kingdom is not of this world” «Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. », (John 18:36), and Christians comprehend that imposing Christianity through a national church is not the solution to the world’s issues. The constraints placed on the government in the U.S. Constitution are prudent and intended to safeguard the religious freedom of individuals.