Church & State

Americans have been taught throughout their lives a fundamental “rule” about our society involving Church and State. The First Amendment of our Bill of Rights includes the following, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” This is the first sentence of our first amendment of our Bill of Rights. I think our forefathers placed a bit of importance on this particular issue. There have been various evaluations and interpretations of the statement and our country seems to have taken the stance of 100% separation. Case after case ends up in our Supreme Court when a potential Church/State issue comes up. Both sides of the aisle are adamant in their version of support.

I ran across an article earlier this week asking a question if the inclusion of the American Flag in Churches and the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance during worship should exist. If we are only looking at the true, 100% separation of Church and State, then theoretically, the answer is no. The assumption that on one hand, we must remove all Church references from the State goes both ways. Churches should then remove all State references from their halls. Is that right? Is that what our forefathers intended? I hardly think so. Quoting from a pastor’s sermon I heard, “The separation of Church and State is a one way street.” The State does not dictate any laws or influence society regarding the formation of a national Church. However, the Church can and should influence the State through its individuals.

We are free to believe as we wish. We are guaranteed the right to do so by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. However, the onslaught of pressure to remove every reference of the Church from our State is a misguided attention to interpreted rule sets. If you take a few minutes of your life and research our forefathers, you will know beyond any doubt whatsoever, they were men of faith. Our greatest leaders, almost to a man, have speeches which directly account for the Church in their lives and decision making. There are statements and speeches from our forefathers stating the importance of faith in society AND government. It doesn’t sound all that separate does it? But it is.

The separation of Church and State is a mechanism allowing our society to believe as they wish. It protects us from our government establishing a national Church. Remember, our forefathers came from England where the Church was part of the governmental establishment. The mixture of government and Church creates a much different society when they act as one. Religious freedom cannot exist in such a society. Therefore, our country’s forefathers created the separation of Church and State to allow for religious freedom amongst the State. But, they did not create a situation where the State was separated FROM Church. Church influences the State by influencing the individuals elected within.

Our country’s history was based upon the Christian faith as our forefathers were religious men and women. Speeches, books, notes, and many references can be traced back to their Christian beliefs. From our currency to our justice system to our military, our country has many influences from Church. But, the State is not FORCING the Church onto society. Society is influencing the STATE. As for the question from the article I have read, I believe the inclusion of the flag is well within the Church’s rights. We are citizens of our country. As patriots of our country, we support and uphold our laws and rights.

As citizens of faith, we cannot separate our beliefs from our “society’s being.” Faith is a part of those who believe. If you can separate your faith from your State, then are you truly faithful? Who you are includes your faith and it cannot be separated from within. I agree with separation of Church and State because power corrupts and if the Government dictates a national Church, the Church will be corrupt and faithless. I do not support the removal of faith or Church from the State.

However, the State is not here to dictate laws supporting the Church’s beliefs. This is the balancing act which occurs. If the Church influences the State to create laws which are the Church’s beliefs, then we are breaking the separation. Individuals of faith should not try and force laws upon society regarding their Church. However, the individuals of faith should use their faith and Church as a basis for doing what is right and wrong. As a person of faith, there are lots of things I personally believe are wrong because of my faith. However, that is my right to believe so. I cannot FORCE these beliefs on someone else through laws from the State.

Men and women of faith can utilize their belief to do what’s right for society without imposing their Church’s will upon it. It’s a balancing act most cannot achieve because the lust for power is so great. But, we must remember our country was created as a nation of free people. “We the people…” Our Church can win the hearts and souls of society without imposing laws upon them. People come to faith freely, not through force.

To sum up, I believe Churches have the right to display the American Flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The separation of Church and State applies to the State not imposing the Church’s will upon society. It does not separate the Church from the individuals within the State.

Article Noted:  http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20080728/cm_csm/yakers_1