Separation between church and state ...

I want to address and discuss a topic that is freely thrown around today with what seem to me like much ignorance. It is the argument of the separation between State and Church. We hear it used with chaplaincy, same-sex marriage, and any other topic that Christians might be involved in. From what I understand, the argument is used incorrectly and for the purposes of promoting personal opinions.

The phrase originated with Thomas Jefferson in a letter he wrote in 1802. What he was communicating was that the State should never be allowed to establish a State church to whom all people must ad hereto. All people should have the ability to participate in whatever religion they choose (do not confuse this to mean all are true). There was never any intention to keep any influence from Christians impacting the State. This is evident in Jefferson's personal advocacy of Christian activity in his political decisions as seen below.


"Confederation, Congress of the (1787), passed an act in which special lands were designated: … for the sole use of Christian Indians and the Moravian Brethren missionaries, for civilizing the Indians and promoting Christianity. [This act was extended three times during President Thomas Jefferson’s administration.]" Federer, William J. Great Quotations : A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced According to Their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions. St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch, 2001.

Whenever someone is arguing about the impact of Christians on society and they refer to the separation of Church and State, they are using the phrases out of context and they are therefore wrong. Why should anyone else with any other worldview be allowed to impact the community based on their personal worldview but those who follow Jesus cannot? Here is an example of the positive impact Christians have in today’s world, presented by an atheist.

"Those who want Africa to walk tall amid 21st-century global competition must not kid themselves that providing the material means or even the knowhow that accompanies what we call development will make the change. A whole belief system must first be supplanted. And I'm afraid it has to be supplanted by another. Removing Christian evangelism from the African equation may leave the continent at the mercy of a malign fusion of Nike, the witch doctor, the mobile phone and the machete." Matthew Parris - http://richarddawkins.net/articles/3502-matthew-parris-as-an-atheist-i-truly-believe-africa-needs-god

Based on the above information, is there anything wrong with Christians impacting the world as the Bible teaches? The argument of separating the Church and State seems completely irrelevant in this context of Christians living out their values and biblical worldview within their communities. We really need to understand these issues so that we can set the record straight in the public forum. Just because someone says something with passion (even anger), it does not mean they are right. It is not arrogant to correct people when they are wrong if we do it in a humble and loving way. As long as lies perpetuate many will transform from perception to reality within the minds of people, despite that fact that they are wrong. This is what has happened with the argument of separation of Church and State.

Do not continue in blissful ignorance my friends but be open to learning and growing in knowledge so that we can seek truth and then defend it.