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Writer's pictureAnivad Luis Mont

Separation of Church and State

The expression “Separation of Church and State” has been treated as though it’s in the Constitution and many Christians live by it as though it’s scripture, it’s neither. The phrase “separation of church and state” was found in a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 addressing their concern of the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Just a portion of Jefferson’s response included the expression “wall of separation between church and state” and it was not implied in any way that religion should not influence public policy but that the Constitution protects from a government controlled religion, like the state-run Church of England the pilgrims fled from. Many people already know this but I bring this up because there are still many Christians that think their Christian beliefs should have nothing to do with government and public policy and they quote “separation of church and state.” But do the research for yourself and see this expression has been taken out of context and used to keep Christians out of government and the public square. Those same people that tell us to keep our God out of government will insert their god (themselves) in it and they have no hesitation imposing their belief system on us. And even if this phrase means we should keep God out of government and out of the public square… “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Why would we stay out of an institution God established? The institution of government was established by God just like the institution of family or church (Roman 13, 1 Peter 2, Exodus 18). I understand there are issues that can be very divisive and there is a lot wrong within government, but there are many issues in the family also. Are we just going to stay away from advocating for a Biblical family model, or pretend we don’t need solid Biblical doctrine just because family situations can be messy (abuse, adultery, divorce, etc.)? As Christians we have a responsibility to be salt and light in our world and in every sphere of life he has placed us in. We need light where it’s dark, God’s truth in the middle of the devil’s lies. We are commanded by Jesus to “Go and make disciples” and disciples of Christ follow the teachings of Christ. His teachings inform every decision we make and we don’t separate it from social issues or what issues we stand for and against. For me it’s beyond any political party or civic responsibility, it’s about my duty to advance the Kingdom of God AND his RIGHTEOUSNESS. And if I have the ability to help people see the deception of the enemy, not to, would be counterproductive in advancing the Kingdom, building his church and making disciples. So Christian be unashamed, be bold, speak the truth in love and don’t hide behind “separation of church and state.”

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