I wrote this earlier today, on Justin Boals page...but think it important to share here. It perfectly reflects my Christian philosophy on religion and government. Government cannot be moral, it can only act ethically. Government is a system of laws, not a system of beliefs and opinions. Government is, in fact, a LEGAL entity...and while you might think that government should be the perfect vehicle to substantiate and endorse Christian beliefs, your grandchildren might think differently if Muslims were elected to every seat of government. Read carefully.... I see that Jim bailed on us. I have always wondered....how come God never put Christ at the head of a government? I know he could. Here is Jeffersons text... To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut. Gentlemen The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing. Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, 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 & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem. Th Jefferson Jan. 1. 1802. While this letter is thought provoking, the better quote actually comes from one of my favorite founders....Dr. Benjamin Rush. Rush was the rumor and gossip mill of the convention and early days of our Republic. He kept tireless notes on the personalities of almost everyone. He was instrumental in forming Jeffersons views on church and government. Here is what he wrote in a letter to Jefferson in 1800... I agree with you likewise in your wishes to keep religion and government independent of each other. Were it possible for St Paul to rise from his grave at the present juncture, he would say to the clergy who are now so active in settling the political affairs of the world. Cease from your political labors, your kingdom is not of this world. Read my epistles. In NO part of them will you perceive me aiming to depose a pagan emperor, or to place a Christian on the throne. Christianity disdains to receive support from human government. Rushs words are almost better then Jeffersons...but entirely unknown to most of us. I hope Jim finds it in his Christian heart to rethink his position on religions and governments....for lacking political desire and the strong arm of governments, religion would be at peace with the world ...and in the end, isnt that what God really wants?
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 01:45:36 +0000